Massage in Taiwan

If you have received legitimate massage in Taiwan, was it:

  • Mostly relaxing
  • Mostly painful

0 voters

Hi,

While I’m sure that someone will be unable to resist telling me where I can get my #%^ massaged in some KTV joint, I’m actually trying to start a serious thread here about legitimate massage in Taiwan, and the differences between Taiwanese massage and ordinary Western massage techniques, from a customer’s point of view.

I’m interested in knowing about your experiences and referrals, and offer some of mine as a starting point.

My Experiences:

My first experience was a partial upper body massage by a blind guy in Taipei Main Railway station. He was actually pretty good and the price was reasonable as I recall ($200 NT for 15 minutes?). He did seem to be using some deep tissue technique, but it was mostly comfortable, done in a sitting position.

My second experience was in a newly opened massage shop in my neck of the woods. They were offering special discounts to entice new customers. I made an appointment and gave it a try. When I arrived, it seemed as if no one knew I had an appointment. At about Appointment Time (AT) + 15 minutes, someone finally approached me and stuck my feet in a hot bucket of vibrating water. Wasn’t what I ordered, but it was OK after I adjusted the temp cooler to avoid having “shabu shabu” feet.

There were only a couple of other patrons, all female. The massage techs were all female, except I knew that the shop owner was male and also a massage tech. In any case, they all seemed to ignore me, despite having an appointment.

At about AT + 30 minutes, the owner rushes in and graciously motions me to a table. I fit my large frame on the smallish table and the massage begins, done by the owner. Without elaborating, the massage lasts maybe 40 minutes (was an hour appointment) and we finish up. The massage itself was quite painful. I’ve have deep tissue massage in the U.S. before, and while it was a bit painful at times, this massage was in a totally different league. I was really tempted to get up and leave more than a few times during the massage. I really ended up feeling like I’d gotten the crap kicked out of me in a back alley and also had to pay for it. I was looking forward to a relaxing 60 minutes and ended up with muscle pains in my back and neck that took almost a week to go away. It is important to say that I think this place was reputable. Everything seemed normal and mostly professional. These observations are leading me to the conclusion that this style of massage might be typical for Taiwan, and so, might be the only form available here.

Suffice it to say that what I got was not at all what I’d hoped for. The problem is that this type of massage doesn’t cut it for me and makes me think that I may have to simply skip it until I leave Taiwan.

My Questions:

  1. Does all Taiwanese massage consist predominately of painful deep tissue work (with elbows, knuckles, thumbs of the massage tech)?

  2. What are the cultural assumptions about massage therapy in Taiwan? I am getting the impression that men do not go to legitimate massage clinics here (they are only for women, and men’s massage is more KTV oriented).

  3. If there is relaxing massage in Taiwan, that is a native form, what is it called and where is it found?

  4. While I’m aware of one Forumosan who does massage (Quirk), I wonder if there are other Western-trained massage techs in Taipei plying their trades?

Thanks,

Seeker4

I have also had the kind of massage you described here in Taiwan. I’m a woman; a Taiwanese male friend took me to the place he goes. It was a professional place, and cost about NT$1,200 for an hour. I’ve gone several times; each time I was given a massage by a man, sometimes the owner. (They massaged my back, shoulders, neck, head, face, legs, arms, and as much as my chest as was decent.)
My friend told me it’s supposed to hurt. The owner told me my problem ws my qi was blocked, and so they had to force it to move. It hurt at the time, but I must say I felt much better afterward. Unlike the OP, I didn’t have any muscle pain afterward. In fact, my shoulder and lower back (problem spots for me) were much improved for at least two weeks.

Suggestion: the survey/poll at the top of this should have a third choice: Both. Relaxing and painful.

Anyway Seeker I will get back to you with more details about my experience with massages here. I don’t have the time to do that now.

When I got a massage here, I felt closer to my body because I had to convince my back that if we made it through the hour in one piece, I would never intentionally subject it to such punishment ever again. Relaxed, not exactly, although the guy was nice enough to let me wipe tears away from my eyes. I had my massage done on Minsheng E. Rd. and I swear it got worse when I told the guy, in casual conversation, that I was an English teacher. I think that’s what the nightclub thugs do as their day jobs to get themselves warmed up for their evenings. I walked (actually limped) my way home and it took 3 days for me to be able to turn my head. As for gaining full mobility of my arms without pain, that took even longer.

On the plus side, however, I learned the Chinese word for ‘pain’.

I’ve only been to a couple of places for massage. They have all been from beauticians who offer gloopy aromatherapy mud treatments, facials and the like, as well as massage. All customers and staff are women.

The massage usually hurts a fair bit. I feel dead tired and battered afterwards, but wonderful the next day.

When I’ve asked for a massage to be softer, they’ve eased off the pressure. In fact they usually ask if the pressure is okay. I get the feeling a lot of people here really like a brutal massage.

My housemate swears by her qigong master. But, again, she likes a harder massage. The best massage I’ve have in Taiwan was from a friend who is a physio.

My girlfriend tried to book her and me for one of those special offer massages, but we were told they didn

Argh! Reading about bruises reminded me of the first time I got a massage here. The xiaojie asked me if I minded if she used this smooth stone thing to bring poisons from my body and out my skin. I thought, fine, whatever… It was hideously painful and left broken blood vessels all over my neck!!!

I’ve had some pretty good massages in those open legit studios done by men.
It hurt at the time, but I felt great after. The guy said it should not hurt if you do it regularly (1x month at least), and if you relax. I found that if I breathe out as he pushes or squeezes, the pain is lessened.

I have several joint injuries which he said didn’t heal right, and blocked the qi. He also did some cupping/moxibustion (suction thing).

All this did noticeably improve my joint (especially knee and wrist) within the first 2-3 sessions.

One place I goto is on Neihu Road where my friend has a studio. The other is a place on that street with the massage parlors and KTV and used to be the Japanese district. I forget the street, but my friend is his neighbour, and so the masseur treated me nice enough. I also took my friend visiting from the US who had shoulder pain. He got beaten till his arm was like red roast beef, but the next day, his shoulder felt fantastic. Also cracked his neck, and loosened him up considerably.

I have to say for this kind of problem, I really believe in the efficacy of these traditional treatments over western science. When I goto my doctor in the US, I usually just get painkillers. whoopee.

The place above IKEA also has masseurs, old men, who do a pretty good job. Some of the women there also do legit massages that are quite therapeutic. They dig in with elbows and feet right into this ball of tightness right behind my shoulder blade. Then a hot bath afterwards helps relax the muscles and take out toxins from the skin. [note some sketchiness is associated with that place also]

I love massage and have gone to many, many places with varying degrees of satisfaction. Some of the masseusse and masseurs understand that westerner massage techniques are different from CHinese. Those who don’t know this handle you like a local, with no mercy!

I have had a few (male and female) that would not listen to my cries for them to stop or to at least lighten up their pressure. Even pulling away my leg was not an easy thing to do because of their firm grasp. Needless to say I never went back to that one for more. Then I have found others that first gently apply pressure and then increase it according to how much can be endured resulting in a satisfied, long-term customer.

L-A mentioned scraping (gua sha). This is quite common. It is most commonly done with a flat comb-like thing made from antler of water buffalo. Spoons or stones are also used. I have had it done a few times but simply cannot tolerate the extreme discomfort as they scrape my lower back. Shoulders and midback are just barely tolerable.

Cupping (which was also mentioned) has the same effect as gua sha but with less pain. The suction cups are placed on the affected area with consideration of the meridians. Sometimes they will burn a thick chinese herbal stick (jos stick?) in the cup. I have grown to like the aromatic smell and find it very soothing during the 20 or so minutes lying there. All chinese medical clinics provide this treatment. The clinic I used to go to gives a choice and combination of acupuncture, hot herbal steam treatment, cupping and/or tui na.

Both of these treatments will leave you with marks for a few days after the treatment. If you see red and blue on the back of a local’s neck and top of shoulders, they had a scraping. Round marks on the shoulder and upper back are from cupping. If you get either of these make sure that you are covered afterwards, because some foreigners might get all freaky about this. Here, these marks do not have the negative stigma as they do in the US for sure.

Now on to the types of massage. I also love tui na, pushing and pulling. They say it is Chinese massage, but I think it is a lot like Thai massage, too. Your bones and joints are maneuvered and sometimes gently shaken. They get at the blocked tissue under the bones like the scapula, or open up the hips. Larger muscles are often massaged with the elbow and strength of their entire arm. The palms of the hand are used. Fingers are used only for small delicate areas like ears or boney areas like fingers and toes. They may stand on you, sit on you, or twist you around as they push and pull. If you have a good person, who understands the body, it is tremendous! and I personally love it and a two hour session often flies by.

Tui Na even manipulates the knee cap! The first time I had this done, it was uncomfortable, but tolerable, as I could feel a “cord” under my knee cap. The second time, a week later, the size was noticably reduced and less uncomfortable. You can choose between 1, 1 1/2 or 2 hour sessions.

Another type of massage is a 2 hour lymphatic massage. This is to release the toxins in the lymphatic system. I have never done this one, because I have been having so much fun getting all the others…

Other types of massage are face massage, belly massage, ear and even eyeball massage! Oh yes! and foot massage - the really big one here. Pluses are that you don’t have to undress and for the locals it becomes a social event meeting the neighbors at the local foot masseuse. I personally find it uncomfortable and also I would rather lie down. Sessions are 15 minutes or 30 minutes. I have never seen 1 hour foot massage.

A good massuesse massuer can feel the tightness in your body and gently work to release the discomforted area. They will tell you about it from the chinese medicine point of view being a block in chi. The block forms as hard balls or cords and gets progressively larger if the situation is not corrected. In chronic cases it becomes tender to the touch. They may detect a swolleness in the area. Some like to talk a lot through out the treatment and carry on a conversation with you or the masseuse next to them. You can ask to close the curtains to lessen the conversation, Some places have private rooms. If you go regularly he/she will know what you wnat and will accommodate you.

The first massage it usually not so comfortable, because the stimulation is releasing massive doses of toxins. I never like getting the first massage after I haven’t received one in a while. Make sure that you drink a lot of water afterwards to get rid of the toxins otherwise they just stay circulating within you. You may also notice your urine is a darker for a day. Due to the toxic release, it is normal to feel tired after a massage. Sweat it out in a warm to hot bath and then relax or nap.

Emotion: Since the meridians are also connected to our emotional well-being, there may also be a release through tears. Sometimes the tearing was immediate, (but not necessarily from or in the painful physical areas), other times a bit later I will notice moisture on my cheek. A few times after a comfortable painless massage, I suddenly noticed the following day, moisture forming in my eyes. It did not affect my work and no one noticed. But I found that to be an interesting after effect.

I have found out that I resist discomfort, (ha, don’t we all to some degree!) even if I know it is beneficial to me. Through gently persistant effort, I have worked through some extreme physical discomfort and (without knowing at the time) related emotions through massage. I believe that physical, emotional and spiritual are delicately intertwined whether we know it or not. So stimulating the physical, will also have an emotional effect. It may not always be tearing, but it does subtly happen.

I could have choosen to get medicated and covered up the discomfort. In fact I did for awhile but the medications were just getting stronger and I was feeling progressively worse… It seemed like a vicious cycle, so I jumped off and tried another way like massage and a bunch of other good things.

One last thing about breathing before I end. Some one mentioned breathing. And this poster knows how to release through the exhale! Probably has training in martial arts or similar. Most people inhale and hold their breath in their chest when uncomfortable or stressed. YOu know the position…Shoulders held up, entire body tense… Release the tension, the stress, through deep exhales felt into your lower abdomen about 3 to 4 inches below your navel (dantian). Breathe is centered here, not in your chest. Exhales should be longer than inhales, as much as twice the length. Synchronize your breathing with what he/she is doing.

Well, there you have it. Some of my massage experiences in Taipei.
This may not be everybody’s cup of pu’er tea, but it sure is for me. :laughing: :laughing:

Snowdragon,

Thanks for coming back and providing such an informative reply. A lot of info there to use to continue exploring Taiwanese massage.

On that note, any other suggestions from anyone for a way to find typical Western massage in Taipei? I haven’t gotten massages in other parts of Asia, but I imagine that people like the Thais or Philipinos might have non-painful massage techniques, and might offer those services here.

Seeker4

There have been a couple of threads on massages in Taipei, including one specifically searching for Thai massage (that yielded almost no results). Some samples here:
[Massage - Good and Affordable?
[Massages
[Anyone know of a good massage place in TW?

Except for head and face massage at my favorite hair dresser back in Shanghai, I don’t think I’ve ever had a massage that didn’t hurt terribly :s even the Thai massages we got this january in Bangkok made me wince. Foot massages are almost unbearable. Probably because I don’t go often enough. But the pain usually puts me off going back soon :s

HTH
Iris

a pleasure seeker… I mean, it’s my pleasure, Seeker. …and gosh, I didn’t realize how I carried on until I just saw the length of the post…Oh well, as you can see I love it.

Just a few more comments. There is therapeutic massage and sensual massage. I think the stuff that is available is the US is a weakened version of therapeutic massage. I have had some massage there too but I don’t like it as much. And those silly chairs that you have to sit are not comfortable for me. I am sure there are good ones available in US too, but the market is different. Additionally, I think Americans are soooo uptight about touch in general.

One other thing, Seeker. Remember, the pain does not come from the masseuse or masseur but from all that is you. Those tender and sensitive areas are telling you somethin. Take time and in your quiet listen to what it is says. It aint’t easy! But you do have to go into it in order to get out of it, to break it up and be gone with it. It can be done! Be gentle with yourself. It may take time, but find someone - a massuesse, masseure, good friend or companion who can help you relax and release this dis-ease through touch. It will only get worse, if you don’t pay attention, disconnect from it, try to avoid it.

:laughing: :laughing: Don’t know why, but these are suppose to by up in the first paragraph.

:bravo:

[quote=“Snowdragon”]
One other thing, Seeker. Remember, the pain does not come from the masseuse or masseur but from all that is you. Those tender and sensitive areas are telling you somethin. Take time and in your quiet listen to what it is says. It aint’t easy! But you do have to go into it in order to get out of it, to break it up and be gone with it. It can be done! Be gentle with yourself. It may take time, but find someone - a massuesse, masseure, good friend or companion who can help you relax and release this dis-ease through touch. It will only get worse, if you don’t pay attention, disconnect from it, try to avoid it.[/quote]
OK, I just overdosed on “touchy feely” … time for a reality check. Granted, there can be all types of “stuff” in a person that would be better located without. That said, I know the difference between a little catharsis and some guy poking holes in my kidney with his elbow. The pain that I’ve been describing definitely comes from the “massacre/eur”. Massage used to mean a relaxing break from the grind.

(Clicking ruby slippers together): “There’s no place like home, there’s no place…” :pray:

Seeker4

Sounds like “gua shang”, which is popular in Asia, but has no basis in science and can actually be damaging to blood vessels if done frequently.

Snowdragon wrote:

I know what you mean, but my first reaction was: yeah, either that, or I was tearing from the extreme pain!

I also recommend the Thai massage school at Wat Po (or one of those temples in Bangkok, I forget). They did a great foot massage and back/leg/shoulder one. As snowdragon mentioned, they leverage their entire body to help loosen yours. and worked even better in the heat where your muscles are looser (same idea as to Yoga ie more efficacy in hot environment).

If you want to visit the guy I used to goto in Neihu Road, pm me. His english is decent (his wife teaches English though), but it will be much easier in Chinese. He learned this stuff while in the army, and since then has qualified in Taiwan and China.

Release the toxins? the pain is from within you? Come on sounds like a bunch of new age bullsh!t! Yeah a massage feels good cuz it is relaxing, there is no such thing as blocked chi, or toxins that you are flush out. Your turning a rub down into a religion.

For therapeutic massage, I think some temporary discomfort is OK, but sharp pain is probably not.

[quote=“Snowdragon”]Now on to the types of massage. I also love tui na, pushing and pulling. They say it is Chinese massage, but I think it is a lot like Thai massage, too.
[/quote]Tuina can be brilliant. I’ve only had it once but loved it. Like I said, a little uncomfortable at times but at the end of the session went away feeling great.[quote=“Snowdragon”]
…Since the meridians are also connected to our emotional well-being, there may also be a release through tears.[/quote]Funny, that. During the tuina I suddenly burst out laughing for no reason. It wasn’t ticklish or anything like that, just started laughing. A bit embarrassing but the masseur didn’t seem to think it strange.

“While, based on the above considerations, I can only conclude that the flushing of toxins is yet another persistent myth, this does not imply that massage is powerless to benefit the body. While massage does not appear to directly increase overall blood flow [4] it can be used to relax muscle hypertonicity. Lowering the level of muscle activity will locally both reduce the need for energy and oxygen and reduce the rate of production of metabolic wastes. It will also reduce the muscular pressure on surrounding tissues, effectively improving circulation and recovery from use. This, however, is not massage moving out toxins but massage facilitating a better homeostasis. It is just this improvement in homeostasis by which, I believe, massage facilitates recovery from exercise and allows a higher level of training to occur.”

Have a look at the full article.
ramblemuse.com/massage_today/mt_0212.html

From the above article:

[quote]
In cases where excess lymphatic fluid is produced (overloading a normally functioning lymphatic system) or in which part of the lymphatic system has been compromised, lymphatic drainage massage could be helpful in promoting the process of lymphatic filtering. The key sign here would be edema. Normally, local muscle contractions are sufficient to promote sufficient lymph drainage. A notable exception exists with breast tissue. Since there is no contractile tissue within the breast to assist lymphatic drainage, overall tissue movement becomes important [/quote]

That would be a great reason to massage your gf’s breast tissue - to assist her with her lymphatic drainage

Thai Massage was being promoted in the news here a couple months back.

Recently I went to a new Thai massage chain and got an excellent Thai massage. $1500 for 2 hours.
In Thailand of course its about $300 but that’s another story.

There was a bit of confusion with both me and the Thais trying to communicate in our second language,
Chinese. But things basically got worked out. They mumbled a few words about Farang this Farang that.
(Thai for eggplant = foreigner).

After washing my feet, I changed into some pyjamas, and we went to a large room with several mats, partitioned by curtains.
Here I enjoyed a very pleasant traditional massage that I still feel great from. It was much more what I needed.
The timer went off 2 hours later and they directed me up front for payment.