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

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

04. Oil Massage

Oil massage, or 精油按摩 (jīng yóu àn mó), is known for its ability to relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility. It is also believed to have a range of other health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, improving sleep quality, and promoting detoxification.

精油按摩
jīng yóu àn mó
oil massage
literally "essential-oil-massage"

NOTE

Please note that oil massage can vary in intensity. If you go to a place that specializes in TCM-style massage, your experience will be much more intense. This kind of massage is called "meridian" therapy, which helps relieve muscle tension using essential oils.

精油推经络
jīng yóu tuī jīng luò
hot meridian oil physical therapy
literally "oil-meridian"

05. Head Massage & Shoulder Massage

If you don't like a full-body massage (全身按摩 quán shēn àn mó), consider a head or shoulder massage. These treatments focus on relieving tension in specific areas like the neck, shoulders, and head, offering a more localized yet deeply relaxing experience.

头部按摩
tóu bù àn mó
head massage
literally "head-part-massage"

肩颈按摩
jiān jǐng àn mó
shoulder and neck massage
literally "shoulder-neck-massage"

NOTE

Keep in mind that head and shoulder massages are typically shorter in duration compared to full-body massages.

06. Hot Stone Massage

One more technique of massage that offers relaxing experience is 热石按摩 (rè shí àn mó), also known as hot stone massage.

The stones are placed on specific points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.

热石按摩
rè shí àn mó
hot stone massage
literally "hot-stone-massage"

NOTE

If you're concerned about high temperatures, don't worry - during a hot stone massage, the therapist will heat the stones to a comfortable temperature that won't cause discomfort. If at any point during the massage you feel that the stones are too hot, you can always let your therapist know by saying:

有点儿热，可以调低一点儿温度吗？
Yǒu diǎnr rè, kě yǐ tiáo dī yī diǎnr wēn dù ma?
It's a bit hot. Can you lower the temperature?

Worth Trying: 采耳

If you've ever walked by a massage salon, you might have noticed a treatment with the character 耳 (ěr) in its name, which refers to the traditional practice of 采耳 (cǎi ěr), or ear scooping. 采耳 (cǎi ěr) is believed to have originated thousands of years ago and is still practiced in some parts of China.

采耳
cǎi ěr
ear scooping
literally "to pick-ear"

During a 采耳 (cǎi ěr) session, a small, scoop-shaped tool called an 耳勺 (ěr sháo) is used to gently scrape and scoop out earwax from the ear canal.

Some people find the sensation of having their ears cleaned to be soothing and calming. Have you ever tried this treatment in China?

Useful Phrases for Your Massage Session

If you feel uncomfortable during a massage session, you can politely ask the massage therapist to lighten the pressure by saying:

有点儿疼，你可以轻一点儿吗？
Yǒu diǎnr téng, nǐ kě yǐ qīng yī diǎnr ma?
It hurts a little. Can you be gentler?

If you want the therapist to press harder on specific areas, you can say:

你可以帮我多按几下吗？
Nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ duō àn jǐ xià ma?
Can you press it a few more times?

重一点儿。
Zhòng yī diǎnr.
A bit heavier.

来源：That's Mandarin
编辑：万月英