PDF file - Community Services Center

Amy's
ultural
Corner
台
灣
Foot Massage
reflexology, relaxation and pampering
"What are they doing"
"Interesting! Does it really work"
"Does it hurt Does it really make you relax And does it also cure ailments”
It looks painful and indeed many foreigners shared
that they find their first foot massage experience to
be very uncomfortable, but that when it's over they
actually feel great.
Foot massage can be traced back thousands of years to
ancient China, when Chinese people used foot massages to
treat ailments and to stay healthy. Human feet are believed
to be closely connected to the body's vital organs. Foot
massage stimulates the acupressure points and reflex areas
in the foot to increase blood circulation and metabolism and
boost the immune system. It can also improve health.
Some thirty years ago, if you mentioned massage, others
would think you either meant to visit a 'barbershop'
or wanted to have a treatment given by a visually
impaired massage therapist. 'Barbershop' massages are
stereotypically associated with sexual services. These
shops (not actually barbershops at all, appearing to look
like a barbershop only from the outside) are recognizable
by their bright neon lights outside and darkened windows.
On the other hand, legitimate blind massage services were
commonly provided in hotel rooms or private homes. Blind
therapists either work independently on call, or in their own
shabby, rather dirty-looking premises. I remember seeing
blind therapists hopping on the back of a motorcycle to visit
a customer, and seeing them treat my father at home. Blind
people are known to have a more sensitive sense of touch
and can detect a client's problem areas more efficiently than
most sighted people.
For different reasons the circumstances surrounding both
types of massage meant most people (particularly women)
avoided them; hence in the past most massage services were
used by middle-aged or older men.
Today massage centers are often designed with a Zen
interior, wooden furniture, plasma TV, the calming sound
of flowing water, soothing scents of essential oils, green
plants and bright natural lighting from big windows. They
are now certainly attracting new customers, particularly
the groups of young women who in the past would not
even imagine passing close to a massage parlor. Massage in
Taiwan thus has successfully transformed into an industry
where presently people associate it with therapeutic
treatment and relaxation.
In Taiwan foot massage was 'rediscovered' a few decades
ago by a priest from Switzerland, Father Josef Eugster,
known in Taiwan as 'Father Wu' ( 吳 神 父 ). Foot massage
was simply a self-help therapy some 23 years ago for
Father Wu. He then began promoting the practice and
systematically developed the massage method known as foot
reflexology, which is believed to promote blood flow and
good health.
Now countless foot massage parlors bear the name of
'Father Wu', yet he recently clarified to the public that he
has never authorized anyone to use his name as a trademark.
So what does a foot massage session involve Most foot
massage treatments in Taiwan start with a hot footbath in
Chinese herbal water (the design of these hot water tubs
is often unique and interesting). Generally you also get a
five-minute shoulder and neck rub before beginning the
foot massage session. Massage therapists use their hands,
and sometimes a short wooden massage stick and some
cream to rub, press and push mainly on customers' feet,
while some may work on the calves and up to the knees.
While in session, foot therapists often chat and share that
a healthy person will not feel pain, while a painful spot
reflects a disorder in the associated organ, and that the sore
spots disappear when the ailment is healed. I always seem
to feel that not one organ in my body is healthy at the end
of the session. Nonetheless I do feel relaxed and energized
afterwards. The session is completed with a thorough
cleanse of hot towels to remove traces of cream on the foot
and legs, leaving your feet very warm and relaxed.
In Taiwan, foot massage has been well received and is a
leisure activity appreciated by the locals, while also becoming
popular among international tourists and expatriates living
in Taiwan. The largest concentration of foot massage
businesses can be found by walking along Taipei's Minquan
East Road or Linsen North Road, around tourist spots such
as Danshui, or at night-markets. Night-markets offer the
cheapest rate at about NT$400 for a half-hour massage.
Currently, the price for a foot massage elsewhere is between
NT$500 and NT$700 for thirty minutes. However, since
there is no regulation, the service can vary.
Most foot massage shops in Taiwan are cozy, clean and
peaceful. Unbelievably some of them are open 24 hours
a day and offer various services including (apart from the
standard foot massage) shoulder, neck, head, or wholebody
massage. For someone who is new to the experience,
Taiwanese-style foot massage can be quite forceful and may
be painful. Don't be shy to ask your masseur to relax and
massage more gently. I assure you that you will get used to
this form of relaxing reflexology and want to go back for
more. It surely is good for your health!
Apr 10
7