Chinese massage (known as Tuina or Tui Na) stimulates acupressure points for healing energy to flow easily. Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin and thus conduct the body’s energy effectively. Discover how to apply the same points and principles as acupuncture –using Chinese massage techniques and sensitivity of the human hand instead of needles. Learn to relieve a range of emotional complaints and common ailments such as depression, anxiety, headaches, backache, insomnia, nausea, carpel tunnel, and many more.

Tuina Fundamentals

Tuina and ancient Acupressure were developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Both are effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, in self-treatment and in preventive health care. Tuina releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain and develops vibrant health. For more information on Acupressure, see Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Self-Care Guide for Common Complaints from A to Z.


Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, CA offers one of the most comprehensive Asian Bodywork training programs – including assessment skills, an east/west integration of mind/body knowledge and excellent instruction in ten different bodywork styles. These trainings carry a profound reputation internationally and build greater confidence in private practice. The class schedule allows out-of-town students to attend classes intensively and daytime working students to take a longer-term schedule.

Getting Started
Take a moment to request school info, free counseling to customize the trainings, and begin your healing energy work as an Acupressurist. Most students start with the Basic Training, unless you completed another type of massage certification already. Then students progress to a 200-hour Specialization Program or the 850-hour Acupressure Therapy Program. You can take the Basic Training and 200-hour programs in a special 30-day intensive training. Get started learning acupressure now, with a discounted Home Study Acupressure Package consisting of a book, CD, video, flashcards, and a laminated chart of the points.

CHI GUNG (Qigong) FOR BODYWORKERS (15 hours)
Learn energy work by cultivating, focusing, directing, and applying vital energy (chi) to your bodywork. Discover Chi Gung (Qigong or Qi Gong) body mechanics and their applications to bodywork. Learn the basics of good energy work: to ground and harvest your cosmic chi for greater stamina and bodywork effectiveness. Explore the Macrocosmic Orbit to center yourself and balance the Central Channel. Learn Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation) for deep inner body awareness.

MOXA, CUPPING & MAGNETS (12 hours)
Learn techniques to release energy blockages and balance energy using moxa (heat applications), cupping (suction), and magnets on the points. Study the history, precautions, and applications for using moxa. Learn moxa applications for deficient, cold or damp conditions. Use cupping techniques for sprains, cold and arthritis. Learn how to use magnets with acupressure applications. Prerequisites.

TOUCHING SPIRIT (12 hours)
Explore the traditional Chinese ideas relating to the unity of mind, body, and spirit. Study the Chinese characters for the Five Aspects of Shen/Spirit and the acupoints that allow us to literally "touch spirit" Learn how to incorporate these "spirit points" into your assessments and sessions.

TRADITIONAL ASIAN THEORY I & II (12 hours each)
Learn to assess a person's condition using the eight principles, common organ theory of Zang Fu, the six pathogenic factors as well as the theory of Qi, blood, Jing Qi, and Shen. Prerequisites.

ASSESSMENT & APPLICATIONS I (15 hours)
Learn the four methods for energy work based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): seeing, hearing/ listening, smelling, and touching. Learn to incorporate this energy work information in assessing clients through the 8 Principals and 5 Elements. Prerequisites.

THE CHAKRAS (12 hours)
Learn how to balance energy and the psyche through the Chakras. The emotional and mental states of each Chakra will be discussed, as well as the related organs and glands. Also learn the energy points and emotional correspondences for each Chakra.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (15 hours)
Introduces and explains the Craniosacral system. Learn energy work techniques for harmonizing specific cranial bones and the sacrum. Develop palpation skills to balance the cranial rhythm while using acupressure points. Supervised practice of Cranial Sacral Therapy skills included.

EMOTIONAL RELEASE (15 hours)
Learn to use communication and counseling skills. Discover how to guide and focus awareness to cultivate and facilitate an emotional release. Learn points and emotional correspondences for each Chakra.

EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS (15 hours)
Learn advanced energy work through point formulas. Study the Extraordinary Vessels through hands-on practice and theoretical instruction. Learn how each vessel flows and functions to bring deeper sense of energy balancing.

HEALING IMAGERY I & II (12 hours each)
Learn the four foundational skills of energy imagery. Practice these skills and receive feedback. Discuss practical ways of integrating Guided Imagery into your practice. Focus on special needs and advantages of combining bodywork, relaxation, and dialogue with Guided Imagery. Learn advanced Imagery skills such as Grounding, Evocative Imagery, Parts Work, Inner Conflict Resolution, and Inner Child Work. Focus on discussing selected case studies from students' own practices.

SPIRIT OF THE POINTS (10 hours)
Learn the spiritual uses and meaning of points through the five elements. Explore how the elements influence meridians. Clinical practice in seeing, hearing, smelling, and questioning the patient is covered to further develop your assessment skills.

THAI MASSAGE: FRONT & BACK (14 hours)
Learn how to use powerful energy Yoga-like stretches along with Shiatsu and other bodywork skills. Perform a full-body routine covering the front, back, and legs in prone and supine positions.

TUI NA I Chinese Massage (12 hour)
Learn 13 hand techniques, self-massage, Tao Yen, T'ai Chi and Qi Gong (also Qigong or Chi Gong) exercises for cultivating your healing energy. Apply techniques and range of motion through clothing, usually on the table. Based on wind and water Feng Shui, a full body approach for the client and practitioner.

TUI NA II Chinese Massage (12 hours)
The advanced Tui Na classes apply Traditional Asian Theories and present new hand techniques, energy work, movements and range of motion. Learn Tai Chi animal movements, Pa Kua (the 8 Gates) and the Wu Xing (five phases).

TUI NA III Chinese Massage (12 hours)
The advanced Tui Na classes apply Traditional Asian Theories and present new hand techniques, movements and range of motion. Learn advanced energy work of the Tai Chi animal movements, Pa Kua (the 8 Gates) and the Wu Xing (five phases).

STRETCHING TECHNIQUES: ACTIVE & PASSIVE APPROACHES (15 hours)
Explore solo and client stretching techniques and how to customize stretches with an emphasis on proper alignment. Learn the anatomy of each stretch. Explore practical applications for opening blockages and the circulation of Chi energy and Blood through the meridians. The Active class will cover stretching techniques such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and neuromuscular anatomy. The Passive class will focus on passive (relaxed) stretches and their application to Tui Na, Thai and Shiatsu Text Required: Anatomy of Movement

To receive a free catalog and class schedule, fill out a School Info Request Form.