Massage glossary — 40+ terms in 4 languages

Also known as: Massage traditionnel chinois · Traditionele Chinese massage · 中式传统按摩

Traditional Chinese massage works with deep, rhythmic pressure along the body’s energy pathways to unwind tension that settles deep in the muscles. At Zenland in Brussels it is the foundational full-body technique — suitable for beginners and the best starting point if you want genuinely deep, thorough work.

Also known as: Massage des tissus profonds · Diepe bindweefselmassage · 深层组织按摩

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia with slow, sustained pressure rather than force. It suits chronic tightness or old tension; at Zenland the deep, rhythmic work of Traditional Chinese Massage and the Neck-Shoulder-Back course are the closest matches.

Also known as: Massage suédois · Zweedse massage · 瑞典式按摩

Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes with oil to relax the whole body and ease everyday stress. At Zenland the Relaxation & Tension Relief course teaches this gentle, flowing style — the classic feel-good massage.

Also known as: Massage aux pierres chaudes · Massage met warme stenen · 热石按摩

Hot stone massage places smooth, heated basalt stones on the back and uses them to warm the muscles so tension melts without deep pressure. Zenland’s Hot Stone course teaches the technique in small groups or privately, including all safety basics.

Also known as: Massage sportif · Sportmassage · 运动按摩

Sports massage is a purposeful, faster massage for people who train — before, between, or after exercise — to improve performance and speed up recovery. Zenland’s Sports Massage course covers warm-up strokes, recovery work and simple stretching.

Also known as: Réflexologie · Reflexologie · 足底反射疗法

Reflexology applies targeted thumb pressure to reflex points on the feet that map to the whole body, supporting relaxation and general balance. Zenland’s Foot Reflexology course is beginner-friendly and works mainly on the feet, lower leg and energy flow.

Also known as: Massage du visage · Gezichtsmassage · 面部按摩

Facial massage uses gentle, precise fingerwork on the face and neck to boost circulation, relax the jaw and give a natural glow. Zenland teaches it as a standalone course — a calm, delicate massage you can practise on friends and family.

Also known as: Massage de la tête et du cuir chevelu · Hoofd- en hoofdhuidmassage · 头部按摩

Head and scalp massage is a rhythmic, oil-free massage of the scalp, neck and shoulders that releases tension and helps with headaches and stress. It is one of the easiest massages to learn and a favourite for gifting.

Also known as: Massage cou-nuque-dos · Nek-schouder-rugmassage · 颈肩背按摩

Neck, shoulder and back massage targets the areas where desk and screen tension collects, using steady medium-to-deep pressure. Zenland’s course of the same name is the most practical option for anyone with office tightness.

Also known as: Massage en couple · Koppelmassage · 双人按摩

Couple massage is a shared session where two people learn to give each other a relaxing massage — no previous experience needed. Zenland teaches it in a fun, beginner-friendly way, ideal for partners, friends or family.

Also known as: Cours d’introduction · Introductieles · 体验课

The introduction class is a 60-minute one-to-one taster where you feel how Wen teaches before committing to a full course. At €59 it is the standard first step — you learn a few basics and try the hands-on feel yourself.

Also known as: Tuina · Tuina · 推拿

Tuina is the traditional Chinese manipulative therapy behind many Chinese massage techniques — rhythmic pushing, kneading and pressing along energy meridians. Zenland’s Traditional Chinese Massage course draws directly on this tradition.

Also known as: Shiatsu · Shiatsu · 指压（日式）

Shiatsu is a Japanese finger-pressure therapy that works on the same energy principles as acupuncture, but without needles. Zenland does not teach shiatsu — if you prefer traditional Chinese deep-pressure work, see Traditional Chinese Massage.

Also known as: Massage thaïlandais · Thaise massage · 泰式按摩

Thai massage is an energetic, assisted-stretching massage performed on a mat, often described as “lazy yoga”. Zenland does not teach Thai massage — our courses focus on table-based Western and Chinese techniques.

Also known as: Massage prénatal · Zwangerschapsmassage · 孕期按摩

Prenatal massage is massage adapted for pregnancy, using side-lying positions and adjusted pressure. At Zenland we advise expectant mothers to check first with their midwife or doctor, and we tailor sessions to your comfort on request.

Also known as: Acupression · Acupressuur · 穴位指压

Acupressure applies firm fingertip pressure to acupoints to encourage the body’s own healing and relaxation — recognisable as “acupuncture without needles”. Zenland’s Foot Reflexology course uses the same meridian thinking via the feet.

Also known as: Massage des points gâchettes · Triggerpointmassage · 扳机点按摩

Trigger point massage focuses on specific tight “knots” in a muscle that can refer pain elsewhere, using sustained pressure to release them. Zenland’s Neck-Shoulder-Back course covers the trigger-point work most office workers need.

Also known as: Relaxation myofasciale · Myofasciale release · 筋膜放松

Myofascial release uses slow, sustained stretching of the fascia — the connective tissue around muscles — to restore mobility and ease stiffness. The slow, flowing work in Zenland’s Relaxation & Tension Relief course is the closest match.

Also known as: Drainage lymphatique · Lymfedrainage · 淋巴引流按摩

Lymphatic drainage is a feather-light, rhythmic massage that helps the body’s lymph system move fluids, often used on the face to reduce puffiness. Zenland’s Facial Massage course includes gentle lymph-focused strokes.

Also known as: Massage à l’aromathérapie · Aromatherapiemassage · 精油芳香按摩

Aromatherapy massage combines massage with essential oils chosen for their calming or energising effects. Zenland’s Relaxation & Tension Relief course uses quality oils and a calm atmosphere as standard.

Also known as: Étirements en massage · Rekken in massage · 按摩拉伸

Stretching within a massage session lengthens muscles and joints at the end of the work, improving flexibility and preventing stiffness. Zenland’s Sports Massage course teaches simple assisted stretches to finish the session.

Also known as: Massage du cou · Nekmassage · 颈部按摩

Neck massage releases the tension people carry in the cervical area, often from screens and posture. It is a core part of Zenland’s Neck, Shoulder & Back course.

Also known as: Massage des épaules · Schoudermassage · 肩部按摩

Shoulder massage targets the trapezius and shoulder girdle, where stress and desk work settle hardest. Learn it properly in Zenland’s Neck, Shoulder & Back course.

Also known as: Massage du dos · Rugmassage · 背部按摩

Back massage is one of the most requested massages — it unwinds the large back muscles and improves mobility. Zenland’s Neck, Shoulder & Back course builds it from the ground up, and Hot Stone adds heat-assisted depth.

Also known as: Massage des pieds · Voetmassage · 足部按摩

Foot massage stimulates reflex points on the soles to relax the whole body (see reflexology). Zenland teaches it in the dedicated Foot Reflexology course.

Also known as: Massage du visage · Gezichtsmassage · 面部按摩

Face massage uses slow, gentle strokes to relax the jaw and facial muscles, improve tone and give a natural glow. Zenland teaches Facial Massage as its own course.

Also known as: Massage du cuir chevelu · Hoofdhuidmassage · 头皮按摩

Scalp massage is a rhythmic, oil-free massage that releases tension around the head, temples and neck. Zenland’s Head & Scalp course is quick to learn and very giftable.

Also known as: Tensions de bureau · Kantoorspanning · 久坐办公紧张

Desk and office tension typically shows up as tight neck, shoulders and upper back. Zenland’s Neck, Shoulder & Back course is the practical fix — you learn to relieve it on yourself and others.

Also known as: Massage anti-stress · Antistressmassage · 减压按摩

Massage for stress relief uses slow, rhythmic strokes to calm the nervous system and lower tension. Zenland’s Relaxation & Tension Relief course is built exactly for this.

Also known as: Massage contre les maux de tête · Massage tegen hoofdpijn · 缓解头痛按摩

Headache and migraine-prone tension often starts in the scalp, temples and neck. Zenland’s Head & Scalp course teaches rhythmic release techniques for exactly these areas.

Also known as: Massage contre les maux de dos · Massage tegen rugpijn · 背部疼痛按摩

Massage for back pain — from achy stiffness to chronic tightness — focuses on the large back and glute muscles. Zenland’s Neck, Shoulder & Back course is the starting point, with deeper work available in Traditional Chinese Massage.

Also known as: Massage de récupération sportive · Herstelmassage na sport · 运动恢复按摩

Recovery massage after training reduces muscle soreness and supports faster healing. Zenland’s Sports Massage course covers post-workout strokes, stretching and prevention.

Also known as: Massage pour mieux dormir · Massage voor een betere slaap · 助眠按摩

A relaxing massage in the evening calms the nervous system and supports deeper sleep. Zenland’s Relaxation & Tension Relief and Foot Reflexology courses both suit this goal.

Also known as: Massage pour la circulation · Massage voor de bloedsomloop · 促进循环按摩

Massage stimulates blood and lymph flow, which helps energy, warmth and recovery. Zenland’s Foot Reflexology course is the classic route to better circulation from the feet up.