Become a certified professional

Our professional certification program is designed for people who are excited by the idea of being able to heal with their hands and looking for an alternative to western modalities.

This program will provide the student with the entry-level skills to necessary to the professional practice of Tuina as it is taught by the North American Tang Shou Tao Association. This includes a foundation in Chinese Physical Culture and its use as therapeutic exercise, a solid grasp of the fundamental theories of Chinese Medicine, a full repertoire of manual manipulations and massage techniques and a fundamental grounding in anatomy and physiology.

The program components are modular and allow the student to study at their own pace and work around the constraints imposed by other commitments. With full time involvement the course can be done in six months.

TUINA & CHANNEL THEORY CERTIFICATION – 903 hours

Chinese Traditional Physical Culture

220 hours (9 hours / week over a six month period)

Tuina is a rigorous art that requires strength and coordination on the part of the practitioner. The foundation of these physical skills is acquired through practice of traditional exercises and moving meditations. In addition these practices provide the opportunity for the student to gain an understanding of how patterns of movement and physical habits impact health and well-being through both energetic balance and physical structure. These understandings are fundamental to the practice of Tuina therapy. A minimum of 2 evening classes plus one other of your choice is required.

*Associated costs are not included in the price of the professional certification.

Tuina Techniques

90 hours

The manual techniques of Jinshou Tuina will be presented over the course of seven weekends in a formal classroom setting. These classes will cover the 24 “hand techniques” of tuina, a complete tuina “whole body sequence” and the Ludi Anmo cranio sacral therapy system.

Classical Channel Theory Studies

24 hours

Channel theory is the cornerstone of all the modalities of Chinese medicine. Student will aquire a detailed understanding of the channel system through both a hands on physical approach to study using physical examination, palpation and qigong and a thorough examination of channel descriptions found in the classic texts.

Tuina Documented Practice

150 hours

The basic techniques and protocols learned in a classroom setting are practiced on volunteer “clients”. These practice sessions are documented allowing the students to organize their observations and understandings and receive feedback. Students have opportunity to discuss questions and problems with the teacher.

Anatomy and Physiology

36 hours

Students must attend a recognized Anatomy and Physiology Program of at least 100 hours in length.   *This will not be taught in house.

Directed Reading 

100 hours

Students will follow a personalized program of directed reading. This program can cover any aspect of the history, development and theories of Chinese Medicine and manual therapy with a focus on putting classical theories into perspective with modern thinking and experience. The specific reading material will be adjusted to suit the students interests and experience.

Neijing Studies

36 hours

The Huangdi Neijing is the cornerstone of all Chinese Medicine and physical culture, it presents us with a science and worldview that makes sense the therapies which we are applying. Students are introduced to this beautiful window into the thinking of ancient researchers and the model of a patterned and resonant universe that they created through a series of lectures, exercises and demonstrations.

Moxibustion Technique

30 hours

Moxibustion is an essential adjunctive modality for tuina therapists. Basic technique including direct and indirect methods are taught in both a formal class room setting and through hands on supervised practice.

External Herbal Therapy

7 hours

The use of herbal poultices, plasters and soaks are part of a complete method of tuina, the theory and practice of these tools are taught in a formal classroom setting.

Adjunctive Therapies

15 hours

A variety of adjunctive therapies are often used in a complete system of tuina, these therapies are introduced throughout the program as appropriate, these include cupping, guasha, massage tools, traction devises and exercise equipment.

Clinical Observation and Supervised Practice

144 hours

Students observe and participate in treatments given in a busy Chinese Medicine clinic at the Montreal Gongfu Research Center. This provides them the necessary skills and experience in clinic management, patient relations, choice of treatment protocols, ethical questions and concerns, and prepares them to work in a clinical environment as a Tuina specialist.

Clinical rotations usually require 20 hours per week, scheduled on four consecutive week days over the course of 8 weeks. The schedule may vary slightly between rotations. Clinical rotations are offered once per year.