There are several differences between traditional Chinese massage and massage taught in the U.S. The most significant is the focus on directly addressing the root cause of an individual’s chronic pain with a particular treatment rather than simply inducing a state of relaxation or bringing about temporary relief of chronic pain.

Chinese massage therapy practiced at Holistic Happy Feet, in Naples, is a natural approach to health care. As an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000 years, it combines the goal of helping the body repair itself from physical ailments and revitalizing the body and mind, as well as inducing a state of relaxation. 

Shiatsu is an ancient form of massage based on Chinese acupuncture theory that includes the use of breathing and stretching. Shiatsu can be done with clothes on or on bare skin. It’s better to perform shiatsu on bare skin using light holding to deep physical pressure applied with the palm of the hand or thumb. By stimulating acupuncture points, therapists aim to promote the flow of vital energy, also known as qi.

Tennis players and windsurfers are also benefitting from traditional Chinese massage. “It’s important for any sports enthusiast to understand that from a therapeutic perspective, it will not work if you return to the sport because you feel 40 or 50 percent better after the first treatment. There needs to be a series of 60- to 90-minute treatments every day or every other day. And you must take a break from the activity because it was the repetitive muscle movements that caused the problem. The muscles need sufficient time to recuperate, which is part of the instructions we emphasize to all our clients,” says Lola Yang, manager of Holistic Happy Feet Massage. 

“We talk with our clients and carefully listen to the words they use to describe their physical problems and limitations. As massage therapists, we also listen to their body via our hands,” advises Yang. “A traditional Chinese massage therapist is highly trained to use their hands to feel for tightness and restrictions.”

Holistic Happy Feet Massage is located 4661 Tamiami Tr. N., in Naples. For more information, call 239-465-0708 or visit HappyFeetMassageNaples.com.