Thousands of years ago, gifts from the natural world, blended with a sprinkling of spirituality, were brewed into ancient Chinese healing recipes, tried and tested by the great emperors and empresses. Centuries on, the dual powers of nature and energy still form the foundation of eastern spa treatments, which remain among the world’s most popular approaches to health and beauty. While the philosophy of finding wellness in nature once stretched as far as the West, it’s in the East where it has thrived, withstanding the ascent of modern medicine through generations of traditional practice and devotion.

In the present-day Orient, the quest for beauty and wellbeing is still decadently prioritised as a reward for a hardworking life and spas and healing centres are seemingly on every corner. As I took to the streets of Hong Kong in search of the enduring wisdom behind these holistic elixirs, I discovered they all share the same core principle: achieving a balanced energy flow within the body and a harmonious relationship between mind, body and spirit.

The energy of life

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says by the age of 40, the mind shows on the face. This centuries-old belief still reigns across the orient; you cannot achieve outer radiance without first ensuring inner wellness. It all begins with the cardinal icon of Eastern philosophy, an energy force known as qi. Conceptions of qi date back to the earliest recorded times of Chinese thought, and are forged on the conclusion that life, activity and the environment are intrinsically linked and that the human body is a mini universe, comprising interconnected systems that continually work to sustain a balance within the body.

Qi drives this force and within us there are two fundamental types: congenital qi is the life force we are born with and is essentially limited, comprising our basic constitution. Acquired qi is derived from our daily lifestyle habits and changes, depending on the foods we eat, the air we breathe, our balance of emotions and so on. These moving energy forces travel along invisible internal highways called meridian lines, which can become congested when the balance of yin and yang is disturbed.

The quest for balance

In a world comprising natural dualities (for example, dark and light, male and female, good and evil), many Chinese believe the mind, body and spirit make a delicate circle of balance between two opposing and yet inseparable forces called yin and yang. While all living things contain both elements, an abundance of yin is traditionally manifested in a cold, slow, reserved or passive person, and a dominant yang has a tendency to cause overheating, sensitive skin, frustration and an inability to relax. To maintain a healthy flow of qi, these dual forces need to be kept in a constant condition of balance, otherwise blockages form on the meridian lines, which can lead to disease, emotional or physical pain and a tired or unattractive appearance.

The third component of the tri-theory of ancient Chinese healing commonly practised in spas in Hong Kong is the balancing of the five elements, sometimes called the “five movements” or “five phases”. These are wood, fire, earth, water and metal and we all contain multiple influences of each. As with yin and yang, the objective is to master a combination of all five elements equally, though this is rarely achieved. The five elements live in a constant state of transformation, channelled by our energy and lifestyle influences, including seasons, weather, colours, food, times of day and sleep habits.

While Hong Kong spas and healing centres vary dramatically in price and quality, most offer treatments that focus on rebalancing yin and yang and the five elements, while removing blockages in the meridian lines. Sensory tests involving smelling a series of element-based oils can determine the current state of balance and which phases are in need of replenishing. The entire treatment is then adjusted to meet this goal, from the exotically fragrant herbal and aromatherapy products used to which parts of the body are massaged, the style of soft music played and the flavour of warming tea offered.

Ancient techniques in a modern world

Tui na massage
As with all forms of ancient massage, it’s unclear when tui na was born, but elements of it date back to as early as 1700 BCE China, during the Shang Dynasty. This traditional form of Chinese massage, still in demand in Hong Kong, can be performed on the body or face using fingers, thumbs, elbows and palms, which stimulate different acupressure points within the meridian lines. Arousing these areas is believed to relieve and revitalise weakened qi in the body, invigorate the bloodstream, improve circulation, remove toxins, appease deep muscle tension and urge the body back into a balanced state of wellbeing. Stimulating the flow of qi can also bring about emotional relief or changes in the body as the energy circulates.

Moxibustion
The Chinese traditionally believe there are 12 main and eight secondary meridian lines in the human body, and that more than 2000 acupuncture points connect with them. While stimulating these points with acupuncture needles to rejuvenate qi is commonly practised in Australia, the technique of moxibustion is believed to pre-date acupuncture and remains popular in Hong Kong. Rather than using fine needles, moxibustion engages a mystical herb known as mugwort or “moxa”, which features commonly across the ancient healing practices of many Asian cultures. The Native Americans regarded it as a sacred plant for spiritual healing, while Anglo Saxons of the Dark Ages believed it had magical properties and early 18th century Europeans were known to place it under their pillows to provoke dreams.

In the Chinese technique, the aged herb is rolled into a cigar-shaped stick and burned at one end, with the heat held over the acupuncture point for several seconds to distribute heat. This stimulates and relieves blocked qi, while removing harmful toxins and boosting circulation. Some believe moxibustion can stimulate blood flow particularly well in the pelvic area and uterus, bringing about a profound effect on female gynaecological problems and relieving the symptoms of PMS, hormonal imbalance and menopause.