Tui Na · Acupressure · Meridian Therapy
Chinese TCM Massage in San Antonio
Traditional Chinese Medicine bodywork — meridian therapy, Tui Na, trigger point acupressure, cupping, and herbal foot soak — integrated with Western deep tissue technique.
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What Is Chinese TCM Massage?
Chinese massage is bodywork rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In practice it covers several related techniques: Tui Na, a firm and methodical style using rolling, kneading, pressing, and grasping along meridian pathways; acupressure, which applies sustained pressure to specific points; and meridian therapy, which works the pathways themselves rather than individual muscles. Cupping, Gua Sha, and herbal soaks sit in the same tradition.
What distinguishes Azalea Spa is that we do not treat this as a separate novelty service. Several of our therapists trained in TCM meridian work and carry 10 to 20+ years of practice, and they integrate it directly into Western massage. When a client books deep tissue for a shoulder that keeps seizing up, the therapist is not only working the muscle mechanically — they are also locating the trigger points that refer pain elsewhere and treating the meridian pathway through the area. That combination is why our deep tissue session is listed as Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Acupressure rather than deep tissue alone.
The same thinking runs through the rest of the menu. Our foot reflexology packages open with a 10-minute Chinese herbal medicine foot soak. Our Lomi Lomi and Lymphatic Drainage session blends drainage technique with meridian work. Cupping is available as a $15 add-on to any massage. If you have been searching for Chinese or Asian massage in San Antonio and want the technique rather than just the label, this is what we actually do at 13402 West Ave.
The Techniques
Tui Na meridian work, acupressure points, and the herbal tradition behind the treatments.
The Modalities
TCM Techniques We Practice
These are integrated into sessions rather than sold as separate bookings — tell your therapist what you are dealing with and they will build the session around it.
Tui Na
Rolling, kneading, pressing, and grasping applied along meridian pathways. Firm and methodical, often including gentle joint mobilization.
Trigger Point Acupressure
Sustained pressure on hyperirritable points that refer pain elsewhere — the shoulder point sending pain into the skull, for instance.
Cupping
Glass cups create suction to decompress tissue. A $15 add-on to any massage. Expect circular marks for several days afterward.
Herbal Foot Soak
A 10-minute Chinese herbal medicine soak included with every foot reflexology package, used to warm and soften tissue before pressure work.
Cupping Add-On
Available at $15 with any massage. One of our most requested therapist-recommended enhancements.
Comparison
TCM Bodywork vs. Western Massage
Different Map, Similar Depth
Deep tissue follows muscle and fascia. Tui Na follows meridian pathways. Both are firm — the difference is the route the therapist takes through your body.
Point Work vs. Broad Strokes
Acupressure holds sustained pressure on specific points. Swedish massage glides across whole regions. We use both within a single session where it helps.
Decompression vs. Compression
Most massage compresses tissue. Cupping does the opposite — it lifts and decompresses. That is why it feels unlike anything else on the menu.
Where to Start
If you are new to this, book a 60-minute therapeutic session and mention that you want meridian and acupressure work included. No special booking is needed.
Pricing
TCM Massage Pricing at Azalea Spa
TCM technique is included in our therapeutic massage tier at no surcharge. Cupping and energy hot stone are $15 add-ons; the trigger point and meridian upgrade is $20 on other services.
40 min
$70 Member / First-Time
$100 Regular
60 min
$90 Member / First-Time
$120 Regular
80 min
$110 Member / First-Time
$140 Regular
90 min
$120 Member / First-Time
$150 Regular
120 min
$180 Member / First-Time
$210 Regular
Member pricing applies to annual members ($79.99/yr) and first-time visitors.
Questions
Chinese TCM Massage Questions
What is Chinese massage?
- Chinese massage refers to bodywork rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine — chiefly Tui Na (a firm, methodical technique using rolling, kneading, and pressing), acupressure on meridian points, and meridian therapy. At Azalea Spa in San Antonio, our therapists integrate these techniques with Western deep tissue rather than offering them as separate menu items.
What is the difference between Tui Na and deep tissue massage?
- Deep tissue works muscle and fascia with sustained pressure to release tension mechanically. Tui Na follows meridian pathways and applies rhythmic rolling, pressing, and grasping along them, often including joint mobilization. Both are firm. Our therapists blend the two, which is why our deep tissue sessions include trigger point acupressure.
How much does Chinese massage cost in San Antonio?
- TCM technique is included in our therapeutic massage tier: $70 for 40 minutes, $90 for 60 minutes, $110 for 80 minutes, $120 for 90 minutes, and $180 for 120 minutes at member and first-time rates. The trigger point and meridian massage upgrade can be added to any other session for $20.
Do you offer cupping?
- Yes. Cupping is a $15 add-on to any massage and is one of our therapist-recommended enhancements. Glass cups create suction on the skin to decompress the tissue underneath. It commonly leaves circular marks for several days — plan around that if you have an event coming up.
What is an herbal foot soak?
- A 10-minute soak in warm water infused with a Traditional Chinese herbal blend, included with every foot reflexology package. It warms and softens the feet before pressure-point work, which makes the reflexology that follows more comfortable.
Is TCM massage a medical treatment?
- No. Azalea Spa provides therapeutic and relaxation massage, not medical care, and we do not diagnose or treat conditions. The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health publishes evidence summaries on Traditional Chinese Medicine — we have linked them below so you can read the research directly.
References & Further Reading
Azalea Spa provides therapeutic massage, not medical treatment. The sources below are published by the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, and the American Massage Therapy Association.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know — NIH NCCIH
- Cupping — NIH NCCIH
- Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know — NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Mind and Body Practices — NIH NCCIH
- Chronic Pain and Complementary Health Approaches — NIH NCCIH
Explore More
Related Treatments
Deep Tissue Massage San Antonio
Deep tissue integrated with trigger point acupressure.
Foot Reflexology San Antonio
Chinese herbal foot soak plus pressure-point reflexology.
Lymphatic Drainage San Antonio
Gentle drainage technique blended with meridian work.
Full Service Menu & Pricing
Every treatment with member and regular rates.
San Antonio Massage Guide
How to compare spas, styles, and therapists across the city.
Membership & Loyalty Plan
$79.99/year for $120 in credit plus member pricing.
Get Started
Book Traditional Technique
Azalea Spa
13402 West Ave, Ste 107, San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 499-0229
azaleahousespa@gmail.com
Mon-Sat 10AM-8:30PM | Sun 12PM-8PM
Looking for Chinese or Asian massage in San Antonio, TX? Azalea Spa practices Traditional Chinese Medicine bodywork — Tui Na, meridian therapy, trigger point acupressure, cupping, and herbal foot soak — integrated with Western deep tissue. Located at 13402 West Ave near North Star Mall — serving Stone Oak, Medical Center, Alamo Heights, and all of San Antonio.