Understanding the practice
Chinese massage and acupressure in Brussels
Massage Chinois 168 offers well-being massages inspired by traditional Chinese practices, a few minutes from the Grand Place. Here is what to know before your first visit.
What is a Chinese massage?
Chinese massage brings together various manual practices from Chinese traditions. A session may combine pressure with the fingers or palms, kneading, friction, rhythmic movements and attentive work on certain areas of the body.
Unlike acupuncture, acupressure uses no needles. It consists of applying manual pressure to specific points or areas of the body.
At Massage Chinois 168, these practices are offered for relaxation and well-being. Pressure must always remain adapted to each person's sensitivity and preferences.
- 01
Manual pressure
Pressure applied with the fingers or palms on different areas of the body.
- 02
Kneading
Movements intended to gradually work the muscles and tense areas.
- 03
Friction
More targeted and rhythmic movements, adapted to each person's comfort.
- 04
Acupressure
Manual stimulation of certain points, without the use of needles.
- 05
Full-body massage
An experience that can travel across the body from head to toe.
Benefits
A break that feels good for body and mind
A well-being massage may contribute to a feeling of relaxation, may help release some passing tension and can offer a genuine moment of disconnection.
Unwind
Take a break and slow down after a busy day, a journey or a long walk through Brussels.
Release passing tension
The massage may contribute to relaxing muscle areas that are used every day.
Feel lighter
Movements performed from head to toe may procure an overall sensation of release.
Reconnect body and mind
Take the time to breathe, to settle and to pay attention to the body's sensations.
Body map
Meridians and acupressure points
The 12 regular meridians and the two extraordinary vessels (Ren Mai and Du Mai) as described in the Chinese tradition. Pick a meridian to see its associated organ, its pathway and its major points.
Click a pathway or a point.
1 cun = the width of the receiver's thumb; it is the traditional unit of measurement.
LU · Shǒu tàiyīn fèi jīng
手太阴肺经 · Lung meridian (Hand Taiyin)
- Associated organ
- Lung
- Nature
- Yin · Metal
- Organ clock
- 03:00 – 05:00
- Classical points
- 11
Pathway
From the upper chest below the clavicle along the front-outer arm to the corner of the thumbnail.
Major points
Educational chart based on the international point nomenclature (WHO, 2008) and the classical meridian pathways. It is neither a diagnosis nor a treatment: the massage offered at Massage Chinois 168 is a non-medical wellbeing massage.
Foot reflexology
The reflex zones of the foot
In the Chinese tradition, each area of the sole corresponds to a part of the body. The foot massage often closes the “head to toe” session.
What to expect
How does a session work?
Chinese body massage and foot reflexology, step by step, so you arrive with peace of mind.
Chinese massage (Tui Na)
How does the session start?
HaiHong or a team member welcomes you, asks what bothers you (neck, back, legs, fatigue) and adjusts the pressure. You stay dressed in loose clothing; clean linen is provided.
What happens during the massage?
The work follows the meridians and acupressure points: pressing (an fa), kneading (rou fa), grasping (na fa), pushing (tui fa) and rubbing (ca fa), from head to feet, lingering on tense areas.
Is it painful?
The pressure is firm but always tuned to how you feel. Just say if it is too strong or too light and the practitioner adapts immediately.
And afterwards?
Take a few minutes to get up slowly and drink some water. A feeling of relaxation, sometimes a light warmth in the areas worked, is perfectly usual.
Foot reflexology
What does it involve?
The practitioner works the reflex zones on the sole, top and sides of the foot, each linked in the Chinese tradition to a part of the body, then moves up to the ankle and calf.
Do I take off my shoes?
Yes: only the feet and lower legs are uncovered. Feet are cleaned before the session and you stay comfortably settled.
How does it feel?
Some zones can be sensitive for a few seconds before releasing. The session ends with softer, enveloping movements.
A question, or ready to book a slot? Give us a call, we answer directly.
Call and bookSources & educational framework
Where the meridians and points shown here come from
The charts on this page follow public reference standards and classical Traditional Chinese Medicine pathways. No point, pathway or indication was invented for this website.
WHO 2008 standard acupuncture point locations
The codes used (LU, LI, ST, SP, HT, SI, BL, KI, PC, TE, GB, LR, CV, GV) and the anatomical location of each point follow the international standard published by the World Health Organization for the Western Pacific Region.
WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations (WHO, 2008)Classical pathways of the 12 meridians and the Ren Mai / Du Mai vessels
The routes, associated organ, yin/yang polarity, element (五行) and organ clock (子午流注) come from the classical TCM corpus as taught in standard acupuncture and tuina textbooks.
Foot reflexology
The reflex zone chart is a traditional teaching aid. The correspondences shown belong to tradition, not to medical consensus.
What we actually practise
Massage Chinois 168 offers manual wellbeing massage and acupressure, with no needles. The charts are only used to explain the gestures and the areas worked during a session.
“Non-medical” note: this content is provided for information and cultural interest. It is not a diagnosis, a prescription or a promise of cure, and never replaces medical advice. If you have pain, an illness, ongoing treatment or are pregnant, consult a healthcare professional and tell the team before your session.
A moment of relaxation from head to toe
- 01
Head, scalp and face
- 02
Neck, shoulders and back
- 03
Arms, hands and legs
- 04
Feet
The session can be oriented towards overall release or focus on the areas you would like to relax. Before starting, simply indicate your preferences and the level of pressure that suits you.
The areas worked on, the duration and the course of the session depend on the option chosen and must be confirmed directly with the centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Chinese massage?
Chinese massage combines various manual techniques such as pressure, kneading, friction and rhythmic movements. Depending on the practice offered, particular attention may be paid to certain areas or acupressure points.
What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Acupressure is a manual practice that uses pressure from the fingers or palms. It uses no needles. Acupuncture involves the use of needles and is a different practice.
What are the benefits of a well-being massage?
A well-being massage may help create a feeling of relaxation, release some passing tension and offer a moment of disconnection. The effects felt vary from person to person.
How does a session unfold?
After a brief chat about your preferences and any tense areas, you settle into a calm space. The practitioner then works using the chosen techniques, adjusting the pressure to how you feel. At the end of the session, a few minutes of rest help you ease back into the day.
What should I wear for a massage?
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. The practitioner adapts to what you are wearing and explains how to settle in.
Can the massage cover the whole body?
Massage Chinois 168 offers an experience that can go from head to toe. The areas worked on and the exact course of the session depend on the option chosen and on your preferences.
Can I ask for lighter or firmer pressure?
Yes. It is important to indicate your sensitivity and your preferences before and during the massage. Pressure should never be unbearable.
Do I need an appointment?
It is recommended to call the centre before your visit to check availability.
Where is Massage Chinois 168 located?
The centre is located at Rue des Chapeliers 32, 1000 Brussels, a few minutes' walk from the Grand Place, the Bourse and Brussels-Central.
Does the massage replace medical treatment?
No. The services offered are well-being massages. They do not replace a diagnosis, follow-up or treatment carried out by a healthcare professional.
The services offered by Massage Chinois 168 are intended for well-being and relaxation. They do not replace a medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. In case of pregnancy, recent injury, acute pain, fever, infection, wounds, circulatory problems, coagulation disorders or anticoagulant treatment, seek the advice of a healthcare professional and inform the team before the session.