Getting a Massage in China

A long, long time ago (2009 to be precise) I wrote about getting my first massage in China. Well, here it is on 2013 and I finally got my second massage, and my third, and my….well now I think I’m addicted.
I think China is kind of famous for massages, right? Well, at least of the ‘happy ending’ variety. And yes, while those are available, for the most part massage is a very legitimate health-based activity here in China.
When I first went, I went to a pretty basic place. 50rmb (about $8) for an hour long foot massage (in which they also massage your back). But now with my new found appreciation for massage I’ve been trying different places. I’ve been to ones ranging from 100rmb ($16) to almost 200rmb. It’s easy to find more expensive places than that, but is it really necessary? I don’t think so. After all, the cheaper ones feel so good anyway.
And they offer so much more than just a massage. The rooms, usually big enough for 1-3 people, have TV’s, snacks and tea they come in regularly to refill. At one place they gave us some delicious hot lychee soup. My chinese friend Justin explained that it was a kind of Chinese medicine. That drinking this soup after a massage was good for you. I’m not sure if it was good, but it was delicious.
For the most part, Chinese massages are incredibly painful. They really grind deep into your muscles. And if they find a knot or tension they dig and and don’t let up till it’s gone. The masseuse might be a cute little 90-pound girl, but don’t let that fool you. The cute ones are just as ruthless as the strong guys. All my Chinese friends tell me that the pain is good for you, and while it might feel horrible while your going through it, the next day you will feel great. Or so they say. I’ve woken up the next day feeling pretty sore.
They have the pretty standard equipment. For the back massage you lie down on a table with a cut out area for your head. And thank god because while I remain silent my face definitely contorts in pain throughout. One place had a nice bowl of rocks and flowers in water under the bed so you could look at it while they were massaging you.
But no matter how much pain they give you during, they usually finish you off right. With a face and head massage. While I wanted to burst out laughing when one lady massaged my eyeballs, for the most part it is incredibly relaxing. And since there is no time limit your allowed to stay in the room and sleep or relax for as long as you want. Once me and my friend were supposed to meet other people after our massage. But we were so relaxed we fell asleep for 30 minutes. They didn’t bother us at all and would let us stay longer if we wanted.

One friday night my friend Jason and I lucked out. Since the place was pretty full they offered us the VIP room for the regular price. And because they were busy we had awhile in our room to play before the massage started. They offered us nice robes to change into and the room had beds with flowing canopies and a bathroom with a giant stone tub. It was beautiful. And while they massaged us they played soothing traditional Chinese music with the sound of birds chirping and water flowing. Not bad for $30.

I’m glad I rediscovered the joys of massage in China. It’s good for you, cheap and kinda feels good (okay, even I’ll admit you get used to the pain after awhile.) If you ever come to China, it is an experience you should definitely try!