Hamad, who works at Wenzhou Panhealth Medical Center, recently visited Zhang Wenyu, a doctor as well as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Yizhichan massage therapy. Hamad wanted to alleviate the back pain and discomfort he experienced due to prolonged periods of standing during surgical procedures through this traditional massage.
During the massage session, Hamad not only experienced the therapeutic effects of this massage's rolling and pushing techniques but also learned from Zhang that Yizhichan massage therapy has a wide range of applications. It can effectively treat various medical conditions, including orthopedic injuries, internal and external ailments, women's health issues, and pediatric illnesses. Hamad also had the opportunity to try his hand at mastering the essential techniques of Yizhichan massage.
Yizhichan massage therapy, formed in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is one of the most famous schools of massage therapy in modern China. Its practitioners not only need to possess rich medical knowledge, but also need to learn doctrines of Zen Buddhism.
Wenzhou pays high attention to promoting this traditional massage therapy and has trained six inheritors and over 80 clinical physicians.
In 2017, Yizhichan massage therapy was selected as a Zhejiang provincial intangible cultural heritage item, and in 2021, Zhang was rated as a representative inheritor of this therapy.
