Tui Na and acupressure: what the research says

Small, low-quality studies suggest Tui Na and acupressure may ease low back pain and help sleep. Other needs are not well studied.

What a session is

Tui Na is a traditional Chinese style of massage: the practitioner presses, kneads and rubs muscles, often on acupressure points. Acupressure uses firm finger pressure on the points used in acupuncture, without needles.

What the research says

• Back, neck and muscle tension: Small studies found less low back pain than with other care, but the evidence is low quality. Results for neck pain are mixed. Limited evidence · Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2026 · Cochrane, 2015
• Sleep: Small studies of acupressure and Tui Na found better sleep quality. Most were low quality, so more research is needed. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2022 · Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2023
• Worry, anxiety and stress: Not studied for Tui Na in the sources we use. Studies of massage in general suggest it may ease anxiety a little. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2024
• Low mood, menopause and grief: Not studied in the sources we use. No good evidence yet

More on each need: A relaxed body · Sleep better · Feel calmer · Lift your mood

Is it safe?

Pressure-based massage is generally low risk; a few people feel brief soreness or dizziness. Rarely, vigorous massage has been linked to serious harm such as a blood clot or broken bone. If you have a health condition and are unsure, ask your doctor first. NCCIH, 2019

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.