Chinese Massage

An Ancient art steeped in history and tradition, Chinese Massage utilises the hands of expert therapists to manipulate soft tissue and effectively transport and guide blood and energy, or “chi” throughout the body using age-old, proven techniques.

While usually reserved for the treatment of physical injury or illness, many people believe the treatment can help to improve mental stamina, boost the immune system, and prevent degenerative diseases. After just one session you can expect to feel renewed, invigorated, and may even experience a ‘rush’ as unwanted toxins escape from the body.

If you’re not familiar with the world of traditional Chinese massage therapy, strap yourself in, because we’ve got everything you need to know, right here on Bookwell.

History of Chinese Massage

In addition to herbal medicine remedies, diet and acupuncture, Chinese massage therapy is one of the key elements of traditional Chinese medicine, with an abundance of legitimate benefits. Dating way back to the Shang Dynasty period, somewhere between 16th and 11th century BC, the earliest records of traditional Chinese massage therapy were uncovered as carvings and inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells.

Today, the technique still proves extremely popular, working to nurture your physical and emotional wellbeing. For a total healing experience, it is believed that combining Chinese massage therapy with herbal medicine can have significant benefits, as the massage actually works to enhance and stimulate the action of said medicine.

What can you expect?

There are two kinds of traditional Chinese Massage therapy: ‘Tui na’ and ‘Zhi Ya’.

• Tui na - Tui na involves stretching, pushing and kneading the muscles to promote the general flow of energy throughout the body. To get a better idea, imagine the action of kneading dough - sounds silly, but after a good 10 minutes or so, the dough transforms from something hard and stiff to something soft, smooth and malleable, doesn’t it?

• Zhi ya - Zhi ya involves the more localised method of pressing and pinching acupressure points to relieve immediate pain and stress in specific areas - pretty self explanatory. Studies show that going for a massage once or twice a month can help to enhance muscle repair and recovery.

Benefits of Chinese Massage

Well, let’s just say that for a therapy so beneficial it would probably be wiser to list the things it doesn’t help with…! Seriously though, in a nutshell, Chinese massage therapy is your one stop shop for relief from a wide variety of health concerns.

Chinese Massage technique can

• Provide pain relief
• Improve blood flow
• Relieve stress
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Offer feeling of overall wellbeing
• Boost immunity
• Help to prevent development of degenerative diseases

A May 2013 study by the American Massage Therapy Association actually revealed that regular treatments can help to relieve a range of illness, including chronic lower back pain, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis - those Ancient folk were definitely onto something!

Why choose Chinese massage therapy?

Let’s look at Chinese massage vs Thai massage as an example. Thai massage is generally reserved for relaxation, or for stress relief purposes. It’s a stretchy, yoga-type situation, where the therapist will manipulate your body and, essentially, stretch you out.

In comparison, Chinese massage is more often utilised as a treatment for existing medical problems or specific pain relief. The therapist will usually ask you to sit upright on a chair or couch, so they can easily locate and stimulate the various pressure points of concern.

For effective relief from pain, stress, and to help balance your body, mind and spirit, use Bookwell to find a Chinese massage therapist in your local area today.