Experience the Healing Power of Knife Massage in Taipei, Taiwan
Knife massage may look intimidating, but practitioners insist it can draw out negative energy and alleviate various ailments. In Taiwan, interest in this wellness technique is on the rise. Jamie Fullerton explores this unique treatment in the serene surroundings of Taipei.
Hsiao Mei-Fang, head of Taipei’s Ancient Art of Knife Massage Education Centre, guided me in a unique exercise to perceive chi, or life force, while surrounded by large boulders purported to be meteorites. This pleasant garden, located in Zhuzihu—part of Yangmingshan National Park—serves as an ideal setting for the practice.
Hsiao suggested that the environment enhances the chi that we can perceive. As my colleague Netty practiced with wooden sticks, I concentrated but felt no noticeable change, leading Hsiao to assert that my “chi door was not open” due to fatigue.
Unveiling the Ancient Art
Hsiao aims to revive the ancient practice of knife massage, known in Taiwan as dao liao, which some believe dates back 2,500 years to mainland China. Originally performed by monks, these treatments involved blunted metal instruments to extract negative energy from the body. The skill made its way to Japan during the Tang dynasty but did not arrive in Taiwan until after the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
Initially a niche treatment, knife massage has become more mainstream, particularly in Taipei’s holistic therapy circles. Hsiao, a holistic therapist and teacher, embraced dao liao after being introduced to it by a student fifteen years ago.
After trying knife massage, Hsiao experienced a soothing warmth and improved sleep, even claiming to have stopped seeing “weird ghosts” that troubled her. Now, her team offers dao liao in 36 centers across Taiwan, where they frequently recharge their steel knives with chi beside the alleged meteorites.
Despite my skepticism towards mystical practices, Hsiao shared her insights, comparing the perception of chi to an X-ray, albeit with a more esoteric touch.
Finding Balance with Knife Massage
During the session, Hsiao encouraged me to experience the knife massage personally. Sitting at the edge of a massage table, I felt an invigorating pummelling as students expertly worked the knives against my back. Surprisingly, the experience felt consistently enjoyable without the discomfort sometimes associated with traditional massage techniques.
Following the treatment, I felt refreshed, yet still puzzled by the elusive nature of chi. Netty cheerfully noted how many women learn to perceive chi for personal relationships, bringing a sense of humor to the situation. I reflect on the potential implications of such skills.
As I returned to the bustling city, I noticed a difference in myself from before the session. While no supernatural insights appeared, I felt more alert and present, attesting to the unique benefits of knife massage.
Knife massage not only presents a fascinating cultural experience but also emphasizes a connection between body and energy, making it a worthwhile exploration during your visit to Taipei.
The Ancient Art of Knife Massage Education Centre, located on the seventh floor of Cosmos Hotel Taipei, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 9 PM (closed Mondays).
