【Learn Chinese】How to get a Massage in China

Massage, or 按摩 (ànmó), 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!
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 (tuīná), 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.
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.

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 (mángrén ànmó) - blind 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.

03. Foot Massage
Foot massage, known as 足部按摩 (zúbù ànmó) 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.

04. Oil Massage
Oil massage, or 精油按摩 (jīngyóu ànmó), 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.

05. Head Massage & Shoulder Massage
If you don’t like a full-body massage (全身按摩 quánshēn ànmó), 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 (tóubù ànmó) - head massage
肩颈按摩 (jiān jǐng ànmó) - shoulder and neck massage

06. Hot Stone Massage
One more technique of massage that offers relaxing experience is 热石按摩 (rèshí ànmó), 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.

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？(yǒudiǎnr téng, nǐ kěyǐ qīng yìdiǎnr 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 kěyǐ bāng wǒ duō àn jǐ xià ma) - Can you press it a few more times?
重一点儿。(zhòng yìdiǎnr) - A bit heavier.