One of the best ways to relax is to go get a traditional Chinese massage! Traditional Massages in China are very common, and there are a lot of spas that provide massage services. Massage in Chinese is 按摩 (ànmó) or 推拿 (tuīná). Let’s discover more about this grand tradition in China. ![]() Benefits of a Traditional Chinese Massage Chinese massage is based on the principle of 气 (qì), which means “air”, “breath”, or “life energy”. Massage techniques, which include kneading, chopping, rubbing or pressing on the skin, are all meant to help balance and unblock the channels in the body, so that the qi can flow naturally. Benefits of massage can include increasing energy, quickening recovery rate from stiffness or pain, boosting circulation, breaking down scar tissue, improving sleep and immunity, and even supporting emotional health. Types of Traditional Chinese Massage If you go to a massage spa, there are several different types of massages you can get. Chinese massages can focus on certain parts of the body, like the back, neck or feet, or you can also choose to get a full body massage. However, Chinese massage techniques also include more interesting methods: Cupping therapy, or fire cupping, is an ancient technique dating back thousands of years. This method utilizes special cups made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone to create a suction on the back. This type of therapy is supposed to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, and to generally help the client relax. Another interesting type of traditional Chinese massage common in China is less about the technique than the masseuse. These massages are done by blind therapists. Blind massages (盲人按摩, mángrén ànmó) are quite popular in China. Blind masseuses are said to have a more sensitive sense of touch and can therefore identify muscle knots and spots of tension more easily and naturally. History of Traditional Chinese Massage in China Traditional massages in China have a long and rich history. The earliest recorded mention of massage is from the Shang Dynasty, 16th-11th century BC. Later, the use of ointment in massages as a form of medicine and healing was introduced by Zhang Zhongjing (AD 150-219). In the Sui and Tang dynasties (AD 581-907), massage formally became a type of clinical medicine. Massage specialists taught others, passing down the knowledge which eventually evolved into modern-day techniques. Injuries caused as a result of military clashes further promoted the practice of massage, and masseuses began to increase their physical strength through practicing martial arts. During the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644-1911), massage therapy faded out a little in part due to government suppression. However, more recently, since 1949, massage has come back into popularity, and is taught in schools as a form of medicine and therapy |