Tui Na is a comprehensive system of therapeutic massage and passive/active joint restoration. The system, as it was taught to me, includes categories of general massage, massage therapy, trigger release, strain/counter strain, soft circular manipulation, angular maneuvers, moxibustion and cupping techniques.

The traditional Tui-Na school of thought is composed of eight main massage techniques as follows. It should be noted however, that once the main techniques are understood they are combined in myriad ways to get different results depending on the individual syndrome to be treated. The classic texts of Tui Na from the old school proclaim that: "Techniques are techniques, but the hands are the law." Meaning that methods should be adjusted as necessary based on individual needs. Simply performing things by the numbers is seldom efficient of beneficial. The basics are designed to aid the new practitioner in the learning process.