By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: February 2, 2026
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Education to Become a Tui Na Therapist
Tui Na Acupressure and Tui Na Massage Careers and Schools
A cross between acupressure and Shiatsu, Tui Na therapy uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body together with manipulation techniques at acupressure points to elicit self-healing.
Tui Na massage closely resembles Western massage therapy. But, as students learn in Tui Na therapy training, its techniques can treat specific health problems associated with the muscles, joints and skeletal system, making it a good alternative or complement to traditional Swedish massage.
Career Overview
During a Tui Na massage or Tui Na acupressure session, the practitioner gathers information about the client’s health issues through an interview and examination. Next, the practitioner applies a specific treatment protocol, using bodywork techniques to massage soft tissue and realign the musculoskeletal system along with acupressure techniques to improve energy flow.
Typical Tui Na sessions last from 30 to 60 minutes. Clients wear loose, comfortable clothing and usually lie on a padded table or floor mat. Depending on the client’s condition, practitioners might recommend additional Tui Na massage sessions, herbal remedies to facilitate faster healing and at-home practices to help prevent health problems.
The Education You’ll Need
Massage therapy and healing arts schools offer Tui Na Therapy training courses and workshops.
What You’ll Study in Tui Na Massage School
Content may vary from school to school; however, you can expect Tui Na acupressure training to cover these subjects:
- Acupressure points, theory and application
- Basic and advanced Tui Na massage techniques
- Spinal system
- Central and peripheral nervous system
- Anatomy of muscles, bones and circulatory system
- Disease prevention
- Chinese reflexology
- Clinical application and practice
Average Length of Study
Depending on the program, Tui Na therapy training can take two to five days of seminar time at specialized healing arts or massage schools.
Average Tuition
Tui Na acupressure training classes cost $350 to $750 for continuing education courses to several thousand dollars for Tui Na therapy training workshops through specialized healing arts institutes.
Tui Na Massage Certification
Voluntary certification in Tui Na massage is available through Tui Na therapy training programs. Students who take Tui Na acupressure training usually have a background as massage therapists, physical therapy experience, or another hands-on therapy in which they already hold a nationally-recognized license to practice on patients.
Career Outlook
Massage-oriented professionals, in general, can anticipate faster than average job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Outlook Handbook. The field continues to expand with the country’s ongoing wellness boom and the public’s increasing interest in massage and complementary therapies as a means to achieve health and wellness.
Tui Na Therapy Salary
Salaries for massage therapists, including those with Tui Na therapy training, can vary widely. If you’re interested in massage therapist salary info for your state, you can research current data here:
Learn more about salaries in the massage therapy field.
Is a Tui Na Therapy Career Right for You?
A Tui Na massage career requires training in acupressure, Chinese medicine theory and advanced anatomy topics. Additionally, you’ll need a background in a bodywork or health care profession and hold a current license in that field in order to practice Tui Na massage.
If you are interested in Tui Na therapy training, take a closer look at Tui Na massage schools. Then choose the Tui Na acupressure training program that meets your personal and professional needs.
Sources: ChineseMedicineForHealth.com, Balance, Flow, Health and Bodywork: Jan Henderson, Health Information Organization, Feng Shui Designs, Inc.