Whether you’re feeling in need of an energy boost or you’re feeling a bit stressed, Chinese massage could revitalise you. This therapy focuses on boosting the circulation to various pressure points in the body, aiming to balance your life energy, or ‘Qi’. And the techniques may not be quite what you’re used to, but they all have a purpose (even the pinching – trust us).
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1 Stretching
The therapist will usually do this – to you – at the start of a session, to warm up your muscles and relax you before the massage gets going. We know that this all sounds all a bit 50 Shades – but at the end you'll feel de-stressed and invigorated.
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2 Friction
Your therapist will be aiming to create heat on the body using rapid movement of the hands. That results in small circular movements on your skin that are oddly soothing. This part's to improve your circulation.
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3 Vibration
The grand finale. Chinese massage traditionally uses vibration towards the end to release stagnant energy. That should relieve any stubborn traces of tension that somehow managed to stick around through the pinching. With this in mind, don’t be alarmed if your therapist lifts up your leg and shakes it around. At this stage in the session, you probably won't even blink.
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4 Pinching
Pinching sounds mean, but really, that's not the intention. Working rhythmically, your therapist may squeeze or gently twist your flesh. Techniques like this aim to stimulate you (yang) or calm you (yin) to achieve the coveted yin-yang harmony.
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5 Pressing
Chinese massage stimulates different parts of the body by working on acupressure points. This can relieve stiffness and pain, balance energy and blood flow, and enhance the body’s repair system. And yep, this requires some pretty firm pressure indeed. Brace yourself for percussive sound effects too – such as tapping, knocking, striking and clapping.
FAQs
What techniques are used during a Chinese massage?
A Chinese massage typically uses stretching, friction, vibration, pinching, and pressing techniques. Each method focuses on different body areas and aims to boost circulation, balance energy, and relieve tension.
How does stretching work at the start of a Chinese massage?
Stretching is usually done at the start to warm up your muscles and help you relax before the massage begins. The therapist moves your body to prepare it for the treatment, leaving you feeling less stressed and more invigorated.
Why does the therapist use friction in Chinese massage?
Friction is used to create heat on your body through rapid, circular hand movements. This soothing technique is designed to improve your circulation and prepare the skin for other massage steps.
What is the purpose of vibration at the end of a Chinese massage?
Vibration helps release stagnant energy and relieves lingering tension in your body. The therapist may shake your leg or other limbs, which helps you feel relaxed and can enhance the effects of the whole session.
How does pressing help with pain and stiffness in Chinese massage?
Pressing targets acupressure points to relieve stiffness, balance your energy, and aid the body’s repair processes. This involves firm pressure and may include tapping, knocking, striking, or clapping sounds during the treatment.