Chinese massage is a sophisticated ancient but living
tradition rooted in Yin-Yang, five elements, qi (Chi), blood, fluid etc.
with a unique power to heal disease (soft tissue issues like muscles, tendons and ligaments are classified as a "disease") rather than simply relax the body and
relieve tension. Chinese massage is
closely related to acupuncture in its use of the meridian system and is
considered to be effective for a similar range of health problems. However it
should not be seen as a poor relation to acupuncture. It is an effective and
comprehensive therapy and is regarded alongside herbs, diet and qigong as one of
the fundamental arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Massage is, of course as old as man-kind with the pedigree of Chinese massage being impressive. Whilst recorded history for TCM goes back over 2,000 years, its social history, traditions and roots predates this, making it a fundamental part of Chinese civilization. It is believed that the origins go back over 5,000 years. There are massage textbooks as far back as Nei Jing (722-481 BC) the most ancient of medical texts. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) it is recorded that there were 56 massage doctors in the imperial hospital, much more than the total of herbalist and acupuncturists! Around this time, Chinese techniques were exported to Japan and eventually gave rise to Japanese Shiatsu. Later still, Peter Henrik Ling learned from Chinese masters before developing Swedish Massage, the origin of Western bodywork. The influence of Chinese Medicine on the likes of homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, etc. can potentially be much more profound and significant than most people realise.
Since the time of the Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao), Chinese massage has continued to develop, absorbing western ideas into its traditional framework. It is widely practised and taught in hospitals and medical schools and in China, is an essential part of primary healthcare. The astounding successes of China's athletes and gymnasts, is due at least in part, to the use of traditional massage in their training.
Chinese massage is not a single therapy but encompasses five related and overlapping areas.
For the Chinese Massage therapist, it is the context and objectives which distinguishes these 5 branches. In terms of theory and techniques they have much in common however, central to all of them is the idea that massage affects not only the physical body but also the Qi (Chi) body (the network of channels and points) and the mental body (emotions, thoughts and spiritual faculties). Since both physical and mental health are dependent on a smooth and abundant flow of Qi (Chi), massage can effectively treat all three levels.
Jing Luo theory - the basis of Chinese Massage
Like acupuncture Chinese Massage is based on the theory of jing luo or channels and collaterals. According to this theory the body is networked by a system of pathways which function to transport qi and blood, to regulate yin and yang, to protect against external pathogens and to link the internal organs with the exterior. Blockage of the jing luo (think of this as similar although different to the lymphatic system) causes pain and is intimately connected with all health problems.
Chinese Massage is primarily focused on the jing luo and on xue (acupoints) where qi gathers and can be easily manipulated. Massage techniques are understood to affect the jing luo by:
Massage also relaxes the jin (sometimes mistranslated as tendons, jin actually refers to the function of all soft and connective tissue in relation to movement and flexibility) eases spasms, increases flexibility and straightens and strengthens the joints. Both jin and joints closely affect the flow of qi in the jing luo. What is particularly interesting is that these effects create movement in one form or another. Since in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms pain is simply a lack of free flow of qi and blood, this is why Chinese Massage is such a powerful treatment for pain.
Chinese Massage Techniques
Techniques are at the heart of any system of bodywork. They are what defines its feel and therapeutic qualities. Most textbooks on Chinese Massage list between 30 and 70 shou fa or hand techniques. These cover not only a range of soft tissue techniques, but also many percussion and joint manipulation methods including spinal adjustments similar to Osteopathy (although there are important differences).
Some of these shou fa resemble western massage, others are quite unique. For example in gun fa, the back of the hand is rotated rapidly back and forth over the skin with an effect like a heavy rolling pin! Broadly speaking shou fa techniques are classified into yin (sedating) and yang (stimulating). However each technique is further classified according to the therapeutic principles it achieves. For example mo fa (rubbing) stimulates yang qi, tui fa (pushing) regulates counter flow. The skilled therapist combines these techniques in just the same way a herbalist combines herbs in a formula ensuring that therapeutic principles are achieved with a proper balance of yin and yang. So, in a situtation where yin sedating techniques are primarily called for, the therapist will use some yang stimulation to activate qi and blood just as a herbalist adds ginger to a cooling formula.
The massage therapist has other tools to draw on. Shou fa can be applied to particular areas, channels, acupoints or ashi points achieving similar results to acupuncture needles. They can also be applied in different directions. Working with or against the flow of the channels, towards or out from the dan tien, clockwise or counter clockwise, all have different effects.
Equally important is the way the techniques are carried out. Chinese sources say that the shou fa must be gentle and soft yet deep and penetrating. The strokes must be applied rhythmically and persistently. The controlled use of very deep, moving pressure is one of the secrets of Tuina massage. A Tuina therapist might spend the same time on one frozen shoulder as a western masseur would spend on an entire body treatment. The repeated application of a single technique many hundreds of times with deep penetration and qi communication is often termed "finger meditation".
Treatment in practice
Chinese Massage is almost always given on a couch or a stool. In the busy, public clinics of Chinese hospitals, treatment is often given through clothing. However some Chinese communities have preserved the older tradition of working on the skin which better facilitates qi communication.
In anmo massage for relaxation, the aim is to give a balanced full body treatment combining yang techniques to expel stagnant qi and activate flow, with yin techniques to calm and relax. A set routine is followed but adapted to the constitution and condition of the receiver.
Tuina massage for specific health problems is based on a full TCM case history to identify a complaint, an underlying pattern and treatment principles. This full logical analysis is what gives Tuina its power and raises it above other systems of massage. Based on the treatment principles, specific techniques are combined to treat the presenting complaint and underlying pattern.
An example of Tuina could be starting with gentle but firm kneading around the painful area and along the affected channels to activate the qi and blood. Once the area is warm and relaxed, deep persistent techniques are applied to ashi points and acupoints to dredge cold and damp. Next shaking and rotating manipulations can be used to open the joints and increase mobility followed by vigorous rubbing to warm the channels. Finally soft stroking and external qi projection may be used to balance qi and guide the cold damp pathogens down the channels and out.
The range of problems which can be treated by Tuina is very large with Chinese sources listing over 140 medical conditions which respond well.
Massage is, of course as old as man-kind with the pedigree of Chinese massage being impressive. Whilst recorded history for TCM goes back over 2,000 years, its social history, traditions and roots predates this, making it a fundamental part of Chinese civilization. It is believed that the origins go back over 5,000 years. There are massage textbooks as far back as Nei Jing (722-481 BC) the most ancient of medical texts. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) it is recorded that there were 56 massage doctors in the imperial hospital, much more than the total of herbalist and acupuncturists! Around this time, Chinese techniques were exported to Japan and eventually gave rise to Japanese Shiatsu. Later still, Peter Henrik Ling learned from Chinese masters before developing Swedish Massage, the origin of Western bodywork. The influence of Chinese Medicine on the likes of homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, etc. can potentially be much more profound and significant than most people realise.
Since the time of the Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao), Chinese massage has continued to develop, absorbing western ideas into its traditional framework. It is widely practised and taught in hospitals and medical schools and in China, is an essential part of primary healthcare. The astounding successes of China's athletes and gymnasts, is due at least in part, to the use of traditional massage in their training.
Chinese massage is not a single therapy but encompasses five related and overlapping areas.
- Amno,
press and rub - massage for rejuvenation and health maintenance. Widely
used in the home and in martial arts, qi gong and sports training.
- Tuina,
push and grasp - sophisticated medical massage used to treat injuries,
joint and muscle problems and internal disorders.
- Infant
Tuina - one of the primary ways the Chinese treat babies and young
children. The points and channels used are quite different to the standards
ones.
- Dian
Xue, point press - familiar in the West as acupressure. Uses simple
pressure techniques and is very much a home remedy but also used by
acupuncturists and indeed physiotherapists when needles are not suitable.
- Wai
Qi Liao Fa, curing with external qi - healing with direct transmission
by qigong masters after many years of rigorous training and discipline.
For the Chinese Massage therapist, it is the context and objectives which distinguishes these 5 branches. In terms of theory and techniques they have much in common however, central to all of them is the idea that massage affects not only the physical body but also the Qi (Chi) body (the network of channels and points) and the mental body (emotions, thoughts and spiritual faculties). Since both physical and mental health are dependent on a smooth and abundant flow of Qi (Chi), massage can effectively treat all three levels.
Jing Luo theory - the basis of Chinese Massage
Like acupuncture Chinese Massage is based on the theory of jing luo or channels and collaterals. According to this theory the body is networked by a system of pathways which function to transport qi and blood, to regulate yin and yang, to protect against external pathogens and to link the internal organs with the exterior. Blockage of the jing luo (think of this as similar although different to the lymphatic system) causes pain and is intimately connected with all health problems.
Chinese Massage is primarily focused on the jing luo and on xue (acupoints) where qi gathers and can be easily manipulated. Massage techniques are understood to affect the jing luo by:
- activating qi and blood (in the sense of increasing its activity)
- regulating qi and blood (in the sense of dispersing stagnation and guiding counter flow)
- dredging the channels ( in the sense of removing external pathogens like cold and damp)
Massage also relaxes the jin (sometimes mistranslated as tendons, jin actually refers to the function of all soft and connective tissue in relation to movement and flexibility) eases spasms, increases flexibility and straightens and strengthens the joints. Both jin and joints closely affect the flow of qi in the jing luo. What is particularly interesting is that these effects create movement in one form or another. Since in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms pain is simply a lack of free flow of qi and blood, this is why Chinese Massage is such a powerful treatment for pain.
Chinese Massage Techniques
Techniques are at the heart of any system of bodywork. They are what defines its feel and therapeutic qualities. Most textbooks on Chinese Massage list between 30 and 70 shou fa or hand techniques. These cover not only a range of soft tissue techniques, but also many percussion and joint manipulation methods including spinal adjustments similar to Osteopathy (although there are important differences).
Some of these shou fa resemble western massage, others are quite unique. For example in gun fa, the back of the hand is rotated rapidly back and forth over the skin with an effect like a heavy rolling pin! Broadly speaking shou fa techniques are classified into yin (sedating) and yang (stimulating). However each technique is further classified according to the therapeutic principles it achieves. For example mo fa (rubbing) stimulates yang qi, tui fa (pushing) regulates counter flow. The skilled therapist combines these techniques in just the same way a herbalist combines herbs in a formula ensuring that therapeutic principles are achieved with a proper balance of yin and yang. So, in a situtation where yin sedating techniques are primarily called for, the therapist will use some yang stimulation to activate qi and blood just as a herbalist adds ginger to a cooling formula.
The massage therapist has other tools to draw on. Shou fa can be applied to particular areas, channels, acupoints or ashi points achieving similar results to acupuncture needles. They can also be applied in different directions. Working with or against the flow of the channels, towards or out from the dan tien, clockwise or counter clockwise, all have different effects.
Equally important is the way the techniques are carried out. Chinese sources say that the shou fa must be gentle and soft yet deep and penetrating. The strokes must be applied rhythmically and persistently. The controlled use of very deep, moving pressure is one of the secrets of Tuina massage. A Tuina therapist might spend the same time on one frozen shoulder as a western masseur would spend on an entire body treatment. The repeated application of a single technique many hundreds of times with deep penetration and qi communication is often termed "finger meditation".
Treatment in practice
Chinese Massage is almost always given on a couch or a stool. In the busy, public clinics of Chinese hospitals, treatment is often given through clothing. However some Chinese communities have preserved the older tradition of working on the skin which better facilitates qi communication.
In anmo massage for relaxation, the aim is to give a balanced full body treatment combining yang techniques to expel stagnant qi and activate flow, with yin techniques to calm and relax. A set routine is followed but adapted to the constitution and condition of the receiver.
Tuina massage for specific health problems is based on a full TCM case history to identify a complaint, an underlying pattern and treatment principles. This full logical analysis is what gives Tuina its power and raises it above other systems of massage. Based on the treatment principles, specific techniques are combined to treat the presenting complaint and underlying pattern.
An example of Tuina could be starting with gentle but firm kneading around the painful area and along the affected channels to activate the qi and blood. Once the area is warm and relaxed, deep persistent techniques are applied to ashi points and acupoints to dredge cold and damp. Next shaking and rotating manipulations can be used to open the joints and increase mobility followed by vigorous rubbing to warm the channels. Finally soft stroking and external qi projection may be used to balance qi and guide the cold damp pathogens down the channels and out.
The range of problems which can be treated by Tuina is very large with Chinese sources listing over 140 medical conditions which respond well.