Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) massage is an ancient therapeutic method with a long history and profound cultural heritage. Based on TCM theory, it uses various techniques to act on specific parts of the body's surface, aiming to regulate physiological and pathological conditions, thereby achieving therapeutic and health-preserving purposes. Unlike some modern medical treatments, TCM massage emphasizes "syndrome differentiation and treatment." The massage therapist diagnoses the root cause of pain by touching muscles and bones, then formulates a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's specific condition. It focuses on stimulating the meridians through techniques to promote the flow of Qi and blood, balance Yin and Yang, and achieve other effects. In daily life, many people have misconceptions about TCM massage, thinking it is merely simple shoulder pinching or back tapping. However, it actually has rich connotations and significant therapeutic effects.
Old injuries encompass various types of diseases and traumas. Orthopedic old injuries are a common category, such as fractures, joint dislocations, and tendon injuries. These injuries not only cause immense pain at the time of injury but may also leave varying degrees of sequelae after recovery, affecting the patient's daily activities and work. Old injuries of the nervous system should not be overlooked, such as headaches, insomnia, and facial paralysis. These conditions may recur due to incomplete treatment of the underlying cause. Additionally, old injuries of the musculoskeletal system, such as frozen shoulder and lumbar muscle strain, are often triggered by long-term poor posture, overexertion, and other factors, and are prone to recurrence, causing significant inconvenience to patients' lives. Some old injuries in internal medicine and pediatrics, such as indigestion, constipation, infantile diarrhea, and infantile cerebral palsy, may still present symptoms after treatment and require further regulation.
After a bone injury, local bruising and swelling often occur, which can obstruct the flow of Qi and blood, thereby delaying wound healing. TCM massage, through techniques such as pressing, kneading, pushing, and rubbing, can stimulate the contraction and dilation of local blood vessels, accelerate blood flow, and thus speed up the absorption of bruising. Improved blood circulation can provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fracture ends, creating favorable conditions for bone reunion. At the same time, it can promptly remove metabolic waste and reduce local edema. Muscle spasm after a bone injury is one of the main causes of pain. Patients may maintain a certain posture for a long time to avoid pain, leading to continuous contraction of muscles around the joint, which in turn worsens the spasm and pain, forming a vicious cycle. TCM massage can relieve muscle spasms and regulate muscle tension. Through gentle kneading, tense muscle fibers can be relaxed, alleviating the spasm. As the meridians are unblocked, pain will be reduced, and joint mobility will gradually recover. From the perspective of TCM theory, bone injuries fall under the categories of "sinew injury" and "fracture," often caused by external force or by deficiency of vital Qi and weakened defensive Qi. After injury, conditions such as Qi stagnation and blood stasis, and dysfunction of internal organs may occur, manifesting as deficiency of both Qi and blood, and liver and kidney depletion. TCM massage can unblock meridians, promote Qi and blood circulation, remove blood stasis and relieve pain, prevent complications, enhance immunity, aid in overall functional recovery, and promote the patient's early rehabilitation.
For old injuries of the nervous system such as headaches and insomnia, TCM massage can regulate nerve function. By stimulating specific acupoints, it can relieve nerve tension, improve cerebral blood circulation, thereby alleviating headache symptoms and improving sleep quality. Taking insomnia as an example, a massage therapist can knead acupoints such as Taiyang (temple) and Baihui (on the top of the head) for 3-5 minutes each time to help relax the nerves and promote nerve repair, thus improving sleep. For patients with facial paralysis, TCM massage also has significant effects. By gently pressing the cheeks, corners of the mouth, and other areas with fingers for 3 minutes each time, it can help facial muscle movement and improve symptoms of facial paralysis. This is because massage can promote blood circulation in the face, stimulate nerve recovery, and gradually restore normal function to facial muscles. Additionally, for symptoms such as limb numbness and muscle atrophy caused by old nervous system injuries, the massage therapist can select acupoints like Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yangchi (TE 4) for massage, treating both the symptoms and root causes to promote nerve repair and muscle recovery.
Old injuries of the musculoskeletal system, such as frozen shoulder and lumbar muscle strain, often cause patients unbearable pain and limited mobility. TCM massage can relieve the pain caused by these conditions and improve joint mobility. Taking frozen shoulder as an example, the massage therapist can use the kneading method, gently kneading the shoulder muscles clockwise with the palm or thumb for 5-10 minutes each time, with a force that does not cause pain and makes the skin slightly red, to promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. The rolling method can also be used, rolling the back of the hand or the hypothenar eminence on the shoulder for 3-5 minutes each time, to promote circulation and prevent thrombosis. For patients with lumbar muscle strain, the massage therapist will massage the acupoints and muscles of the lower back to relieve muscle tension and spasm, reducing pain. At the same time, through appropriate joint movements, such as gently flexing and extending the wrist, ankle, and knee, 10-15 times per joint, avoiding forceful manipulation that could cause dislocation, joint flexibility can be improved.
Although TCM massage offers many benefits for old injuries, there are also many precautions to consider during treatment. First, indications and contraindications must be strictly observed. Patients with fractures or osteoporosis, especially the elderly, should not undergo massage, as manipulation may cause displacement of the fracture site or worsen osteoporosis. For those with skin damage or infection, bacteria from wounds, herpes, or burns may spread through massage, so these areas should not be massaged. Patients with advanced cancer, severe heart disease, or acute cerebral infarction are not suitable for massage, as improper manipulation may worsen their condition. Massage on the abdomen and lumbosacral area is contraindicated in pregnant women, as certain acupoints may induce uterine contractions. For patients with hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or fragile blood vessels, excessive massage force may cause subcutaneous bleeding or thrombus detachment, so force control is particularly important. Special caution is advised for patients with deep vein thrombosis or limb swelling; the affected area must not be casually massaged to prevent thrombus detachment leading to pulmonary embolism. Additionally, massage force should be tailored to the individual; excessive force may damage muscles and ligaments or even aggravate inflammation. Professional massage emphasizes "precise force application," adjusting techniques and force according to the patient's constitution and condition. The key lies in the correct application of acupoints and techniques, not brute force. Massage often requires a course of treatment. Acute issues like stiff neck or muscle spasm may show significant short-term relief, while chronic issues like lumbar muscle strain require treatment over a course, possibly lasting weeks or longer. Massage cannot eliminate pathological structures; it can only relieve symptoms such as pain caused by them. Patients with nodules or hyperplasia should first undergo imaging examinations to rule out malignant risks. When choosing a massage institution, it is essential to select a formal and professional one and assess your physical condition in advance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the massage treatment.