Tuina and traditional bodywork in Taiwan (推拿、整復)

The short answer

Tuina (推拿) is a firm, targeted style of kneading, pressing and stretching from Chinese tradition. In Taiwan, traditional bodywork such as 傳統整復推拿 is classed as a non-medical folk practice, and shops may not make medical claims. For an injury or pain that will not go away, see a doctor, a physical therapist, or a licensed Chinese medicine clinic, which is medical care and a different thing.

In Chinese: 推拿, 整復, 傳統整復推拿, 經絡調理.
Body areas: Usually a full body or a focus area such as back and shoulders.
Clothing: Clothed.
Oil: Usually none.
Setting: A bed.
Pressure: Firm.
Rules: Listed as a non-medical folk practice under the Ministry of Health and Welfare rules (point 2). No medical acts or medical claims (points 10 and 12).

Folk practice or medical care?

Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare rules for folk therapy businesses (民俗調理業管理規範) describe these hand techniques as being for relief and relaxation, and as non-medical. Practitioners may not perform medical acts or give medical or drug advice, and shops must not advertise medical effects. In October 2025, New Taipei City inspectors cited two shops for ads that claimed medical effects.

So be wary of any shop that promises to "realign" bones, fix a slipped disc or cure an illness. For treatment of an injury or condition, see a licensed medical provider.

What to say

麻煩多加強肩膀和背部。
Please concentrate on my shoulders and back.
可以輕一點嗎？
Could you use less pressure?
我這裡有受傷，請不要按。
I have an injury here; please don't press it.

All phrase cards, shown large for the therapist

When to skip it or ask a doctor first

Massage shops in Taiwan are registered as non-medical businesses and may not diagnose or treat anything. Our general guidance: ask a doctor before booking if you have pain that is new, severe or getting worse, numbness or tingling, a recent injury, fracture or surgery, a blood clotting problem or you take blood thinners, a skin infection or open wound, or you are pregnant. Sudden swelling, pain or warmth in one leg needs a doctor, not a massage. According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture, and it suggests asking a health care provider if you are not sure massage is right for you. Relax.tw makes no health claims.

What it costs (listed prices we checked)

City	Listed minutes	Listed range	Places
Tainan	60 min	NT$900	1
Tainan	90 min	NT$1,300	1
Tainan	120 min	NT$1,700	1

Prices are copied from the business's own menu on the date shown. Menus change; confirm before you go. Every listed price, with sources

Facts on this page checked 9 November 2026. Prices and policies change: confirm with the business.

Sources (5)

Checked 9 November 2026