One of the characteristics of Chinese massage is that it can often be quite brisk, as it is not just for relaxing or calming but to create a healing effect. Proficient therapists should make their manipulations persistent, forceful and rhythmic yet soft, so as to achieve pressure effects that are deep and penetrating. For instance, massage therapists may repeatedly apply a single technique hundreds of times on a frozen shoulder, time that Western therapists would spend on an entire treatment. The basic techniques of TCM massage are categorized as below:

Compression
This includes motions like pressing, nipping, stepping and twisting that direct apply pressure by the fingers, palms or other part of the limbs. For example, fingernail nipping on the groove between the nose and lip is used to regain consciousness from syncope or coma, while pressing back and forth with finger tips along the tendons is used to alleviate muscle spasm. The techniques are usually used for relieving muscular stiffness, removing blockages and promoting circulation.

Compression techniques of Chinese massage

Swing
This includes finger-pushing, rolling and kneading that stresses a coordinated action of the elbow, which makes the applied pressure act on the selected region for some time. "Pushing with One-finger Meditation" is a common technique in TCM massage; the therapist uses the thumb to push and rotate forward along a meridian, the swing frequency is usually up to 120-160 times per minute. Rolling refers to rotating the back of the hand rapidly back and forth over the body surface.

Swing techniques of Chinese massage

Friction
This includes rubbing, gilding, pushing and wiping, all of which creates heat on the body surface and enhances the circulation underneath. Gentle and rhythmic small circular movements made with the palm or fingers over the skin, which is usually used for abdominal problems; gross scrubbing motions are usually applied to the chest, back and limbs and helps to stimulate or activate a larger area.

Friction techniques of Chinese massage

Vibration
This includes rapidly vibrating, shaking or rocking a selected region to create a constant force, so as to remove stagnation, resume qi movement, release tensions and promote gastro-intestinal functioning. Massage therapists usually apply digital-shaking on the head and chest regions to relax athletes, or relieve problems like insomnia, amnesia or bowel disorders. Limb-shaking is usually applied after twisting the muscles at the end of manipulation.

Vibration techniques of Chinese massage

Percussion
To clap, strike, tap or knock the body surface with hands or tools. These techniques are usually used to ease muscular pain, numbness, spasm and headache. Fist striking is used on the back; palm patting is used on the crown of the head, waist, hip and limbs, while finger tapping is used on the head, chest and abdominal regions.

Percussion techniques of Chinese massage

Pinching and grasping
This includes the rhythmic picking up and squeezing of the soft tissues while holding, twisting, kneading or pinching with the operator's fingers. The techniques are mainly applied to regions that anchor ligaments and tendons. For example, grasping the shoulder helps to resume the flow of qi in the chest.

Grasping techniques of Chinese massage

Joint manipulation
This includes rotating, pulling, abducing and adducting actions with the body part along its axis, which helps to increase range of joint motion, and promote flexibility of the limbs and spine.

Joint manipulations of Chinese massage

In application, standard massage plans are primarily composed of the above techniques, with specific force, frequency, moving direction and duration according to the particular massage plan. A proficient massage therapist has to undergo extensive training and practice to master a variety of massage techniques.