Massage is probably the first hands-on healing technique ever used by man. Different cultures have developed their own style of this treatment, and there are references to massage in various medical texts from India, Greece and China, to name but a few. Some massage techniques have developed into complete healing modalities that allow them to be used for treatment of internal diseases; others are used mostly for improving circulation and relaxation.

Tuina is a bodywork therapy that has been used in China for more than 2000 years. Currently, Tuina is taught as a separate, but equal, field of study in traditional Chinese medical colleges. With flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation, the application of massage and manipulation techniques establishes a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to heal itself naturally.

Tuina uses hand techniques to redistribute and direct the flow of Qi, and manipulation techniques to realign musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships.

In a typical session the client lies on the treatment table. The practitioner examines the specific problems of the client and begins to apply a specific treatment protocol. The major focus of application is upon specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians and muscles and joints. Some practitioners also use Chinese herbal formulas to facilitate quicker healing. Sessions last 30 minutes to one hour. Depending on the problem, clients may require more than one treatment.

Tuina is well suited for specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. It is not especially useful for those seeking mild, sedating, and relaxing massage, since it tends to be more task-focused than other types of bodywork. Contra-indications include conditions involving fractures, phlebitis, infectious conditions, open wounds, and lesions.

Shiatsu is a relatively young name in massage therapy, but it has a very old history. About 1000 years ago, Chinese medicine was introduced into Japan. At that time, massage therapy was known as Anma. Unfortunately, with the coming of modern medicine, this ancient system was reduced to treating only simple problems like frozen shoulders and back tension, and gradually became associated with pleasure and comfort.

Recently, a modern method of manipulation was brought to Japan, focusing on bone structure, the autonomic nervous system, and internal organ functioning. A few traditional Anma therapists studied this new method and combined it with their own techniques, creating the practice known as Shiatsu.

Shiatsu emphasizes correction and maintenance of bone structure, joints, tendons, muscles and meridian lines, whose malfunctioning distort the body's energy and autonomic nervous system, The aim of Shiatsu therapy is to tap into the miraculous flow of life, ensure well-being, prevent sickness and improve physical appearance.

A typical Shiatsu session consists of evaluation, and treatment involving different manipulations to restore balance to the body. Conditions treated with Shiatsu are the same as those that are treated with Tuina: pain, numbness, neuralgia, headaches, dizziness, constipation, insomnia and many other conditions with functional causes (but no, or only slight, organic malformation). It is less effective against sicknesses caused by serious internal irregularities.