Traditional Chinese Massage Types and Where to Try Them
Feeling hot and bothered this summer? Chill out with a traditional Chinese massage. Here's a comprehensive guide to the types of Chinese massage and best places to find them in Beijing!
Push-Pull Massage 推拿 tuīná
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, the push-pull massage seeks to enhance circulation along the body’s 12 Meridians, or energy channels. Acupressure points are used along the target area to re-balance the blood flow and release tension. This massage typically falls on the firmer side - more like a trip to see the doctor to sort out your pain than a relaxation sesh. But don’t hesitate to tell your therapist to use light pressure. A groan in pain is universal. It is advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Sometimes the therapist will even add an extra towel around the area they are massaging for extra grip.
Recommendation:
胡氏推拿 in Sanyuanqiao
East 3rd Ring Road Wu 2 Sanyuanqiao International Harbour, Door A #601
Open 10:00-24:00
樱兰全息养生馆 Sanlitun.
Dongzhimen Outter Street #28 Hong Kong International Plaza 3rd floor
24/7
Cupping 拔罐儿 báguàr
Ever see people walking around with huge reddish-purple circles on their backs? No, they’re not welts or oozing sores. It’s cupping! Cupping is a traditional Chinese practice that uses cup suction for a deep-tissue massage. Instead of pressing down and in, the cup suction brings your tissue up and out. The therapist will first add a drop of oil to the area for smoothness and initial push-pull massage. Then come the cups. The glass cups (玻璃罐儿 bōlí guàr) get their suction-i-ness from a touch of heat, so the therapist will take a small match to heat the inside of the cup then stick it to you. You won’t feel the heat but it's the temperature that vacuums the air out of the cup and allows it to suction to your skin. There are also plastic cups (塑料罐儿 sùliào guàr) available, which have a top screw method to remove the air instead. The plastic cups are good for double-duty as a scraper (see the section below) to massage the whole target area in long strokes before the cups are left to sit in specific spots for 10-15 minutes. The unique suction sensation will leave you feeling less sunk into the table and more elevated in place.
Once the cups come off, there may be reddish-purple circles remaining. Well worked spots free of tension will look like nothing happened. It's only the trouble spots where the circles will appear. But don’t worry, it’s not a bruise. Remember, the cup effect is up-out rather than a down-in, so the dark circles show that the cups are doing their job to draw out lactic acid and release knots from the area. The circle spots will last for a few days, so go show off your back at the pool this weekend. We dare you.
Recommendation: 健足堂中医按摩馆 in Shuangjing
Baiziwan South Road, Pingod Compound, Building 9 Door B #208
Open 11:00-23:30
Scraping 刮痧 guāshā
It sounds intimidating, but for those that enjoy a firm massage, this is bliss. Scraping is a high-pressure Chinese massage that is ideal for covering lots of area. For example, along your back or the IT band on your outer leg. The therapist will use a hard smooth tool, typically a polished stone, comb, or hollowed horn, to press in long firm strokes. The pressure and long motions get your blood circulating. In Chinese philosophy, it helps to bring 气 qì (life force) to the area to help iron out muscle tension. But do be warned, like cupping, it leaves a mark. Only this time it will look like your back has been ravaged under the tires of an 18-wheeler. Though to be sure, scraping can be used in a more targeted fashion too. In the wintertime, you may notice local people with red “scrapes” on their throats. Looks suspicious at first, but actually, it is this scraping massage that is believed to open up the throat and relieve a cold.
Recommendation: 御手堂按摩调理正骨工作室 in Dawanglu
West Dawanglu Yaoli Compound Building 8 #103
Open 10:00-23:00
Moxibustion (Moxa) 艾灸 ài jiǔ
There’s nothing like a burning incense bundle to smoke out your aches and pains. Moxa is a traditional technique wherein the therapist indeed lights a special burning incense that is brought close to – but not touching – the skin. After a deep massage, the smoking moxa is meant to draw out the toxins. In TCM, it is believed that heat and smoke have a purifying effect. But if lying in a smokey room is not your thing – avoid this one. It can be a very intense smell and sensation. For the more adventurous this is a must-try!
Recommendation: 国艾堂 in Dongshisitiao
Beimencang Hutong Building 6 #10-1
Open 9:30-21:30
Ear Picking 采耳 cǎi ěr
If you search for the best massage spots in Beijing on Dianping - for district, for top reviewed, for best ranked, or any which way - EVERY TIME ear picking is number 1 or close to it. Ear wax be warned, ye foe! Ear picking specialists use a tool kit of many cleaning instruments to get into every nook and cranny. There are sharp ones, soft ones, bristle-y ones, feathery ones, and beyond to infinity. Seriously, there are more than 20 different picks. But it’s all good. The sensation achieved is actually very calming! The head neck and ear all get massaged during an ear picking session. So lay back, relax, and let the specialists go to town.
Recommendation: Ear Orgasm 享耳空间.
It’s a chain throughout the city. Pick your nearest location.
Typically open 10:30-23:30
Ear Candling 耳烛 Ěr zhú
For those less keen on the picks but still want their ears cleaned, we recommend Ear Candling. A hollow candle is placed on the outer part of the ear. When lit, the heat draws ear wax-up and into the candle. The therapist will massage your temples and neck to help coax any fluids up and out. We initially expected a warm oozing feeling. But it turns out there is barely any sensation in the ear at all. Chill as you enjoy the head and neck massage! Maybe you’ll even be so blissed out that you crush a nap.
Recommendation: 御匠采耳 in Sanlitun.
Workers Stadium North Road #8 Sanlitun Soho2 B1-226
Foot Reflexology 足疗 zúliáo
Reflexology holds that certain parts of the body are mirrors or access points for others. In the foot, for example, there are points that correspond to organs and glands and other limbs. These are called distal points, given the that they affect a distant other point in the body. This point for liver, that one for spleen and kidneys, and so on. So how does it work? Chinese foot reflexology massage first begins with soaking the feet. There are several foot baths to choose from, ranging from simply hot scented water to ginseng or milk baths. While your feet soak the therapist will likely give you a nice shoulder and neck massage to start your relaxation journey. Then let the masseuse work their magic by massaging the points in your feet that can help stimulate full body health and wellness. Leave the massage feeling lighter than a feather from head to toe.
Recommendation: GinSpa 奇境主题养生馆 in Sanlitun. It's like a movie theater massage combo!
Gongti North Road #8 Sanlitun Soho Building 5 Fifth Floor #5507
Try out any or all of these Traditional Chinese Massage types and let us know what you think! Tried already? Comment below!
READ: Talking TCM: Best Medicines and Remedies to Cure Your Hangover
Images: UNSPLASH, Dianping
