This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Chinese massage, including:
Chinese massage refers to two types of therapy – Tui na (pronounced twee-na), much like Western massage, is a push-and-pull method. Zhi ya (pronounced zee yah) uses pinching and pressing, similar to reflexology. In combination, this therapy involves twisting, turning, pinching, pulling and kneading the muscles, and can be used in conjunction with acupuncture. While this type of massage does relax the muscles and relieve stress, it’s main goal is to heal the body.
Chinese massage is also known as Chinese remedial massage, TCM massage, Chinese massage therapy, and Oriental massage (though this term is more dated, referring specifically to the Orient of the East, as opposed to the Occident of the West). This can be confusing, but all are essentially the same therapy with small deviations, such as including Chinese herbal medicines alongside TCM massage.
Traditional Chinese medicine states the existence of Qi (pronounced chee)—a life force within the body that flows along 12 to 14 pathways (meridians), between and through the surface of the body (skin, fascia, muscle, bone) and its internal organs. An imbalance or disruption to the flow of Qi can trigger illness, which can be manipulated and fixed with acupuncture.
The existence of Qi has never been scientifically proven, and in modern practice is more a metaphor for the metabolic changes, such as biochemical and physiological, that occur within a body. Chinese massage has been proven to treat a wide range of issues, including chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems such as sprain or strains, arthritis, and digestive problems. It improves balance and aids in fast recovery from injuries and also stimulates the nervous and circulatory system, improves strength and flexibility, and re-energises the mind.
Oriental massage follows acupressure points – these points are targets around the body that are capable of triggering biochemical and physiological changes. As these changes are triggered, a patient’s Qi is re-balanced, which helps to heal them.
Compression consists of pressing and twisting motions that apply direct pressure to a patient. This pressure can alleviate muscle spasms, and work out knots or stiffness. Compression also promotes blood circulation.
Friction is a technique similar to other massages. It involves rubbing or gliding motions, to realign muscles and dissolve knots or tension. Massage therapists may create heat, by rubbing in circular motions on the area to warm the muscles up.
A therapist will rock, shake, or vibrate an area to create force. This releases tension, improves gastrointestinal function, and removes stagnation, allowing the Qi to resume proper flow.
A therapist will focus on areas of soft tissue, kneading, pinching, and twisting the area. Usually applied to areas such as upper shoulders, this removes tensions and allows Qi movement through the meridians.
Focusing on the axis of body parts such as shoulders and hips, joint manipulation includes rotating and pulling motions to increase joint range and flexibility. It also promotes flexibility of the spine and limbs.
Chinese massage and remedial massage focus on different muscle interactions within the body, and have different goals. While Oriental massage treats a wide range of ailments, remedial massage focuses on specific areas, such as injuries or recurring problems. By focusing on the Qi flow through the meridians, Oriental massage has a more holistic approach, working with the body to produce results. It can also involve other techniques, such as acupuncture. Visualising and redirecting the energy of the patient is important in traditional Chinese massage.
Remedial massage focuses on specific points or areas, with the goal of alleviating pain from an injury, or preventing further injury. It can require consistent, regular treatment and uses a range of pressure, depending on the patient and problem. Remedial massages are usually longer in length, while Oriental massage can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, and does not always require regular sessions. Some remedial massage therapists do incorporate Chinese massage techniques, such as compression or friction, but this is purely for the muscular benefits they provide, and not about the Qi of the patient.
Chinese Massage benefits are wide-ranging, and include:
While other massage techniques offer some of the above benefits, by realigning Qi flows, Oriental Massage focuses on the energy, mental health and physical health of a patient. It leaves you feeling more physically aligned, as well as mentally and emotionally stronger.
Oriental massage is used to treat a range of ailments, including the following:
Choosing a therapist can be challenging, especially if you have never received the treatment before.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
Once you’ve found a potential therapist, it’s worth asking them the following questions to ensure they are credible and a good fit for you.
As Chinese massage is not designed purely for relaxation, but realignment, you may feel tender after your first appointment. While you will reap the benefits of the massage treatment, there are a few things it is useful to know before your first session.