Our Diploma in Tuina, approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, is designed for students who wish to become practitioners of traditional Chinese Medicine Massage Therapy.  The programme, delivered over a period of 72 weeks, follows a full-time study 2-year pathway comprising a total of 240 credits spread between Levels 5,6 and 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

In ancient China, medical therapy was often classified as ‘internal’ or ‘external’. Tuina, a form of ‘hands-on’ Chinese Manipulative Therapy, is an external method specially suitable for use on people of all ages in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping.  Tuina has been gaining international attention because it is a very effective therapy for arthritis, pain, sciatica and muscle spasms.  Other benefits of this massage therapy include alleviation of stress-related disorders like insomnia, constipation, headaches and other disorders related to digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. 

This complementary and alternative Chinese medicine modality makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bringing it back to balance. By applying pressure to meridians, acupoints, and groups of muscles and nerves, Tuina removes blockages and works deeply with the positive energy of the body.

The best part of the therapy is that it relaxes as well as energizes the person. The main benefit of Tuina Massage is that it focuses on the specific problem, whether it is an acute or a chronic pain associated with the joints, muscles or a skeletal system.

The greatest advantage of Tuina is that it focuses on maintaining overall balance with both physical and mental health. Several hospitals in China now include Tuina as a standard aspect of treatment.

The aim of this Diploma Qualification is to produce graduates who have attained sufficient knowledge, practical skills and behavioural attributes in traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies, practices and philosophies of Tuina.  Successful completion of this qualification will enable practitioners to make a positive difference in the maintenance and overall health of the communities in which they live either in New Zealand or internationally.

 

Graduate Profile

Graduates of this qualification:

• Apply knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system that gives humans the ability to move and provides form, support, stability and movement to the body.

• Apply knowledge of the biological, physical and chemical principles that govern the homeostatic functioning of the human body in their clinical and professional contexts.

• Communicate and integrate knowledge of the historical development of Chinese Medicine and its philosophy, its concepts of function and dysfunction, prevention and its therapeutic principles that underpin the process of a practitioner in the New Zealand healthcare context.

• Communicate and provide patients with knowledge, skills and values from Chinese Medicine Philosophies and techniques required to support preserving and enhancing their health and well-being through management of lifestyle, diet, physical and mental exercise.

• Apply accurate location of points and channel functions in the safe and effective practice of therapeutic techniques of classical manual massage therapy of Tuina.

• Apply knowledge of Western Examination Procedures and Diagnostic Tests. This also includes the interpretation of common laboratory tests and imaging procedures, mainstream pharmacologically active agents or mainstream physical interventions to treat or supress symptoms of pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions into clinical thought processes and patient examination routines.

• Apply knowledge of physical examination into the routine of diagnosing traumatic and internal disorders – apply theoretical and practical skills for the diagnosis, differentiation and clinical management of common New Zealand health disorders using Tuina manipulation.

• Describe the steps involved in Tuina research within an ethical framework; review research publications critically where relevant to Tuina, disseminate or communicate research findings to peers and others, remain informed about advances in knowledge pertaining to Tuina and apply this in clinical practice.

• Engage and communicate professionally and ethically within New Zealand’s healthcare environment and various sectors, including obtaining informed consent prior to treatment and in the course of referrals to other healthcare services.

• Master and employ appropriate manipulation of Tuina through judicious selection from a variety of appropriate Tuina strategies and techniques to effectively treat a patient’s condition based on an understanding of indications and contra-indications. Review and monitor the health status of patients and modify treatment plans accordingly.

• Collect clinical data with the four diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, record and analyse clinical information, differentiate syndromes within the New Zealand context and make and maintain appropriate patient records.

• Take responsibility for patient care in clinical practice and ensure that the rights of patients and their families are protected.

• Contribute to improving both – the quality of life of patients and the well-being of the community and the environment, practise within legislative, regulatory, ethical and safety frameworks and run a financially viable business as a practitioner of Tuina.