February 1998

Healthful massage

By Sally Tse

Living in a busy, fast-paced city like Hong Kong, people rely on massage for relaxation.

Body massage services in Hong Kong are divided into two main streams: Chinese, with Shanghai characteristics; and Western, with Swiss influence.

Chinese body massage is designed mainly for healing and strengthening of one’s physical health.

Many people seek massage for relaxation from a busy life.
Photo by Amy Tse

Mr. Michael Ng, who has provided massage services for about 20 years, explained the characteristics of Oriental body massage.

“Chinese massage concentrates on the reflex zones of the body. They are nerve joints where internal communication between distant parts of the body takes place.

“By massaging these areas, we smooth the circulation around the zones and certain organs linked to those nerves.

“As nutrients and oxygen are more effectively transported to the defected organs or muscles, the healing process completes sooner.

“Transpiration of hormones is also accelerated.

“Hormone-related problems such as acne and abnormal menstruation are eased.”

Phillip Wain International is a well-known local health club.

Massagers provide Western-style body massage to customers.

Photo courtesy of Philip Wain International

Miss Jess Wong, public relations officer of Phillip Wain International, said, “Through better circulation of body fluids like lymph fluids and blood, the metabolic rate is enhanced and the body functions more efficiently and smoothly.”

Both Mr. Ng and Miss Wong agreed that body massage helps to relieve tense and stiffened muscles.

“It is particularly helpful for people with incorrect posture,” said Mr. Ng.

However, Miss Wong pointed out that Chinese massage aims at healing and strengthening, while Western massage is mainly designed to relax muscle’s stress.

In any event, not everyone should have body massage.

According to Miss Wong, patients with skin diseases are among restricted groups because skin disease bacteria can be transferred from infected areas to the other parts of the body through massage.

“Besides, pregnant women should not have body massage for fear that the pressure imposed may hurt the fetus. And elderly people whose bones are more brittle and fragile should not receive strong massage, too,” said Miss Wong.

Miss Yeung Kit Ching, a masseuse at Muscari Beauty Centre, said that body massage can be dangerous for people with heart disease or asthma.

People should be careful when they look for massage services because there is no licensing policy to guarantee the quality of massagers in Hong Kong.

Mr. Ng took a full-time course in medical studies, including body massage, in his high school.

He said that thorough understanding and knowledge of the skeletal and muscular structures of people are crucial.

“As Oriental body massage is a way of curing disease, it requires professional knowledge, like ordinary medical doctors.”

[Hong Kong Observatory]