A Story About Chinese Deep Massage 中国传统内功推拿

Chinese traditional internal massage

Many years ago, in Shanghai, there was a well-known massage practitioner named Ma Wanlong.This was in the 1930s, long before modern gyms or medical imaging existed.

At that time, people believed one simple idea: The condition of the body can often be felt through touch and movement. Ma Wanlong often said to his students: "Deep massage is not only about feeling good. It is like a mirror — It reflects the current condition of the body."

Deep Massage Is the Body Giving Feedback

During deep massage, some people feel deeply relaxed. Others may notice clear sensitivity or soreness in certain areas. In traditional massage culture, this is not considered a bad sign. It is simply the body giving feedback.When soreness appears during or after a session, it often means that this area has been under long-term tension, repeated overuse, or limited circulation.This is not an injury. It means the muscle’s tolerance and recovery ability have not yet caught up with daily demands. It is like a machine that hasn’t been serviced for a long time.

Why Deep Massage Is Not for Everyone at the Start

Ma Wanlong followed one important principle: If a person’s overall condition is weak or sensitive, the goal is not to use stronger pressure, but to help the body rebuild its foundation first.

Traditionally, this was described as “low internal strength.” In modern terms, it simply means: The body’s recovery and adaptation capacity is not ready yet. In these cases, gentle breathing, standing, or relaxation practices are suggested first. Deeper massage is introduced gradually, as the body adapts. This is not a step backward. It allows the body to move forward more safely and sustainably.

Why Soreness Can Appear After Deep Massage

This is a very common question, especially for first-time clients. From both traditional experience and modern physiology, this response is normal.

There are usually three reasons:

• Deep muscles are being activated.​ Similar to soreness after exercise.

• Circulation increases in the area.​ The body is adjusting and rebalancing.

• Tight tissues begin to release.​ The body needs time to adapt to the new state.

This sensation usually relieves naturally within 1–3 days. As the body adapts, future deep massage sessions often feel more comfortable.

Why We Suggest Simple Movement and Breathing

There is a traditional saying in internal massage practice: "Deep massage gives the body a push. Practice helps the body stand on its own." Relying only on deep massage may bring slower change. When combined with gentle practice, results are more stable and lasting.

These practices may include:

• Standing exercises to build overall stability.

• Relaxation movements to absorb changes after massage.

• Deep breathing to support circulation.

• Gentle stretching to reduce recurring tension.

  
  

The True Purpose of Deep Massage

In this tradition, deep massage is not a one-time solution. It is a long-term process of listening to and maintaining the body. It helps you understand where your body is right now. Which areas need more attention. And how much potential your body still has. This is the core spirit passed down through Shanghai-style internal massage.

海派内功推拿的故事

很多年前，在上海，有一位非常有名的推拿师，叫马万龙。那是上世纪三十年代，人们还没有现代的健身房，也没有影像检查设备。当时的人相信一件事：身体好不好，用手一摸、一推，就能感觉出来。马万龙常对学生说：“深度推拿，不只是为了舒服，它更像一面镜子，用来反映一个人的身体状态。”

深度推拿，是身体在“回答问题”

在深度推拿中，有些人会觉得非常放松。而有些人，在某些部位会明显感觉到酸、痛或不适。

在传统推拿文化中，这并不被看作坏事。相反，这是身体在给出反馈。如果在推拿过程中，或按摩后几天，某块肌肉感觉特别酸或疼，通常说明——这部分肌肉长期处于紧张、使用过度或循环不足的状态。这不是受伤，而是肌肉的耐受力、恢复能力，暂时跟不上身体的使用需求。就像一台很久没有保养的机器。

为什么一开始不一定适合很深的按摩

马万龙当年有一个很重要的原则：如果一个人的整体状态偏弱，推拿师首先要做的，不是用更大的力，而是帮助身体建立基础能力。传统里称之为“正气不足”。用现代的话说，就是——身体的恢复能力和耐受能力还没准备好。所以在这种情况下，会先建议一些温和的呼吸、站立或放松练习。等身体适应之后，再逐步进入更深层的按摩。这不是退一步，而是为了让身体走得更稳、更远。

为什么深度按摩后会酸

这是很多第一次体验深度按摩的人都会问的问题。从传统经验和现代生理学来看，这种反应是常见且正常的。

主要有三个原因：

• 深层肌肉被唤醒。​ 就像久未运动后进行了一次训练。

• 局部循环加快。​ 身体在进行代谢和调整。

• 紧张与粘连开始松动。​ 身体需要时间重新适应新的状态。

通常这种感觉会在 1–3 天内自然缓解。随着身体逐渐适应，后续的深度按摩往往会越来越舒服。

为什么建议配合简单练习

传统内功推拿中有一句话：“深度推拿，是帮身体一把；练习，是让身体自己站稳。” 如果只依赖深度推拿，身体的变化会比较慢。但配合温和的练习，效果会更稳定，也更持久。

这些练习包括：

站立练习，帮助身体建立整体稳定；

放松练习，让身体更容易吸收按摩后的变化；

深呼吸，支持循环；

温和拉伸，减少再次紧绷。

深度推拿的真正意义

在这套文化中，深度推拿不是一次性的“解决问题”，而是一个认识身体、理解身体、长期维护身体的过程。它帮助你了解，你的身体目前处在哪个状态，哪些部位需要更多关注，以及身体还有多大的提升空间。这，正是一直传承下来的核心精神——海派内功推拿。