The art of knife-wielding is wide and varied across the world, albeit most regard it as a practice confined to the kitchen, applied primarily to preparing and enhancing the more commonly loved art of food.

And then, when it is regarded with the appreciation it deserves, not many would think to behold a knife as an instrument for relaxation.

Over 2,000 years ago, however, Buddhist monks hailing from China did embrace the blade as a medical apparatus used in a form massage therapy call dao liao, or “knife massage.” And of late, knife massages have resurfaced as a cutting edge technique for holistic wellbeing.

A History in Health

It’s easy to merely glance at a unique trend and think it new or potentially inane, particularly when it is one that has not previously emerged here in the United States. When it comes to knife massages, however, that could not be less true.

“Buddhist monks offered knife massages to the severely ill after more traditional medicinal methods failed to cure them during the Han and Tang Dynasties,” according to National Geographic. “Although the practice fell out of favor in China for unknown reasons, the uncanny tradition still thrives in Taiwan today.”

Moreover, the Taiwanese dao liao center in Taipei continues the tradition by training and treating patients from all over the world not only in the practice of their blades, but in qi (the flow of energy through the body), as well as a form of nutritional guidance focused on the circulatory system.

A Mystical, Magnetic Method

The methodology of the knife massage is rooted in energy; specifically that of qi and karma. Before laying down for the 70-minute knife massage (completed with blunted blades to open the qi points, not sharpened ones), patients actually go through a series of exercises.

While wielding “cosmic sticks,” these exercises are reportedly completed to balance one’s energy, thereby rendering the knife massage itself more effective in releasing both negative energy and karma.

But what about the power of the knives? Where do they allegedly receive the ability to achieve this feat? The answer: magnetic meteorites.

“Soon after arriving, [my massage therapist] showed me five meteorites sitting at the side of the room,” explained BBC reporter Louise Watt of her own experience. “Practitioners believe the meteorites have healing powers for the body, mind, and spirit, and place the knives next to them to recharge.”

A Slice of Relaxation That’s Closer to Home

While an in-depth massage using unorthodox techniques and apparatuses may be of interest to you, you may not currently be in the position to actually purchase an overseas plane ticket to achieve as much.

The good news? Traditional massage therapy methods are just as effective in helping you to indulge and unwind. And when you book with Massage Theory, you can trust that your relaxation — as well as your health — are in good hands.

Whether you’re searching for a relaxing hot stone massage, a couples massage, or even a targeted pain massage, Massage Theory has got you covered. Contact us today by calling our Yulee location at (904) 849-7777 or our Jacksonville Beach location at (904) 746-0411 to learn more!