Before you get a massage in Taiwan
Suletu (舒樂途) is a neutral information site about massage and body relaxation in Taiwan. We have no shop, we do not offer massages or take bookings, and we do not rank or recommend any business. This page is for visitors who want to try a foot or body massage in Taiwan: the common types, how to choose a shop, how to ask for less pressure, a short list of useful phrases, basic etiquette, and when it is better not to get a massage at all.
Common types of massage in Taiwan
Most places you walk past in Taiwan offer some mix of the three styles below. Session lengths such as 30 or 60 minutes are common, but every shop sets its own menu. Prices vary by shop, length and treatment, so ask before you start rather than assuming.
| Type | What it is | Clothing | How the pressure feels | Typical options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foot reflexology (足底按摩) | Pressure on the soles with thumbs, knuckles or a small wooden stick, usually with some work on the calves. Many sessions begin with a short foot soak. The idea that areas of the sole connect to specific organs is a traditional belief without strong scientific evidence, so think of it as a relaxing tradition, not a health treatment. | You stay dressed and roll up your trousers. | Often firm. Tender spots can feel sharp, and you can always ask for softer. | 30–60 minutes is common, sometimes with a short shoulder add-on. |
| Full-body shiatsu-style (指壓) | Pressing and kneading with fingers, palms and sometimes elbows along the back, shoulders, arms and legs. | Usually over your own clothes or loose clothes the shop provides. | Medium to firm, and easy to adjust as you go. | 60 minutes is common; 90-minute and half-body options are also seen. |
| Oil massage (油壓) | Long, gliding strokes with oil applied directly to the skin. | You usually change into disposable underwear or a gown, and areas not being worked on stay covered with a towel. | Generally gentler and smoother than the other two. | 60–90 minutes is common. |
If you are unsure which to pick, think about how you feel. After walking all day, a foot massage is an easy first try. If your neck and shoulders are stiff from travel or screens, shiatsu-style work is a common choice. If you mainly want to lie still and unwind, an oil massage tends to feel the softest.
How to choose a shop
We do not list or rank shops, because the experience depends heavily on the individual therapist and changes over time. Instead, look for these signs wherever you are:
- A clean space: fresh towels and sheets, a clean foot basin, and a tidy room.
- A clear menu and duration: before you start, you should know which treatment you are getting, how long it lasts, whether the foot soak counts toward that time, and how much it costs.
- You can stop at any time: a good therapist adjusts or stops as soon as you ask. You never have to put up with pain to be polite.
- No pressure to buy more: if you are pushed hard into upgrades, extensions or packages, it is fine to say no or simply leave.
If you are staying in Taipei, our guide to choosing a massage shop in Taipei (in Traditional Chinese) explains how to narrow things down by what you need, the time of day and the type of neighborhood, without naming any shops.
Useful phrases in English and Chinese
Therapists in Taiwan usually speak Mandarin Chinese, and how much English they speak varies from shop to shop. The easiest approach is to show them the Chinese column below on your phone. For all 30 phrases, open the full printable four-language phrase card, a Traditional Chinese page with Japanese, Korean and English columns that you can print or save as a PDF.
| English | 中文 |
|---|---|
| Could you go a little softer, please? | 可以輕一點嗎？ |
| A little firmer, please. | 可以重一點嗎？ |
| This pressure is just right. | 這個力道剛好。 |
| That hurts a little. | 有點痛。 |
| That's too painful. Please stop for a moment. | 太痛了，請先停一下。 |
| That tickles. | 會癢。 |
| Please don't press here. | 這裡不要按。 |
| How much time is left? | 還剩多久？ |
| May I use the restroom? | 我可以去一下廁所嗎？ |
| I'm a bit cold. | 有點冷。 |
| I feel dizzy. I'd like to rest for a moment. | 我覺得頭暈，想休息一下。 |
| That's enough for today, thank you. | 今天這樣就好，謝謝。 |
Gestures help too. Pointing at a spot and shaking your head works well for "not here", and a thumbs-up usually tells the therapist the pressure is fine. Before the session starts, you will often hear a question about whether the pressure is okay; answering with "This pressure is just right" or "softer" is enough.
Etiquette and what to expect
- Mention health conditions first: tell the therapist about injuries, pregnancy, medication, recent surgery, or any area you do not want touched before you lie down, not halfway through.
- Arrive a little early: a few minutes of buffer makes check-in and changing easier, and some shops shorten the session if you arrive late.
- Tipping: tipping is generally not expected in Taiwan, but practices can differ from shop to shop. If you are unsure, follow what the shop tells you.
- Ask for what you need: if you feel cold, too warm, or need the restroom, just say so. There is no need to wait until the end.
- Get up slowly: after lying down for a while, sit up slowly and take a moment before standing.
When not to get a massage today
Massage in Taiwan is a non-medical service, and therapists cannot diagnose or treat health conditions. Skip the massage for now, or check with a doctor first, if any of these apply to you:
- You have a fever or generally feel unwell.
- You have a fresh injury, such as a sprain, strain or heavy bruise.
- You have open wounds, burns, a rash or a skin infection in the area.
- You are pregnant. Ask your doctor first, and always tell the therapist.
- You take blood-thinning medication or bruise easily.
- You have had surgery recently.
If one leg is swollen, painful, warm or red after a long flight or a long trip, do not have it massaged. See a doctor as soon as possible.
During a massage, if you feel sharp pain, numbness, dizziness, chest discomfort or nausea, ask to stop right away using the phrases above, or simply sit up. If the symptoms do not ease quickly, seek medical help, and ask the shop or a companion to help you contact a clinic or hospital.
More from Suletu
Our resources page (in Traditional Chinese) collects the printable phrase card, a checklist of situations when massage is not a good idea, and a shop checklist you can use anywhere in Taiwan. This guide is also available in 日本語 and 한국어.