A Chinese Foot Massage

How would you feel about having a foot massage for a full 50 minutes?  It seems that it is now the rage (or even the norm) in Hong Kong for the yuppie crowd to do!  So, based on our friend Samuel’s very (very) strong recommendation, we agreed to all go have our feet rubbed on Sunday night.

Not being a big fan of massages in general, I was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea.  But, I say
“when in Rome, do as the Romans”…  Samuel made the appointment for 9:15pm that night.  I was surprise to find out that many of these legitimate massage places are opened until 1 or 2am.  The massage parlor is like a high-end spa with plush leather chairs and flat screen TVs to watch your favorite show as you get your treatment. 

Samuel had warned Joe and I that at times the massage can be ‘a little’ uncomfortable.  The therapists use foot reflexology techniques by putting pressure on different parts of your feet and calves.

The session started off with us soaking our feet in a medicated bath and then having our feet and calves rubbed with essential oils by the male masseuse.  Then, about 2 minutes into the session, I realized that it was going to be a long
48 minutes… The pain was almost  unbearable.  As the masseuse pressed against the soles of my feet or squeezed my calves, I held my breath and clenched every muscle in my body!

When the session was finally finished,
I did feel relaxed but as I let our friend Samuel know the benefits did not outweigh the pain. I think that that is the first and last Chinese foot massage for me!

P.S. Joe’s experience was very different.  He loved his massage and may now be hooked.  If you are ever in China and want a foot massage, I urge you to avoid any masseuse with funny growths on their hands and fingers as these are sure signs of pain to come.  Joe’s masseuse had hands like a banker, pretty and smooth!