按摩 Getting a massage in China: popular types & handy phrases (I)

Massage, or 按摩 (àn mó), is a very popular type of therapy in China among locals and foreigners alike. Learning about the different types of massage and their Chinese names can help you choose the perfect one at a Chinese massage salon. Let's check them out!

按摩 Massage

In Chinese, massage is known as "按摩" (àn mó), where "按" (àn) means "to press", and "摩" (mó) means "to rub".

按摩
àn mó
massage

HOW TO FIND A MASSAGE PLACE

The best way to find a good massage place, 按摩店 (àn mó diàn) is to simply ask — your teacher, colleagues, local or expat friends — to recommend you one. You can also try searching for "SPA" or "按摩 (àn mó)" on Dianping or Baidu, and then refine your search by rating, price, or location nearby.

Choose Your Type of Massage

In China, you can experience a variety of massages, each offering unique benefits for relaxation and wellness. Choose one based on what you like:

01. Tuina, or Pressure Point Massage

推拿 (tuī ná), is an ancient Chinese massage that's been practiced for thousands of years. It's believed to be the oldest system of bodywork - along with acupuncture, qigong, and Chinese herbal medicine.

推拿
tuī ná
pressure point massage
literally "push-pull"

It is based on the theory that imbalances of 气 (qì), body's vital source of energy, can create blockages and imbalances, which in turn can cause pain and illness. Thus, tuina massage stimulates the flow of 气 (qì) to promote balance and harmony within the body.

NOTE

Tuina is a safe and common type of massage in China, but remember that it's not a gentle or relaxing massage. You may feel some discomfort during or after a session. At the same time, if you wake up with a stiff neck (落枕 lào zhěn), tuina would be a good remedy.

02. Blind Massage

It's thought that blind people have an enhanced sense of touch which compensates for their blindness, which makes them better masseurs, good at finding muscle knots.

盲人按摩
máng rén àn mó
blind massage
literally "blind-person-massage"

There is nothing shady about it; such massage places are run legally. For hundreds of years, blind people all over China have found employment as massage therapists.

NOTE

The phrase 盲人按摩 (máng rén àn mó) often appears in the name of the massage parlor, so you can search for it on Dianping or Baidu Maps.

03. Foot Massage

Foot massage, known as 足部按摩 (zú bù àn mó) in Chinese, is a popular form of massage therapy. It is based on the belief that specific points on the feet correspond to different parts of the body, and by stimulating these points, it can promote health and well-being.

足部按摩
zú bù àn mó
foot massage
literally "foot-part-massage"

来源：That's Mandarin
编辑：万月英