Shanghai is a metropolis in eastern china and is located in the middle part of the coast of the mainland in China.  The Chinese characters for Shanghai mean “up, high, top, on, above, and sea.”  In the 19^th century, Shanghai grew in importance due to its port location.  However, this large city is also famous for eastern massage therapy.  Massage therapy has its roots in China and is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine.  Massage therapy has many benefits including: increased circulation and digestion, decreased heart rate, relaxation and rejuvenation, elimination of harmful waste products and toxins, reduction in hyper-irritable areas in muscles, reduction of headaches and muscle aches, skin clarity, diminished appearance of cellulite, etc.  Massage therapists learn many different techniques in massage school and differ somewhat from east to west.  However, the basic techniques are the same including: Effluerage, Pettrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Myofascial release, Trigger-point release, Cyriax friction, muscle stripping, Cranial-sacral technique, Shiatsu, Rain-drop technique, and hot-stone massage.  Massage is always performed in the direction of the heart. 

Where can massage therapists practice?

Therapists have the option to practice massage in shanghai in a variety of settings.  Such settings include: spas, health clubs and wellness centers, hospitals, cruise ships, chiropractic offices, acupuncture office, physical therapy rehabilitation facilities, corporate events, athletic events, bridal parties, etc.  The massage therapist will instruct the client to disrobe to his or her comfort level realizing that the more one disrobes the easier it will be for the therapist to access their musculature.  At this time, they will also instruct the client how to get onto the table either prone (face down) or supine (face up).  Post massage, the therapist will provide water to the client and explain to them the importance of drinking added water after a massage.  This will help to eliminate any harmful toxins or waste products such as lactic acid from the body.  On average, an individual should drink half their body weight in ounces per day.

Who practices oriental massage?  Well, everyone who is a massage therapist does!  Oriental massage is the eastern ancient art of practicing massage therapy.  Massage therapists employ the following techniques: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, muscle stripping, Cyriax friction, and hydrotherapy application.  Some massage therapist’s further practice eastern modalities by taking Shiatsu, Thai massage, Cranial Sacral technique, and rain-drop technique.  Massage schools are becoming more frequent in the United States; colleges are now recognizing the importance of this profession and offering certification programs.  These programs are usually 500-1000 hours in duration and focus on many different subject areas.  These course areas include human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, and clinical application.  More and more schools are implementing externships and internships within their curriculums.  This allows the therapist to gain additional information and practice before entering real-life situations.  Massage therapists may also choose to take the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or N.C.B.T.M.B. test.   

Massage therapists in Chiropractic offices

Employing massage therapists in chiropractic settings is the perfect balance and harmony of two professions.  The massage therapists work on the muscle imbalance while the chiropractor works on balancing the nervous system through manipulation of the spine and/or extremities.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and body part in the human body.  A chiropractor will look for subluxation within the spine and/or extremities.  A subluxation is the mis-alignment of a vertebra or bone that may put additional pressure on the nerve root causing pain and inflammation.  This can cause less than optimal nervous system function, and a loss of normal range of motion.  The two professions work in conjunction to balance the muscular, skeletal, and the ever important nervous system.

Have you ever thought of becoming a massage therapist?  Well, you’re not alone!  There are thousands of massage therapists within the United States and many more becoming nationally certified by the N.C.B.T.M.B every day.  More and more institutes and colleges are offering massage therapist programs.  Most accredited institutions offer programs that are 500-hours in duration.  Massage therapy students must take the following classes: human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing, range of motion, and clinical application.  The massage techniques applicable to a therapist are Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Cross-friction massage, Cyriax friction, Shiatsu, Rain-drop therapy, Sacral-Occipital Technique, and hydrotherapy applications.  Once graduated, the new therapist has many different options for employment such as spas, cruise ships, Chiropractic offices, wellness and fitness centers, acupuncture offices, physical therapy rehabilitation, and hospitals. 

N.B.C.T.M.B.

The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork offer a specialized test to qualify candidates for national certification.  This test sets apart therapists among the field to ensure the public the highest level of safety and technique.  This certification demands that the therapist complete 50-hour of continuing education every four years with ethics being a major requirement.  In addition, they also require them to show proof of hand-on application throughout the 4-year time frame.           

A Thai massage is very different from a traditional massage.  A Thai massage is very similar to participating in a session of Pilates or yoga at the gym.  The Thai massage is typically done on the floor because there is a lot of stretching involved.  Typically the massage therapist will start with stretching your arms, hands and legs.   Normally you will come in fully clothed as you will be stretching in different positions on the floor.  

Wear comfortable clothing

It’s important to wear clothing that will be comfortable and stretchy.  The Thai massage doesn’t include lotions or oils as the massage therapist will actually use her legs and arms to help stretch and massage your entire body.  If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, the Thai massage is not for you.  It’s similar to a sports massage in that you are stretching and stimulating the blood circulation. 

Benefits

The benefits of receiving a Thai massage are truly endless.  A Thai massage can help with your blood flow and increase your overall range of motion, as it is similar to stretching before an exercise.  A Thai massage will also assist in increasing your energy and relieving stress, anxiety or depression-like symptoms. 

Finding a Thai Massage isn’t easy

Thai massage isn’t offered everywhere.  Most spas and Chiropractic offices don’t offer this type of massage, as it isn’t as popular or relaxing as the Swedish or therapeutic massages.  It takes very special hands-on training for someone to learn how to give a Thai massage.  In most cases students will have to go through a specialized program through a school that may offer additional training in Chinese or Thai massage.

A Shiatsu massage is focused around the teachings of Chinese medicine.  The Shiatsu massage helps to increase the flow of one’s energy, like many of the Chinese massages.  The Chinese believe that the natural energy should always flow through the body’s normal pathways, also called the body’s qi.   They also believe if the body’s natural qi is interrupted it can cause many different sicknesses or diseases to form within their body. 

Shiatsu Technique 

A Shiatsu massage is focused on the meridians also known as the pressure points in the body.  Massaging these pressure points help to increase a client’s circulation and release any underlying toxins.  The Chinese also believe that massaging or applying pressure on your body’s natural meridians will help to increase the flow of one’s energy.  Shiatsu massage has become very popular.  Most all major spas, resorts, rehabilitation clinics or sports therapy clinics now offer Shiatsu massage techniques. 

Benefits of Shiatsu

This massage isn’t as relaxing as a Swedish massage, as the massage therapist will be applying more pressure to the pressure points, which can be very sore or tight.  They underlying knots can be very painful at first, but once these are broken down the patient can feel more relief. It’s always important to communicate whether the massage therapist is applying too much or too little pressure to the areas within your back.  Applying too much pressure can cause severe pain to the client.  It’s vital to let your massage therapist know how much you can stand before allowing them to continue on with the massage.  This massage is a great alternative to receiving regular deep tissue, Swedish or sports therapy massages, as it helps to relieve the built up tension and tightness within your pressure points.

There are many different Asian massage therapy techniques that are used in today’s massages.  Asian massage primarily focuses on achieving relaxation, promoting energy, and concentrating  on pressure points.  The popular Shiatsu massage is an Asian massage that focuses on achieving the right energy flow and balance within the body. 

Shiatsu massage

The Shiatsu massage uses trigger points to release the stress and tension within the body.  The massage is done very slowly and a lot of pressure is put on trigger points that are found within the neck, head, feet, back and arms.

Anima massage

 The anima massage is another Asian massage technique that is used, it focuses on stretching the arms and legs to help to strengthen and stretch the body.  The anima massage techniques can be done before, after or during the massage.  This will vary with each clients massage goals.  The anima massages also facilitates in increasing the clients stamina, agility and energy balance.    

Ayurvedic technique

The third Asian technique that is popularly used is the ayurvedic technique. This is used in both Asian and Indian massages and primarily assists in reliving any heavy toxins that have built up within the body.  This is done by the massage therapist using thrusting or stroking techniques.  These techniques help to flush any of the bad toxins out while prompting the good energy in. 

Champissage technique

Another technique that is very popular is the Champissage technique.  This technique is used to help increase blood and energy flow.  Typically the massage therapist will focus on massaging the scalp or head area.  They may use oils to help facilitate with the scalp, face or head massage.  Asian techniques are found in almost all major spas and massage therapy clinics.  You can call ahead to request a brochure or listing of all of the Asian therapies and massages used.  This will also provide you of a description of the costs and procedures used in each massage.

Tanta is an ancient teaching, method and technique that originated out of India.  Tanta has become very popular today and has continued to take many different forms.  Tanta has become a great methodology to teach with Yoga as well as massage.  Tanta is true and pure spiritual teaching.  This method teaches others to use their total and clear conscious. 

Tanta Beliefs

In Tanta, a person is an actual smaller version of the universe we live in.  They believe we are also a very significant part of the world and our reactions can hold value to everything else around us. The belief system encompasses energy; consciousness and total awareness.  There are many different Tanta teachings such as Tanta massage and Tanta yoga. 

Tanta Yoga

Yoga also embraces clarity, peace and inner strength; however, the Tanta yoga is different than traditional yoga.  Tanta yoga actually encompasses the teaching of the Tanta methodology.  It focuses on achieving the total consciousness through the yoga session.  Tanta yoga focuses on the spirit along with the yoga teachings.  The methodologies work on actually wiping your slate and programmed mind clean so you can embrace total relaxation and peace.  The main mission in Tanta is to reprogram the negative things that are holding you back or limiting you from achieving your best.  Tanta believes that these thoughts are the program that is causing so much stress and negativity to occur.  The Tanta methods will actually work on changing your negative thoughts and negative energies into positive thoughts and energies.  The Tanta yoga classes are typically offered at gyms, resorts, health clubs or at yoga centers.  You can typically call and ask your local gym or fitness center whether they know of any local tantric yoga classes or sessions.

What is Tui-na?

Tui- na is an oriental massage that has been around since the Ming Dynasty and focuses on breaking down scar tissue and increasing blood flow.  When blood flow is increased, the body is able to heal faster.  The concept of this massage is kneading and stretching the muscles to enhance blood flow.  There are both physical and psychological health benefits to this massage and people believe it teaches the body to heal itself.  For this reason, it is believed to be the complete body healer in Chinese medicine.  Tui-na massage is said to be beneficial to the following conditions: sports injuries, ankle pain, wrist pain, back pain, headaches, neck pain, stress, diabetes, low energy, and emotional problems. 

The Process for Receiving a Tui-na Massage

Every massage therapist will be different, but there are some basic steps that will occur at every establishment.  First, the massage therapist will conduct a meeting to determine what is wrong with the client.  Sometimes, the therapist will check the patient’s blood pressure or heart rate.  There may be a quick meeting discuss the patient’s lifestyle and changes that need to take place after the massage to help the healing process.  Before the massage begins, the client will be asked to remove their jewelry and shoes.  Depending on the spot that needs to be massaged, clients may be asked to remove their clothes.  For example, if client is suffering from a back injury, he/she will need to remove their shirt, but will be given a clean cotton sheet to cover themselves.  The massage therapist will then proceed with the massage and use different techniques to knead and stretch tender muscles.    

A massage in Shanghai is focused around two primary teachings in China.  You have a choice of either receiving a traditional Chinese massage or a Thai massage. 

Chinese Massage

A Chinese massage is focused around the pressure points in the body.  The Chinese believe that the pressure points are essential in releasing the toxins and increasing the energy flows within the entire body.  The massage is focused around stimulating the muscles and use pulling and rubbing motions to increase the flow to the meridians within the body.  The Chinese massage process can seem somewhat abrasive as it’s not a relaxing massage such as Swedish American massage.  This massage is solely there to release any of the toxins while increasing the energy flows. It’s also an option for the patient to receive acupuncture right after the massage.  Traditionally, they will use acupuncture but you can request that this is not to be used. 

Thai Massage

The Thai massage on the other hand is a little more calming and relaxing the client, they actually use stretching techniques to help alleviate the tension before they begin to massage the client.  They also use their knees as well as their arms and legs to massage the client.  This allows the massage therapist to put larger amounts of pressure to the areas where the client may need some extra assistance.  The Thai massage is not done on a massage table, as this won’t allow the massage therapist to use their knees and legs to help stretch and massage your back and neck.  You will lie flat on a floor mat similar to an exercise mat, you are also asked to bring comfortable clothing like the clothing you would wear during a yoga session.  You can request the massage to be completed within an hour or even two hours.  The pricing will vary at each location but you can generally get a good massage within an hour time frame.  If you are looking for complete relaxation, two hours will definitely allow you to totally relax.  This is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious underlying conditions.  It’s important to always consult with your doctor before starting any massage regiment.

Thai massages are more energizing and thorough than any other types of classic massages.  Therapists will use his or her hands, knees, feet, and legs to perform yoga-like movements on their clients.  Since Thai massage is similar to yoga movements, it is also referred to as Thai Yoga Massage.  Clients will experience muscle compressions and joint mobilization during treatment.  The movements in Thai massage are so similar to yoga that many people say a session is like doing yoga without having to do the work.   

 Typical Session

During a session, the client remains fully clothed and there are no oils used.  There is a padded mat on the floor and clients are asked to wear comfortable clothes.  Sessions last about 60 minutes.  Many clients say that Thai massage has helped them relax, decrease stress, improve circulation, increase energy, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion.  Massage therapists suggest that clients do not eat a heavy meal before  a session because of the activity.  It is important that individuals inform their therapists about their complete medical history because people with certain conditions should not participate in Thai massage.  If there is any discomfort during a session, the client should always let their practitioner know.