🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Spending leisure time at a massage parlor to relax muscles often leads to illness instead. Yesterday, reporters learned from multiple hospitals in Shanghai that as health massage becomes increasingly popular, more patients are suffering from conditions caused by improper massage—some have sprained their ankles, others experienced worsened pain, and some even became paralyzed. Dr. Du Ning, head of the Trauma Department at Ruijin Hospital, emphasized that if you have an underlying condition, you must first seek medical treatment before going to a massage parlor for "relaxation."
Doctors report that the number of patients injured by improper massage has been rising. Hospitals frequently encounter cases of fractures and soft tissue injuries caused by massage. Recently, Ms. Wang, aged over 50, went to a beauty salon with friends and received a massage. Suddenly, after a strong technique applied by the masseur, she heard a “crack,” followed by severe lower back pain. X-ray examination revealed a fracture of the second lumbar transverse process. According to trauma specialists, some people receive neck massages without immediate discomfort, but the next day find they cannot move their necks—some even suffer partial cervical dislocation or paralysis. Others have suffered serious bone fractures due to back massage.
No distinction is made based on gender, age, physical strength, or whether the individual has osteoporosis—everyone receives the same standardized massage technique regardless of condition. Reporters found that with the growing number of massage parlors, few take the time to assess customers’ health status or inform them about massage indications before treatment. Additionally, many massage practitioners only have basic knowledge of acupoints and massage techniques before starting work, and some even operate without certification.
“Massage is a specialized discipline with high professional standards. As an external therapy, different goals require different techniques,” said Dr. Du Ning. “A qualified wellness masseur must possess foundational knowledge in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, along with professional skills, and must pass rigorous exams before obtaining certification. Improper massage easily damages joints, ligaments, and soft tissues.”
• Massage is for wellness, not treatment. Medical treatment techniques differ significantly from massage. Key methods in orthopedics include reduction and realignment, which are absent in massage. While massage may be used for treatment, rehabilitation, or wellness purposes, commercial massage services are primarily wellness-focused. If massage fails after repeated sessions, consult a doctor. If a massage clinic offers treatment, it must obtain a medical license.
• Wellness massage suits individuals in suboptimal health. It’s fine to get a massage when tired to relax muscles, but certain conditions make massage unsuitable. Patients with severe hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, skin diseases, or infectious diseases should avoid massage. Those with neck pain should choose massage cautiously—ideally, show your X-ray to the masseur before receiving treatment.
• Avoid massage when overly full or hungry. Elderly people, frail children, and women should generally refrain from massage.
• Massage intensity should vary by individual. Many mistakenly believe stronger pressure equals better results. Actually, optimal pressure causes slight soreness but remains tolerable—without dizziness, nausea, or palpitations. Too light pressure won’t provide benefits; too heavy pressure risks injury to ligaments, muscles, and fascia. Especially for those with heart disease or hypertension, excessive pressure may trigger relapse.