The basic Tui Na stroke and definitions are:

The practitioner can use a wide variety of techniques (soft or hard, superficial or deep, general or more precise, slow or fast, etc.) with any of these strokes to balance the Qi energy, the vital substances, and the internal organs of the client.

Like all forms of massage, many of the effects of Tui Na are brought about simply by its function of simulating the flow of Qi, blood, and body fluids. Many of our health problems are caused by blockages in these vital substances, leading to pain, swelling, a build-up of toxins, and other symptoms. Getting things moving again re-establishes the proper functioning of the body and the recovery of damaged tissues. Tui Na works holistically, treating the mind through the body and vice versa. It leaves people with a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation, revitalisation and well-being. An important effect of Tui Na is to bring a person’s awareness back to their own body and what’s going on in it ­ an essential first step in any healing process.