How to Learn Chinese Massage

To work in a massage parlor you must first serve an apprenticeship.

Chinese massage, also called Tui Na massage, involves precise use of bodily pressure points to manipulate and relax muscles. Chinese massage techniques combine knowledge of anatomy with knowledge of Eastern philosophy. According to the Chan Chou Chinese Massage Hospital, well-rounded students must combine massage techniques with a working knowledge of ying-ying, viscera and the natural elements.



There are resources available to help make the learning process easier. With enough time, commitment and dedication, you can learn the basics of Chinese massage in just a few weeks. You can also continue taking steps to master Chinese massage over the coming months and years.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Invest in Chinese massage manuals. As you learn Chinese massage, you will likely be exposed to a plethora of new Chinese terms and unfamiliar medical jargon. A massage manual is the perfect educational companion for new learners in need of coaching.

2. Watch online instructional videos in Tui Na massage. Use the Internet’s wide array of resources to view educational videos that show proper Chinese massage techniques in action. The World Massage Forum website contains a number of helpful videos to guide your learning.

3. Take community education or college courses in Chinese massage. Local universities and medical colleges regularly offer classes in Chinese massage. Courses are sometimes offered as one-day or weekend community education workshops. In other cases, you may be able to find semester-long courses that emphasize both theory and practice, providing college credit for your efforts.

4. Decide on an area of specialization. Once you have learned some of the basics of Tui Na massage, you’ll need to focus your studies on a specific body part. Chinese foot massage is one of the most common areas of study. Though a Tui Na massage practitioner must be skilled in all areas of massage, it is helpful to focus intently on mastering one area at a time before moving on to the next. This is especially important if you plan on using your skills vocationally.

5. Intern or apprentice at a local Tui Na massage studio. While formalized education is very valuable, most dedicated Chinese massage learners seek experience working hands-on at massage parlors. Studying under a Tui Na master is the best way to learn more advanced techniques.

   It’s best to seek an apprenticeship only after you have studied basic theory and practice by reading massage manuals, watching videos, taking some beginner courses, and choosing an area of expertise. If you have a little learning under your belt, the Tui Na massage practitioner will be more likely to take you under his wing.

References

• Chan Chou Chinese Massage Hospital: How To Learn Chinese Massage

Resources

• “Tui Na: A Manual of Chinese Massage”; Sarah Pritchard, Dip Clin, and Cert Najing; 2010.
• “Chinese Massage Manual”; Sarah Pritchard and Julia Lloyd; 2009.
• World Massage Forum: Chinese Massage