Tui Jing (deep Gua Sha) for reducing depressive symptoms and improving nervous-system function
Official title: Effects of an Innovative TCM-based Tui Jing Therapy on Psychological and Neurophysiological Functions in Depression: A Randomized Controlled Study
Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT07449676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries Tui Jing, a deep Gua Sha therapy, to see if it helps adults with depression and changes autonomic activity measured by heart-rate variability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hung Hom) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07449676 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–55 with at least three months of depressive symptoms, HAMD-17 scores above 14, fluent in Chinese, and without severe chronic disease, recent treatments, cardiovascular disease, or skin problems are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with cardiovascular disease, recent pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment, significant cognitive impairment, skin conditions, or those outside the 18–55 age range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with depression are screened and randomized at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to receive either Tui Jing therapy delivered by a registered Chinese medicine practitioner or a sham ultrasound intervention. Two in-person sessions collect medical history, clinical interviews, questionnaires, and baseline physiological measures including heart-rate variability to capture autonomic function. The active intervention targets deep muscle and fascia, while the sham mimics treatment without the specific manual technique, and outcomes focus on depressive symptom scores and neurophysiological markers. Eligibility requires age 18–55, persistent depressive symptoms, Chinese proficiency, and absence of recent treatments, cardiovascular disease, severe skin conditions, or cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Tui Jing could offer a non-drug manual therapy that reduces depressive symptoms and improves autonomic regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Gua Sha has supporting evidence for pain and some effects on sleep and well-being, but randomized controlled evidence for deep Tui Jing specifically in depression is limited, making this application relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 55 years old * Willingness to participate in the study and undergo randomization * Proficiency in Chinese * Absence of severe chronic diseases * Experience with depressive symptoms for over three months * Scoring 20 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Scoring above 14 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 Exclusion Criteria: * The presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) * Severe head trauma, intracranial hypertension, implanted ferromagnetic devices, or a history of epilepsy * Engagement in any pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments within the past month * Existing skin conditions or susceptibility to skin injuries * Any form of cognitive impairment
Where it's running
-
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yutong Li
- Email: zoeyo.li@connect.polyu.hk
- Phone: 852 61917986
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.