uina dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China (1700 B.C.E.). Oracle bones show that Tuina massage was used to treat children's dieases and digestive complaints in adults.

By 600 C.E. Tuina was included in the Imperial Medical College as a separate department. It flourished throughout China until the Qing Dynasty, where it was suppressed along with all the other Chinese cultural arts

Following the Communist Revolution, Tuina was restored and was included in the current system of traditional medicine colleges. Currently, Tuina is taught as a separate, but equal, field of study in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges.

Tuina doctors receive the same demanding training as acupuncturists and herbalists. They also enjoy the same level of professional respect.