A Chinese massage costs $50 to $100 per half-hour session or $80 to $150 per hour, depending on your location and whether the massage is for simple relaxation or therapeutic treatment. Purchasing multiple sessions at once typically reduces the cost per session by $5 to $10. Some acupuncture clinics offer Chinese massage as an add-on service during an acupuncture session for $1 to $2 per minute in 10-minute increments.

Chinese massage, also called Tui Na, is one of the oldest forms of therapeutic bodywork, developed in China over 4,000 years ago. Chinese massage uses a combination of techniques at varying speeds and pressures, including acupressure, myofascial release, reflexology, stretching, and joint mobilization to increase circulation, release tension, and balance the client's energy flow, or Qi (chi).

• Being one of the four branches of traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese massage services are typically found in acupuncture clinics and wellness centers rather than day spas.
• Tui Na follows the same energy meridian lines and points used in acupuncture, but instead of needles, the therapist uses their hands.
• Additional elements sometimes incorporated into a Chinese massage are hot stones, cupping, and herbal oil remedies.

For a Chinese massage, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that stretches easily. Chinese massage often involves stretching and mobilizing joints through their full range of motion, so wear something comfortable and not restrictive for the best result.

When researching Chinese massage therapy services near you, be sure to:

• Choose a licensed and insured therapist or company that has been in business at least 5 years.
• Confirm their licensing information. Most states have an online database where you can search for a therapist's license and current status.
• If your state does not regulate massage therapy practice, look for a therapist who has at least 500 hours of training from a reputable massage therapy program, and who has trained specifically in Chinese massage, or Tui Na.
• Look for members of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
• Check out their profile and reviews on Google and Thervo.

Chinese massage requires specialized training beyond the techniques taught in most traditional massage therapy programs. Asking the right questions can help you choose the best Chinese massage service near you:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• What training and certifications do you have?
• How long have you been a massage therapist?
• How long have you been doing Chinese massage?
• Will Chinese massage help my specific problem?
• What add-on services do you offer?
• Do you require a health questionnaire?
• Do you offer a discount if I buy multiple sessions at once?