massage
Tuina (Chinese massage): The inheritance and scientific development of therapeutic techniques in traditional Chinese medicine
Tuina is one of the oldest treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses unique techniques to act on the meridians, acupoints, and musculoskeletal system of the human body. Modern scientific research has continuously confirmed its efficacy [1] [2] . At Shangyitang, our registered TCM doctors use precise tuina techniques combined with profound clinical experience to relieve pain and restore function from the root cause for various common urban pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and knee arthritis.
Is massage suitable for you?
Whether you suffer from body aches due to prolonged work postures or are looking for a drug-free, non-invasive natural treatment, massage can provide you with tangible help.
Spending more than eight hours a day in front of a computer has made neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and back tightness a daily occurrence. Painkillers only temporarily suppress the symptoms; what you need is treatment that truly addresses the root cause of the problem.
- My neck and shoulders are stiff and tight, and I feel like my head is stuck when I turn it.
- My lower back aches and feels increasingly uncomfortable after sitting for a while.
- Numbness or pain in the arm or fingers, suspected to be due to cervical spondylosis compressing a nerve.
- Stress can cause muscles to be tense for a long time, affecting sleep.
Rather than taking medicine or undergoing surgery, you prefer natural, safe, and low-side-effect methods to regulate your body and restore health from the root, rather than relying on painkillers.
- Chronic pain recurs frequently; the goal is to cure it rather than just relieve the pain.
- My knees hurt, and going up and down stairs is getting increasingly difficult.
- Looking to restore joint mobility using non-pharmacological methods
- I strained my muscles after exercise and hope to recover quickly.
The principles of massage: a comparison between traditional techniques and modern medicine
The therapeutic effects of massage can be understood from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern science [2] [3] .
Explanation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, massage, performed by a physician using their hands, employs techniques such as "pushing," "grasping," "pressing," and "rubbing" to directly target the body's meridians and acupoints . These techniques can unblock the meridians, promote the flow of Qi and blood, and restore muscle and tendon balance—that is, restore the smooth flow of Qi and blood, allowing damaged muscles and tendons to repair themselves, thereby achieving the therapeutic effect of "free flow prevents pain."
Massage not only targets localized pain points but also regulates the functions of the entire body's organs through the meridian system. For example, when treating lower back pain, the practitioner not only treats the lower back area but also performs systemic conditioning along meridians such as the bladder meridian and the Governing Vessel to achieve a holistic therapeutic effect.
Explanation by modern science
Modern research has revealed that massage exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple physiological mechanisms [2] . Massage techniques can directly stimulate soft tissues (muscles, fascia, tendons), promote local blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, accelerate the excretion of metabolic waste and the supply of nutrients, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
At the nervous system level, massage can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin (natural pain relievers) and regulate pain transmission pathways. Studies have also found that massage can promote the repair of peripheral nerve damage [5] and improve nerve function—which explains why massage is particularly effective for conditions such as cervical spondylosis and sciatica. Massage techniques can also loosen muscle adhesions, restore joint mobility, and have a direct regulatory effect on the musculoskeletal system.
Common therapeutic techniques of massage [3]
The doctor will use a combination of different techniques flexibly according to your specific condition to achieve the best treatment results.
Want to know if massage is right for you?
Our team of registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners is happy to conduct a detailed assessment for you, answer your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
The therapeutic scope of massage: applications based on empirical evidence.
Massage is a versatile therapeutic technique. Rigorous systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials have confirmed its safety and efficacy, making it a reliable and cost-effective treatment option.
The following are the main conditions for which we treat with massage, and which are supported by scientific evidence:
Chronic lower back pain
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) confirmed that massage has a significant therapeutic effect on chronic nonspecific low back pain, can effectively relieve pain and improve function, and has a high safety profile [6] .
Lumbar disc herniation
Multicenter randomized controlled trials have shown that massage combined with traditional exercise has a good clinical effect on symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, and can relieve pain and improve lumbar mobility [4] .
Chronic neck pain
Clinical studies have shown that massage (traditional Chinese medicine treatment) is an effective treatment for chronic neck pain, which can significantly reduce neck pain and stiffness and improve the range of motion of the cervical spine [8] .
Cervical nerve root lesions
Cervical spine pressing on nerve lineA systematic review and meta-analysis provided clinical evidence to support the efficacy of massage (traditional Chinese medicine treatment) for cervical nerve root lesions, which can effectively relieve arm pain and numbness caused by nerve compression in the cervical spine [9] .
Knee osteoarthritis
Randomized controlled crossover design trials have confirmed that massage has good efficacy and safety for knee osteoarthritis, and can relieve knee pain, improve joint function and quality of life [10] .
Peripheral nerve injury recovery
A review of studies revealed the mechanisms by which massage promotes the repair of peripheral nerve injuries, including promoting nerve regeneration, improving local blood supply and reducing perineurial edema [5] .
frozen shoulder
Commonly known as "frozen shoulder".Massage can effectively loosen the soft tissues that adhere to the shoulder joint, restore the range of motion of the shoulder joint, and relieve shoulder pain. Manual therapy can specifically address the anterior, posterior, and lateral limitations of the shoulder joint [1] [3] .
Muscle strain and fascia problems
Massage can directly act on damaged muscles and fascia, and through techniques such as pushing, kneading and plucking, it can loosen adhesions, relieve muscle spasms, promote blood circulation and tissue repair, and accelerate the recovery of sports injuries and chronic strains [1] [2] .
Your massage therapy experience
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. At Shangyitang, a typical massage treatment includes:
Detailed assessment and diagnosis
Your doctor will gain a comprehensive understanding of the root cause of your symptoms through consultation, palpation, and movement assessment—not only assessing the location of the pain, but also analyzing the underlying causes of the problem, including factors such as posture, lifestyle habits, and body structure, in order to develop a targeted treatment plan.
Therapeutic massage techniques
The doctor will use professional techniques such as pushing, grasping, pressing, rubbing, kneading, pinching, tapping, and patting [3] to act on the meridians, acupoints, and affected areas. The strength and speed of the techniques will be precisely adjusted according to your physical condition and tolerance. The doctor will communicate with you throughout the process to ensure that the treatment is carried out within your comfort range.
Deep manual therapy
For deeper muscle and fascia issues, doctors will use more advanced manipulation techniques, such as plucking (for muscle adhesions), traction (to release joint pressure), and shaking (to restore joint mobility). Some advanced manipulations may produce a slight soreness or swelling, which is a normal treatment response.
Function recovery and guidance
After treatment, the doctor will demonstrate suitable stretching or functional exercises [4] to help consolidate the treatment effect and prevent recurrence. These exercises are simple and easy to do and can be done at home or in the office.
Comprehensive treatment (if necessary)
Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend combining acupuncture , cupping, or herbal medicine with other traditional Chinese medicine therapies to achieve the best therapeutic effect. Massage combined with acupuncture often produces a more significant synergistic effect.
It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothing when receiving massage therapy. Drink plenty of water after treatment to help the body eliminate metabolic waste. Mild soreness after treatment is a normal reaction and usually subsides within one to two days.
Why choose Shangyitang massage therapy?
Experience, expertise, and reputation
Led by internationally renowned Dr. Zhang Yong, the clinic brings his profound knowledge and superb skills to every consultation.
A vast clinical database reflecting extensive experience and a trusted reputation.
We are deeply committed to providing Chinese medicine services in Hong Kong and strive to serve every patient with professionalism and kindness.
All of our doctors are registered Chinese medicine practitioners with the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Council and are proficient in various Chinese medicine therapies, enabling us to provide you with comprehensive treatment options.
Are you ready to begin your healing journey?
Take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you understand whether massage is the right solution for you.
Our clinic and appointment methods
Shangyitang has two clinics, each managed by an experienced registered Chinese medicine practitioner, to provide you with the most professional massage therapy.
Wan Chai Clinic
11th Floor, Yu Gang Building, 90 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Wan Chai MTR Station Exit C (near Central and Admiralty)
Appointment Method
You can directly select your doctor, date, and time through the Fresha appointment system and get instant confirmation without waiting.
WhatsApp 5427 3297 or call the clinic, and our team will arrange the most suitable time for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
[1] Medicinevolution. (nd). "How Tui Na Techniques Revolutionize Healing." MedicinEvolution Bodywork Beyond Massage.
[2] Medicinevolution. (2024). "The Science Behind Tui Na Massage: How It Works And Why It's Effective." MedicinEvolution Bodywork Beyond Massage.
[3] ResearchGate. (2015). "Research progress on the standardization of Chinese Tuina therapy: A short review." Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science.
[4] Frontiers in Neurology. (2025). "Clinical efficacy of Tuina therapy combined with traditional Chinese exercises in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation: a multicentre randomized controlled trial protocol." Frontiers in Neurology.
[5] PMC PubMed Central. (2021). "A Review on the Mechanism of Tuina Promoting the Recovery of Peripheral Nerve Injury." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
[6] PubMed & ResearchGate. (2023). "Efficacy and safety of Tuina for chronic nonspecific low back pain: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis." Medicine.
[7] PMC PubMed Central. (2021). "A Review on the Mechanism of Tuina Promoting the Recovery of Peripheral Nerve Injury." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
[8] Medical Dialogues. (2017). "Chinese massage an effective treatment for chronic neck pain." Medical Dialogues.
[9] PMC PubMed Central. (2017). "Clinical Evidence of Chinese Massage Therapy (Tui Na) for Cervical Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
[10] Frontiers in Medicine. (2023). "Efficacy and safety of Tuina (Chinese Therapeutic Massage) for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, controlled, and crossover design clinical trial." Frontiers in Medicine.