An umbrella of water, a good scalp scrubbing, and a massage to relieve the week’s stress. While this may sound too good to be true, this self-care practice has a name and it’s been skyrocketing in popularity across social media: the Chinese head spa.
The Chinese head spa, traditionally known as Tui Na, is a form of Chinese medicine that combines acupressure and massage along the head, neck, shoulders, and scalp. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the Chinese head spa aims to relieve tension in these areas of the body, while also stimulating healthy hair.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na, one of the four main branches of Chinese medicine, literally means, “to push and lift.” According to Healthline, Tui Na revolves around the theory of imbalanced qi, or one’s own vital life force or energy. Imbalanced qi is thought to lead to pain, tension, and other ailments.
Like the meaning of its name, Tui Na involves pushing and lifting the body. Tui Na specialists may push or lift acupressure areas on the body, but they may also use a variety of techniques for this head spa. These might be some you’re familiar with, such as kneading, pressing, and massaging!
What Are The Benefits of Tui Na?
As Medical News Today explains, traditionally, Tui Na, or the Chinese head spa, was used to rebalance one’s qi, and hence, their overall well-being. What does this equate to in our modern day world? There are various benefits of Tui Na, from pain relief, reduced stress, improved blood circulation, digestion, respiration, and even treats premenstrual syndrome!
If you’re someone who has fractures or open wounds, it’s important to note that you should probably lay off of the Tui Na for a hot minute until you’re fully healed. Otherwise, a Tui Na massage has wonderful benefits.
Where Can I Get a Head Spa?
Even though Tui Na is traditionally Chinese, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a head spa near you! If you’re a Chicago native, there are several head spas you can definitely check out:
Chinese Foot Massage in Lakeview
TikTok user keninchicago takes us along with her for a scalp treatment at Chinese Foot Massage in the Lakeview-Lincoln Park area. From a scalp analysis, actual Tui Na, and steaming, who wouldn’t want to book an appointment right away?
TouYuanTang Spa in Wrigleyville
Kayleejochicago on TikTok gives us another insider look in TouYuanTang Spa, located on Clark Street near Wrigleyville. This particular head spa uses multi-herbal soup for their head treatments. Yes, you heard that right, SOUP!
H2O House Head & Foot Care in Lincoln Park
Yet another head spa! Aminak09 on TikTok takes us through her experience at H2O House Head & Foot Care on Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park. Aside from the super cute slippers and snacks they provided her with, this is an experience you definitely should add on to your head spa list!
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