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 eight months.

1000 Hour Tuina Program – Syllabus

Chinese Traditional Physical Culture

300 hours (over eight 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.

Basic Tuina Techniques

50 hours

24 ‘hand techniques’ and a complete body sequence comprised of specific protocols are taught in a classroom setting.

Channel Theory Studies

50 hours

A detailed understanding of the channel system is acquired 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

Basic techniques and protocols are practiced and practice sessions are documented. Students have opportunity to discuss questions and problems with the teacher.

Clinical Observation and Supervised Practice

250 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 12 weeks. The schedule may vary slightly between rotations. Clinical rotations are offered once or twice per year.

Anatomy and Physiology

100 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 – Traditional Chinese Medicine

100 hours

Students will follow a personalized program of directed reading. This program will  cover all aspects of the history, development and theories of Chinese Medicine and manual therapy. The specific reading material will be adjusted to suit the students interests and experience.  Comprehension and retention of information will be verified by written tests, short essays and discussion.