Zoe Chan reaps the benefits of a traditional Chinese acupressure massage.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques have become increasingly popular worldwide due to their health benefits. However, in the West, TCM has been adapted and consolidated with other techniques, often losing its original form. In Hong Kong, there are a plethora of treatment facilities where you can experience the real deal.

On a recent tram ride through Wan Chai, I stopped off to make a visit to Vassar Healthcare (1/F, Everwin Mansion, 18 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2970 3228) for a traditional acupressure massage. Acupressure involves placing pressure on different points on the body. Each pressure point has a different effect, whether it soothes muscles after exercise or relieves neck strain after a day in the office. During the treatment, the masseuse applies light to strong pressure using everything from fingers to elbows in order to alleviate any pain or tension and to increase the recipient's overall well-being.

Vassar Healthcare is a colossal clinic with years of experience and an affordable price list. The centre is divided into separate men's and women's areas, private rooms, couple's facilities, a special area for foot reflexology and even a Chinese tea pavilion. After changing into the most comfortable pyjama-like attire, my therapist explained that Chinese massages primarily aim to fix body problems rather than to relax the client, as in Western massage treatments. At that point, I put two and two together, and realized why I was wearing a shirt and trousers rather than a bathrobe: my massage was about to take a physical turn.

At the start of the acupressure massage, my therapist performed a diagnostic check on my shoulders, neck, back, waist, arms and legs while I was seated. She assessed where my body was tight, on what areas she needed to focus and asked what level of pressure I preferred. After that, I took to the massage bed and the action began. The therapist used her strength to massage different pressure points, focusing on my problem areas which were my back and shoulders. During the therapy, I actually felt like it was more of a medical treatment - body parts were mended, tights spots released. My arms were swirled, my legs stretched out. The treatment ended with a soft head massage to top off the experience and I felt invigorated.

The acupressure massage was a firm and refreshing physical journey. The next day I was still a bit sore but felt much better, indicating that the treatment was a real force with actual results. In Hong Kong, people receive acupressure massages on a weekly or monthly basis, while these types of treatments give visitors a chance to experience traditional Chinese medicine in the region where it originated.