〔Abstract〕 Objective To summarize and explore the mechanism of action of Tuina in the treatment of primary insomnia, and to provide reference for the clinical application of Tuina. Methods Clinical trials about Tuina for the treatment of insomnia were retrieved from chinese national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and VIP database for chinese technical periodicals (VIP) within the last ten years. Then the selected articles were summarized and analyzed. Results The pathogenesis of insomnia primarily involves imbalance between yin and yang,as well as disturbances in the functions of the spleen and the stomach, the heart and the kidney. The corresponding Tuina treatments include "drawing yang into yin" Tuina, abdominal Tuina and back Tuina, which stimulate specific meridians and acupoints to produce effects. Conclusion Tuina for insomnia plays the roles of harmonizing viscera, dredging meridians and collaterals, with outstanding therapeutic effects, and has the advantages of safe operation and comfortable therapeutic feeling without any side-effects.