The short answer
You undress to your comfort level, usually keeping underwear on, and lie under a towel or sheet. The therapist uncovers only the part being worked on. Strokes are long and flowing, usually lighter and slower than acupressure, though some shops do firm oil massage too, so say what you want. It is a normal, conventional massage; you can ask for anything to stop at any time.
- In Chinese
- 精油按摩, 精油舒壓 or 油壓. Hotel spas often say aromatherapy (芳療).
- Body areas
- Back, shoulders, legs and arms, sometimes the front of the legs, neck and scalp. Never anything you do not agree to.
- Clothing
- Undress to your comfort level. Most people keep underwear on; some places give disposable underwear.
- Oil
- Yes. Ask for unscented or a light scent if fragrance bothers you.
- Setting
- A private room or a curtained space. Some places have a shower; ask.
- Pressure
- Usually light to medium. Menus called 油壓 can be firmer.
- Booking
- Booking ahead is more common than for foot massage, especially for longer sessions.
What happens
- A private space.You are shown to a room and left alone to undress and lie under the towel, usually face down.
- Draping.Only the area being worked on is uncovered, then covered again. Ask for another towel if you are cold: 請幫我把毛巾蓋好.
- Long strokes.Back, then legs, then you turn over under the towel. Say if you want lighter, firmer, or to skip an area.
- After.You may be offered a hot towel or a shower. Dress, then pay.
Oil massage is a normal massage
In Taiwan "oil massage" is an ordinary menu item at many foot and body shops, day spas and hotel spas. If you want to be sure a place is a conventional, professional business, look at how it presents itself rather than the word "oil": a clear menu with minutes and full prices, a normal booking process, and reviews that talk about the massage. How to find a professional massage
You decide what is touched. Draping, covering and the right to stop are standard. If anything makes you uncomfortable, say stop (請先停一下), get dressed and leave. Safety and consent
What to say
- 我想做放鬆的精油按摩，不要太重的力道。
I want a relaxing oil massage, not deep pressure. - 請用無香味的油。
Please use unscented oil. - 請幫我把毛巾蓋好。
Please keep me covered with the towel. - 這個部位請不要按。
Please avoid this area.
All phrase cards, shown large for the therapist
When to skip it or ask a doctor first
there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture, and it suggests asking a health care provider if you are not sure massage is right for you. Relax.tw makes no health claims. Tell the therapist about skin allergies or sensitivity to fragrance before they start.
What it costs (listed prices we checked)
| City | Listed minutes | Listed range | Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei | 60 min | NT$1,700 | 1 |
| Taipei | 90 min | NT$1,950 | 1 |
| Taipei | 120 min | NT$2,600 | 1 |
| Tainan | 60 min | NT$1,300 to NT$1,600 | 2 |
| Tainan | 90 min | NT$1,800 to NT$2,250 | 3 |
| Tainan | 120 min | NT$2,300 to NT$2,900 | 3 |
Hotel spas, Taipei, 60 min: NT$3,000 (1 places).
Hotel spas, Taipei, 90 min: NT$4,200 (1 places).
Hotel spas, Taipei, 120 min: NT$5,200 (1 places).
Prices are copied from the business's own menu on the date shown. Menus change; confirm before you go. Every listed price, with sources
Facts on this page checked 9 November 2026. Prices and policies change: confirm with the business.