Known in the native mandarin as Tui Na, the Hong Kong massage is one that is becoming increasingly popular not only in China but across the globe as well. It involves a combination of bodywork and the use of traditional medicines with the primary objective of offsetting disharmonies throughout the body. That said, here are five things you should know about a Hong Kong massage:
1) It is an all-around medicinal package
A Hong Kong massage is often administered alongside native herbal medicine and acupuncture which are the essential elements of traditional Chinese treatment. Consequently, Tui Na incorporates techniques adept at remedying physical distresses as well as problems that plague the mind. It can be implored to alleviate afflicted or painful body areas as well as to better energy flow across the body.
2) The massage borrows from acupuncture concepts
Tui Na, which translates to “pushing and grasping”, is a lot like acupuncture albeit with a twist. The latter involves the use of tiny needles to manipulate tension and energy at a dozen specific spots distributed throughout the body which is quite similar to the therapy of the Hong Kong massage although instead of piercing, pressure zones are dealt with via fingertip presses. Moreover, it concentrates on specific ailments giving it an edge over western techniques that tend to be quite general in their approach which is not very effective.
3) It can be paired with acupuncture
Because of its effectiveness and non-invasive nature, the massage can be paired with various other treatment modalities without the risk of side effects or reduced prowess. It channels the principles of traditional Chinese medicine which incorporates subtle and non-reactive ingredients that complement- and even improve- other therapies. It pairs well with alternative forms of medicine such as myofascial release, neuromuscular bodywork, sports and Shiatsu massages. Tui Nai is basically as versatile as water that accommodates virtually all kinds of additives.
4) A Hong Kong massage remedies a multitude of disorders
Perhaps the number one reason for the sterling reputation the Chinese massage has acquired is its ability to negate or mitigate common health issues. For one, it helps better blood circulation with its stimulated presses also going some way in keeping nerves in check. Aside from ensuring a healthy heart, the therapy has also been showed to help with arthritis, joint displacements, musculoskeletal complications, chronic fatigue and respiratory disorders.
5) There’s no need to take your clothes off
When you think about a massage, you undoubtedly think of exposed backs and gentle hands running through bare skin. That’s not the case with the Hong Kong massage though as you can get the full experience without needing to take off anything although it might help to make clothes a little loose to ensure maximum comfort. Your therapist will work his/her way across target areas as he/she moves you into yoga-esque stances that bring to the fore notorious pressure points.
The last thing you should know about a Hong Kong massage – which you are bound to recognize a few minutes into the process- is that it is also influenced by various western massages. So don’t be surprised to see a little Swedish rubbing and kneading.
