Chinese massage is a commonly practiced form of Oriental massage. It includes tuina and acupressure among other forms of massage therapy. Concepts used in these therapies have been included in many other types of massage that are practiced today.
Acupressure follows the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this traditional form of medicine it's believed that there are a series of energy pathways that pass through the body called meridians. The energy, qi (chi), that passes through these meridians is your life force. Sometimes qi gets blocked causing pain and dysfunction in the body. Finger pressure is used to unblock it.
Another common form of Chinese massage, tuina, is often used to compliment acupuncture. Tuina is a vigorous massage that focuses on the area of dysfunction.
History
Massage has a long history in China. An ancient Chinese medical text from 2500 BC called The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine mentions massage. In it the importance of massaging the skin and flesh is referenced.
Before the use of needles in acupuncture, practitioners used the static pressure of their fingers to unblock qi. This is how acupressure was invented. Later bamboo needles where used to stimulate blocked qi. Finally, the metal needles that we associate with acupuncture today started being used.
Philosophies from Traditional Chinese Medicine influenced the traditional medicine practices in many Asian countries including Thai massage and Japanese massage.
Modern Chinese Massage
The healing arts from China have spread throughout the world. They are used by people in many different countries to treat a variety of illnesses. Many people credit Traditional Chinese Medicine with helping them overcome chronic pain and various sicknesses.
Massage therapy from China is practiced in spas and clinics. Here are just a few types of massage from China that are practiced today.
Chinese massage is a commonly practiced form of Oriental massage. It includes tuina and acupressure among other forms of massage therapy. Concepts used in these therapies have been included in many other types of massage that are practiced today.
