Perhaps a cane to the back or a needle to the face are not at the top of your list of ways to relax, but don’t be so quick to skip on these massage therapies. Contrary to the more popular Swedish massages and Shiatsu techniques found in spas across the world, these lesser known massages might just offer the relief you need to power through the week.

Bamboo Massage
In place of a pair of hands, this treatment uses bamboo sticks as massage tools to roll over sore muscular spots for a deeper, firmer massage pressure. Similar to the use of elbows in some techniques, hollow bamboo canes have long been used in China to knead the knotted muscles and release tension in the body.
Where to go: Mandarin Spa
How long: 1.5hrs
Price: HK$1,900

Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga Massage is a rhythmic and deeply relaxing oil massage with roots to ancient Indian alternative medicine. It is said to detoxify the body, balance the body’s energy and soothe the nerves by using warm herb-infused oils that are massaged into the skin from scalp to sole, restoring the flow of “prana” (a Sanskrit word that refers to a body’s life force and energy).
Where to go: Iyara Spa
How long: 2hrs
Price: HK$1,650

Lymphatic Massage
A full-body treatment that is said to stimulate blood circulation, detoxification and reduce inflammation in the body by naturally draining lymph nodes, this technique can be done anywhere on the body, from back to neck to shoulders. Women on their menstrual period can also benefit from lymphatic massage therapies on the abdomen area, which can help the body relax, release tension and revitalise.
Where to go: Chuan Spa
How long: 2.5hrs
Price: HK$1,825

Five Elements Massage
A little more complex than just the typical muscle pain relief massage therapies, Five Elements Massage is a holistic technique that improves one’s mood and balances the body’s energies to realign with the person’s natural element (fire, wood, earth, metal or water). Though the Five Elements theory originates in China, cultures across Asia have translated this ancient concept into techniques of their own, such as the Balinese-inspired deep-tissue massage that uses a combination of gentle rocking, stretches and acupressure with weighted palms and gradual deep broad strokes on the body, hand, and feet to relieve muscle tension and help the body relax.
Where to go: Five Elements Habitat
How long: 2hrs
Price: HK$1,680

Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that uses the hands to press and bear down on the body’s pressure points in a rhythmic compression to channel the body’s energy, encouraging it to flow more freely. It sometimes incorporates methods of acupuncture, fire cupping, and qigong (an ancient healing technique) as well in order to loosen the joints and relieve pain. A complementary method to add to your much-needed healing experience is an abdominal detox massage Chi Nei Tsang which is meant to detoxify and energise the internal organs through a set of acupressure points around the navel to open the flow of energy plus blood and lymph circulation in the abdomen.

Where to go: Balance Health
How long: 30mins
Price: From HK$1,300 (with one consultation with a TCM-qualified doctor)

Chi Nei Tsang
An abdominal detox massage to add to your much-needed healing experience — a complementary method for most common massages — is Chi Nei Tsang, a Taoist method used to detoxify and energise the internal organs through a set of acupressure points around the navel to open the flow of energy plus blood and lymph circulation in the abdomen.

Where to go: Balance Health
How long: 1hr
Price: From HK$1,400