As material living standards rise, people increasingly pursue health. Massage, as a physical therapy and wellness practice, is gaining popularity. However, many hold a significant misconception: that stronger pressure during massage equates to greater effectiveness.
Initially, massage often feels painful yet pleasurable. Over time, individuals may perceive the pressure as insufficient, with diminished comfort.This isn't because the pressure has lessened, but rather because the intense external force has caused localized muscle fatigue, reducing elasticity and lowering sensitivity to pain.Four fundamental principles govern massage: uniformity, gentleness, firmness, and continuity. Among these, gentleness is paramount—it distinguishes massage from harsh, unwelcome "external violence" that the body cannot tolerate. Only when techniques blend firmness with gentleness can maximum therapeutic effects be achieved. Overemphasizing force often injures patients, failing to heal and instead worsening conditions.Zhang Jiebing, a renowned physician of China's Ming Dynasty, strongly criticized practitioners who applied brute force in massage within his work "Classified Treatise on Medicine." He cautioned against the misconception that techniques must be forceful and cause pain to be effective. Another common misconception in massage concerns the timing of its application for pain relief.Some individuals seek massage immediately upon experiencing pain, believing earlier intervention will eliminate discomfort faster. However, during acute pain episodes—especially when local tissue shows significant redness and swelling—massage should be avoided. Otherwise, it may trigger acute myofascial inflammation, worsening the condition and prolonging pain duration.
In summary, the effectiveness of massage should not be judged solely by pain relief. Generally, when massage induces localized warmth or softness, mild sweating, facial flushing, belching, or flatulence, it indicates the massage has reached an effective stimulation intensity. Finally, readers are reminded to seek massage therapy primarily at hospital massage departments or licensed, professional massage establishments. Avoid unqualified small shops offering random massages!