Chinese Massage Vs Deep Tissue [Technique, Benefits, Cost]

Massaging has become a more acceptable form of treatment. It is no longer seen as a luxury, but people are becoming more aware of how essential these techniques are to help ensure your body functions the way it was designed to without pain.

You might need to be made aware of the various massages available. I get asked by some of my clients about Chinese Massage vs Deep Tissue massages, I will be answering this question in detail in this article.

Difference Between Chinese Massage and Deep Tissue

1. Technique

Chinese massage techniques can be divided into two categories:

Tui Na: Tui Na combines different techniques to release knots and obstructions in the body’s muscular system. Tui Na promotes euphoria, which aids in the body’s recovery, and has a wide range of remarkable physical and mental health benefits.
Zhi Ya: Zhi Ya uses pinching and exerting methods on the skin’s surface similar to those used in other Chinese treatments such as Reflexology.

Both traditional Chinese massage types aim to restore equilibrium and jump-start the body’s healing process by releasing both physical and energetic strain.

Whereas Deep Tissue massage, the techniques vary for this type of massage. During your session, you will experience deep pressure, which will help eliminate excess scar tissue in your muscles.

You might also receive trigger point therapy which entails deep pressure on the knots in your muscles until the pain subsides. This treatment helps to reduce scar tissue that forms once the muscle has been injured. It helps to encourage healing by increasing blood flow.

2. Convenience

Both types of massages need to be performed by a trained professional. Chinese massage can be done at a practice whereby the therapist has all the tools to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.

Some treatments, such as Reflexology, can be practiced on your hands at home once the professional show you the correct way. This will be given to you as part of your home care.

Deep Tissue massage, on the other hand, can be done at home. The therapist can bring a massage bed to your home and treat you if your injuries are too severe and you cannot drive to their practice.

3. Benefits

2. benefits of chinese massage vs deep tissue massage

Chinese massage is an alternative treatment that’s popular all over the world. Incorporating Chinese massage into your life has several advantages. Therapeutic touch massage, such as Chinese massage, may be an incredibly encouraging and reviving treatment for individuals feeling down or overburdened because it is based on the principle of balance.

It helps with:

Sleeping
Reduces stress and anxiety
Quiets the mind

Deep Tissue massage has both physical and mental benefits. Deep Tissue massage helps to relieve muscle pain and injuries, whereas other massage forms focus more on providing you with a sense of relaxation during your session. Yet, it can still aid in your mental relaxation. By reducing your pain, you can enjoy the basic pleasures in life.

Deep Tissue massage can help those who suffer from the following problems:

Injuries caused during sports
Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic muscle pain
Excess scar tissue
Headaches
Stiff muscles
Pinched nerves
Muscle sprains
Muscle strains

Before I see a client with severe chronic pain, I always ask if the pain has been diagnosed by a doctor. If not, I refer them to a pain specialist to ensure my client gets the best treatment possible for their discomfort.

4. Price

3. Which is costly - deep tissue or Chinese massage

A Chinese massage can cost you anywhere between $80- $245 per session, whereas a Deep Tissue massage can cost you anywhere between $80- 220 per session.

5. Frequency

It is advised to have a Chinese Massage session once a month or every six weeks to maintain the benefits of massage. Also, it’s essential to remember that an hour of massage may not always cover the entire body; instead, it may concentrate on a few specific regions based on your preferences.

If a lot of work needs to be done, your therapist might suggest longer sessions until you can be placed on a maintenance program.

Deep tissue massage is usually an hour-long session. Sometimes, it can be less if the affected area is smaller; sometimes, it might be a 90-minute session.

In severe cases, a deep tissue massage once a week will be required until the injury is healing. Once the healing process begins, and the pain is less frequent, you will need to go for a session once a month.

6. Aftercare

Once your massage session is complete, there are a few aftercare tips that you need to keep in mind as listed below.

Drink a glass of water after your massage. (After both deep tissue and Chinese massages)
Do not rinse the oil off for at least an hour. The oils get absorbed into the skin to keep it soft and hydrated (After Deep Tissue).
Do not consume alcohol or caffeine. These will dehydrate you after your session and can cause a headache. (After both Chinese and deep tissue massages)
Write down in a journal if any specific feelings came from your session (After the Chinese Massage).
After every massage, I tell my clients to apply heat to the area that has been treated. By keeping the muscles warm, they will stay loose for longer. (After both Chinese and deep tissue)

Chinese Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage[Comparison Summary]

Aspect	Chinese Massage	Deep Tissue Massage
Technique	Chinese massage techniques are designed to enhance general health by easing the passage of energy, or “qi,” throughout the body. Chinese Massage is not an area-specific massage. It is more of a full-body massage to help promote flow and overall wellness.	Deep Tissue massage uses deep pressure in specific motions to help release and reduce the amount of stiffness and pain in specific muscles. Deep Tissue massage is an area-specific technique that aims to relieve the tension that is present in specific muscles which are causing discomfort.
Benefits	Chinese massage is thought to relieve stress and tension and be good for the body and mind. Moreover, it is said to increase circulation, immunity, and healing.	Deep tissue massage has several advantages, including reducing discomfort, enhancing the range of motion, and boosting circulation.
Purpose	Its foundation is the idea that the body is a network of energy channels, or meridians, that travel throughout your body to your organs. Chinese massage therapy releases blockages and encourages equilibrium in the body’s energy system by applying the pinch and push technique.	It is used to treat injuries and ailments of the musculoskeletal system. It frequently works in conjunction with other techniques like chiropractic and physiotherapy. To address particular issues, therapists employ a range of approaches. Techniques such as trigger point therapy, stretching, muscle manipulation, and mobilization are used.
Price	$80- $245 per session	$80- $220 per session

Which Type of Massage Is Best For You – Deep Tissue Or Chinese?

Deep Tissue massage might be a better choice if you want to treat a specific injury or condition. Those who engage in physically demanding hobbies, like cycling, or have an injury or persistent discomfort are the most significant candidates for Deep Tissue massage.

However, Chinese massage may be a better choice if you simply want to relax and unwind. From a professional’s point of view, Chinese massage helps your body maintain balance. If you are feeling low and need a holistic pick-me-up, and you do not have a specific area of pain, Chinese Massage is the best choice for you.

Both of these treatments can work well together. Talk to a trained professional who can help incorporate both into your life so that you can get the physical, psychological, and holistic benefits from both these massages.