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How to Earn Tui Na Therapy Certification

Tui Na Acupressure and Tui Na Massage Careers and Schools

closeup of intense shoulder massage on reclining patient

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:

Massage Therapists

National data

Median Salary: $49,860

Projected job growth: 20%

10th Percentile: $29,040

25th Percentile: $39,080

75th Percentile: $67,300

90th Percentile: $90,530

Projected job growth: 20%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $25,670 $18,780 $56,460
Alaska $127,470 $41,710 $151,400
Arizona $49,920 $29,920 $93,010
Arkansas $38,440 $25,480 $51,800
California $58,920 $30,830 $100,830
Colorado $51,010 $28,640 $72,520
Connecticut $66,140 $33,650 $122,620
Delaware N/A N/A N/A
District of Columbia $50,500 $40,150 $76,340
Florida $46,720 $29,000 $74,130
Georgia $46,720 $19,310 $71,890
Hawaii $61,520 $23,120 $104,050
Idaho $57,220 $31,810 $75,730
Illinois $60,880 $34,370 $95,840
Indiana $49,930 $33,770 $80,470
Iowa $47,450 $31,980 $63,510
Kansas $47,090 $22,280 $68,560
Kentucky $47,110 $23,500 $81,110
Louisiana $35,580 $18,780 $70,300
Maine $44,930 $27,550 $95,250
Maryland $57,860 $35,980 $101,330
Massachusetts $49,740 $35,840 $92,870
Michigan $58,240 $31,410 $87,240
Minnesota $48,600 $43,540 $74,870
Mississippi $45,330 $30,850 $108,440
Missouri $28,730 $23,190 $68,990
Montana $52,260 $22,430 $95,970
Nebraska $55,990 $25,910 $83,000
Nevada $36,010 $18,520 $63,470
New Hampshire $62,400 $40,960 $75,690
New Jersey $48,250 $29,960 $71,190
New Mexico $41,510 $26,080 $67,600
New York $49,350 $34,250 $97,690
North Carolina $55,170 $32,470 $108,330
North Dakota $49,330 $29,500 $80,110
Ohio $47,140 $29,640 $74,060
Oklahoma $47,350 $26,240 $54,080
Oregon $77,080 $34,430 $93,600
Pennsylvania $58,940 $29,170 $95,800
South Carolina $44,500 $17,560 $65,060
South Dakota $41,500 $29,650 $69,540
Tennessee $49,010 $20,450 $65,450
Texas $48,100 $24,290 $76,280
Utah $51,100 $24,420 $83,550
Vermont $80,360 $27,590 $103,760
Virginia $52,870 $25,060 $83,010
Washington $76,290 $39,160 $99,960
West Virginia $48,550 $25,690 $76,130
Wisconsin $47,180 $19,110 $78,990
Wyoming $49,650 $31,150 $53,900

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

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.