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For the people of Hsinchu, in northern Taiwan, knife massage is very popular. Traditional Chinese therapeutic culture is diverse with many unique forms. Among them, knife massage (Dao Liao) is an ancient therapeutic technique used for over 2,000 years. This method has been passed down to the present day thanks to Chinese Buddhist monks. When monks spread the word and brought knife massage culture to Japan over 1,000 years ago, Japanese samurai even adapted it to use swords.
This method is very simple. The therapist preparing to perform the treatment will sharpen the knife on a wet stone. The type of knife used is a large-bladed milling cutter.
The type of knife used for massage is a large-bladed knife.Photo: CNN.
Clients sit upright in a chair or lie face down on a bed. A towel is placed over their backs, and lubricating cream or tiger balm is applied to their shoulders while they receive a gentle massage to relax. Then, the therapist skillfully taps or strokes the handle of a knife along the client's sore areas, improving blood circulation, releasing stagnant energy, and eliminating toxins. Moving the sharp knife handle with just the right amount of pressure will alleviate the client's aches and pains.
Each massage session typically lasts about 30 minutes and costs up to $15 (approximately 300,000 VND). At well-known massage parlors, customers even have to queue for a long time to wait for their turn to be "charged".
In a knife massage shop in TaipeiPhoto: magovine.
According to 51-year-old Pan Wen Hsiung, owner of a popular knife massage parlor on Sungkiang Road, his clients are typically between 30 and 70 years old. They suffer from chronic ailments such as joint pain, spinal problems, insomnia, hyperthyroidism, or stomach or intestinal issues. It is believed that knife massage not only alleviates pain but also cures these conditions. A few use the therapy hoping to lose weight. Many of the customers are foreigners who come here as tourists and are curious to experience this unique service.
Explaining the mechanism of knife massage, Mr. Pan said: "Knife massage is based on the principle of a lightning rod. The knife massage will transfer pain away from the body through the knife. When the knife touches the skin, neutrons from the edge of the metal will interact with protons from the problem point on the body, giving the patient the sensation of energy flowing through, thus relieving the pain."
He added that knife massage is also related to acupuncture. Although the knives function similarly to acupuncture needles, they don't actually penetrate the skin. There is no danger from this service, even when the knives are passed vertically through the skin, but the person being treated must remain completely still.
Tourists can find massage parlors near Taipei Main Station, close to Exit Z8. These establishments offer affordable scalpel massages (approximately 190,000 VND per session). This type of massage is also available in many night markets throughout the city.
