The words for massage in Chinese are “an mo” or “tui na”. It is a kind of therapy that has proved to be of great practical benefit in maintaining health. Traditional Chinese doctors understand that a network called “jing luo” in the body serves as a passage for vital energy, and blood, organs and joints throughout the entirety of body. Massage is used to regulate this system through outside force of hands directly acting on the injured part, and turn the scale of pathological changes or improve the organ function to maintain health.
Massage treatment as a branch of Chinese medicine has a very long history. The earliest descriptions of massage has been found in the inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty (16th -11th century BC). During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 – 476 BC), a story was recorded that a doctor named Bian Que healed the faint prince through massage, illustrating the valuable effect at such early dates. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386 BC – 589 AD), six modalities of hand massage evolved and became more professional, such as to shake, strand, twine, knead, twiddle and roll, which are still widely used. Today Chinese massage methods have developed over 20 varieties of techniques.
Depending on the strength applied and the direction of hand motion, the power sinking into the body differs. Consequently some massage techniques reach only the skin, some go to the circulatory system, muscle and even marrow. The healthful effects of massage have been enjoyed by people who have experienced it; that is, relieving aches in the bones and muscles, relief of muscle spasms and so on.
Besides the curative effects of massage, there are also beneifts of wellness and fitness. Massaging the acupoints around the eyes can relieve eyestrain and improve acuity; massaging simply and exactly on the various acupoints of head can allow for deeper relaxation; and massaging the feet, known as reflexology in the west, can extend the effects all parts of the human body, as the feet have a close relationship with the whole body.
Why not come to Sunshine Spa and see what wellness benefits await you in the long history of Chinese massage styles? Call to make an appointment today!