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Emergency: 144

Tui Na massage

Tui Na is a form of massage from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its name roughly means ‘push and grasp’. Using hands, fingers and elbows, the therapist presses, kneads, rubs and moves the body, often through clothing or a cloth.

therapists
2
session length
30–60 min

Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. Emergency: 144

Origin and approach

Tui Na has been used in China for centuries, including in hospitals. The techniques follow the channels and acupuncture points of TCM and aim to support the flow of qi. From a Western point of view, like other massages, it mainly addresses muscles, joints and relaxation.

What a session is like

Length: 30–60 min
  1. First you discuss your complaints; this often includes a brief TCM diagnosis looking at your pulse and tongue.
  2. You usually keep your clothes on; the massage is done on a treatment table or a chair.
  3. The therapist works with firm, rhythmic techniques on your back, neck, shoulders or limbs.
  4. Tui Na can be intense; say at any time if the pressure is too strong.

Tui Na massage: what is it used for?

  • Back pain, especially when linked to tension.
  • Neck pain, for example after long hours at a screen.
  • Muscle tension from stress, poor posture or lack of exercise.

There are still few reliable studies for any of these uses.

How well is the effect supported?

Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.

What do the dots mean?
Established
recommended in guidelines, well studied
Some evidence
effect shown in studies, with limitations
Limited evidence
few or weak studies
Traditional use
used, but hardly studied

The rating covers the research, not the therapist.

Therapists: Tui Na massage

  • Olivier Chevalley

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    Cabinet Chevalley

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    • 5.0(2)
    • Geneva
    • Languages: fr
    Tui Na massageTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)Acupuncture
    EMREGK therapist registerSwiss federal diploma
    Price
    CHF 69–145

  • Lea Baumann

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    Praxis Baumann

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    • Bern
    • Languages: de · en
    Tui Na massage
    EMREGK therapist registerSwiss federal diploma

Costs and health insurance

Basic insurance
only with doctors who hold the relevant certificate.
Supplementary insurance
often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
Your insurer
Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
Price per session
Practices set their own prices; you can see them in each profile.
Recognitions explained →

Good to know

  • Often 5 to 10 sessions are useful, at first once or twice a week.
  • Afterwards you may feel something like muscle soreness, and occasionally have small bruises.
  • If you have a fresh injury, osteoporosis or a fever, take blood thinners or are pregnant, talk to your doctor first.
  • Have new or severe pain checked by a doctor first; Tui Na does not replace medical treatment.

Training and recognition in Switzerland

Tui Na is part of TCM training, for example for the federal diploma as a naturopath specialising in TCM, and is also taught in dedicated courses. Basic insurance does not pay for it; many supplementary insurance policies contribute, usually only if the therapist is registered with EMR or ASCA.

Related methods