In ancient times, massage was known as "anmo" or "anqiao" and was a traditional Chinese therapy for preventing and treating diseases. Before the use of herbal medicines, massage was already being used to treat illnesses. The development of massage techniques can be traced back more than 5,000 years. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, there were even positions such as massage doctors and massage therapists. The theory behind massage therapy is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the theory of meridians and collaterals. Meridians are the pathways through which qi and blood flow in the human body, connecting various organs and limbs. They play a vital role in promoting the circulation of qi and blood, balancing yin and yang, nourishing the organs, and facilitating joint movement. When the flow of qi and blood in the meridians is smooth, a person will naturally be in good health. However, if there is blockage or stagnation in the meridians, diseases may occur. Massage therapy aims to unblock the meridians and restore the balance of yin and yang, thereby maintaining a healthy state.
Massage therapy has evolved into hundreds of different schools and styles. While there are various techniques, they all require basic movements that are powerful, even, gentle, and deep. This is because all massage techniques trace back to the same origins.
Massage therapy is a widely applicable treatment method suitable for the elderly, adults, children, and women. It has minimal side effects and can be used as a self-care method for general health. However, achieving individualized treatment based on the person and their condition requires highly skilled massage therapists. To proficiently apply massage techniques, one must not only understand the anatomy of the human body in terms of bones, blood vessels, and muscles from a Western medicine perspective but also have a solid understanding of traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory and be knowledgeable about the location of various acupoints.
