Foot Massage —

DISCOVER TAIPEI | 20 |

J apanese tourists swear by it, my Taiwanese friends believe it as a cure-all for all sorts of medical

predicaments, and holistic practitioners claim it to be the key to good health. Thousands of years ago in ancient China it was referred to as Zu-Xin-Dao or the “foot and heart way,” and mentioned in esteemed Chinese medical books such as The Internal Script of Emperor Huang. The Egyptians knew about it; inscriptions found on a physician’s tomb at Saqqara in Egypt dated 2300 B.C. corroborates

the fact. So does the Indian Ayurveda, where it is still in practice.

Have you stopped flipping through the pages? Waiting impatiently to know more? That was exactly my intention—to have you alert, curious, and eager. Now to quench your thirst for knowledge—I speak of traditional foot massage, known as Refl exology in medical jargon, which holds the key to healthy, and thereby happy, living. And before you mouth any question, read on—what follows is both interesting and fascinating.

First Things First…So what is Reflexology in the first

place? It is a natural healing art that facilitates the body’s own healing ability through skilful application of pressure on specifi c spots located on our feet. These specific spots are tiny nerve endings called reflexes, from which the unusual name is derived, and there are about 7000 such reflexes, corresponding to every single gland, organ, and system in our body. By applying pressure on a particular area we can activate a

Foot Massage — Not Mere Pedicure, But Amazing Therapy

By Monideepa Banerjee • Photo courtesy of Foot Massage Center

SPECIAL REPORTFoot Massage — Not Mere Pedicure, But Amazing Therapy

A comfy foot massage sounds good after an afternoon tea with friends. ( P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f Taichitong Foot Massage Center)

particular organ or system to bring physiological changes that eventually help cure any disorder present in a natural way.

Reflexologists claim that “Our feet form the microcosm of our bodily universe,” as the reflexes produce a geographical representation, a kind of map, that is similar to the location of all the organs in our body. The toes, thus, represent the brain and the heel is symbolic of the reproductive organs, with the rest positioned in a likewise manner. Visit any foot-massage parlor and the fi rst thing you’ll notice is a colorful ‘foot-map’ highlighting every part of the body on the foot. I have seen some bumpy wooden sleepers with this kind of map,

mostly in local shops and occasionally in a home décor store called Working House, which are highly recommended by the practitioner for their natural healing ability.

Like many other holistic medicines, this art originated in China. Its natural benefi ts have brought its practice in other parts of the world. In many developed countries, its high therapeutic benefits have seen Reflexology included in the curriculum of various schools of alternative medicine. However, recent methodology, and the foot map used, have been especially influenced by the techniques of Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist. In her book “Stories the Feet Can Tell,” published in 1938, she

documented all her cases carefully to map out the reflexes on the feet as we see them today.

How It All Started in TaiwanAlthough the benef i ts of foot

massage were known to locals for a long time, it was never used outside grandma’s domain. The commercial success of Reflexology is heavily indebted to a Christian missionary by the name of Josef Eugster, who arrived here from faraway Switzerland some thirty years back. Having suffered from a severe bout of arthritis, he began experimenting with foot massage when every other curative procedure failed to improve his condition. To his amazement



Foot Refl exology Map

he was “cured to the bone.” It piqued his interest and he started to practice his newly acquired technique on his disciples to improve their general health condition. Since he was known as Father Wu to locals, it became renowned as “Father Wu’s magic healing.”

Soon word spread and Reflexology was quickly embraced by the world of holistic Chinese medicine for its profound health benefi ts as well as relaxing power. There are over a thousand foot-massage clinics around the island, several hundred in Taipei alone. A refl exology practitioner with Giwado Chinese Medicine United Clinic says since it is a natural way of enhancing the body’s inherent healing abilities, without producing any side effects, it has gained phenomenal success in a short time, not only in Taipei but worldwide.

“Part of it is due to active patronage by Japanese tourists, who flock to clinics in ever increasing numbers,” says another practitioner from a foot-massage clinic at Huaxi Street Night Market. The market itself features in the “must-see-must-do” list of Taipei, bringing in more tourists. For many of these, a trip to Taiwan is synonymous with having a nice, warm soak in any of the city’s numerous hot springs, a rejuvenating foot massage, and a taste local delicacies like small steamed buns, pearl milk tea, etc. On enquiry, a Japanese tourist says in halting English, “Taiwan foot massage is good, very good, not pains, Bangkok

too much pain, and money cheap, feel happy.” Since he is almost a regular, visiting Taipei every half year or so, his words are evidence enough of the growing popularity of Taiwanese foot massage—I mean Refl exology.

How It WorksIt’s all about hand and foot, your

feet as canvas, practitioner’s hands as brush. With artistic sensitivity he applies pressure on the reflexes located in your feet and gently nudges them to detect any irregularities and cure them gradually, by applying more pressure.

“It is a simple process but requires a sound knowledge of the physical, physiological, nervous and metabolic systems of human beings,” enlightens a practitioner with a parlor in Tianmu. Researches have shown that over seventy percent of health-related problems are due to stress and strain that jumble up your nerves or blocks your other physiological systems. Ref lexo logy works by re leas ing stress and enhancing relaxation,in a similar fashion to acupuncture. I t c leanses the cel ls, e l iminates accumulated toxins which are the root cause of those knots in the first place, and restores the free fl ow of energy (qi) along the meridian.

He proceeds to say that when under stress or strain the body functions in Sympathetic Nervous System mode (fight or flight). By applying pressure on the reflexes the reflexologist enhances

blood circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles andtissues. This helps the body to get into the parasympathetic mode, or rest and repair stage, where its own immune system is activated, gradually helping to revitalize the intricate functioning of the various organs. It is a very slow process, as the therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace; therefore, to get good results one must continue the therapy over a sustained period.

Pointing to a foot-map, he adds that the left and right feet put together resemble the human body. The big toes are the head region; the other toes consist of the neck and shoulder section, while the heels correspond to the lower backside all the way to the rectum and reproductive organs. The rest of the organs are positioned within this framework as they appear in the body, heart, liver, stomach, etc., appearing at the midsection of the feet, just as they are positioned at the center of your body. There are in total 26 such zones and 5 major reflex areas. Massaging a particular region, one can stimulate the problematic organs, and remove the pathological disorder, if any, or simply maintain good health.



Enjoy a nice soothing foot massage and discuss your health issues with your family doctor.

Right before having a foot massage, soaking feet inside a bucket of hot water helps release tensions from the tiring day.

Foot massage has become one of the tourist’s “must-see-must-do” list of Taipei. (Photo courtesy of Taichitong Foot Massage Center)

A Bag Full of Health Benefi tsReflexology does not work the way

conventional Western medicine works –identifying the symptoms first, then diagnosing it, and finally treating it with pharmaceutical drugs or surgery to remove and alleviate the symptoms. It tackles the problem from an entirely different angle, more in a prevention-is-better-than-cure fashion, treating the body as a whole, normalizing the functions of each organ for harmonious balance between various systems, and strengthening immunity. In doing so it brings relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages.

Reflexology alleviating health prob-lems as diverse as:

. Hypertension

. Regular headaches, migraines

. Arthritis

. Insomnia

. Depression

. Metabolic disorders, stomach problems

. Backaches

. Menopausal problems

. Asthma

. Stress and fatigue

. Blood circulation disorders

. Pre Menopausal Syndrome (PMS)

In a study conducted by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a prestigious medical-research journal, Reflexology was evaluated as the most benefi cial treatment for females suffering

from PMS. The symptoms experienced are reduced considerably during treatment, and the effects sustained for over two months after treatment cessation.

Having undergone foot massage I can vouch that it is indeed a very relaxing and beneficial treatment. The first time, my reflexologist told me about some possible health problems which I was already aware of. Since she had no advance knowledge, I was surprised. When asked she showed a particular section of my right foot, where she felt some tight knots while massaging. I was heavily impressed. Thus, it may not be unjust to mention that if you feel constant pain in a particular spot during massage, or the reflexologist complains of some



The practitioners often discuss among each other to improve the accuracy and quality of foot massage benefi ts. (Photo courtesy of Taichitong Foot Massage Center)

tightness in the feet, it’s time to head for the doctor. In many cases, Reflexology has proven successful in detecting serious medical disorders by alerting the patient prior to the unfolding of more serious symptoms.

A Frequently Asked QuestionThe most frequently asked question

is probably “Does it cause pain?” Yes, it does. One can feel agonizing pain, as if someone is stabbing at the feet, but this usually does not last beyond the fi rst two/three sessions. If it does, or if you suffer some other discomfort like nausea, vomiting, etc, then it is best to consult a doctor. Reflexology is quite harmless, and side effects are unheard off; still, if one has some serious ailments, it is better to have a word with your doctor fi rst before commencement of a program. That goes for pregnant ladies as well.

Generally, the pain is the result of tensions present in the corresponding part of the body. In the beginning I felt like a cauldron of tension. But later, my feet felt so good, so buoyant and light, that I immediately made an appointment for my next visit. You can request that the reflexologist reduce the amount of pressure, if it becomes unbearable. It is important that you are relaxed, as that

is the primary goal of reflexology—to release tension and induce relaxation. A session generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It costs NT$300 to 1000 depending on the place. For good results, maintain regularity, once or twice a month. My local friends recommend going for a massage after dinner, as you can go straight to bed afterwards, feeling refreshed and relaxed. However, I am not sure whether there is a scientifi c basis to this or not.

A Global PhenomenonReflexology is integrated into

mainstream medical care in many countries, Denmark being the pioneer in this field, where there are over 3000 registered practitioners. In places like the US and China, reflexologists often

work side by side with medical doctors in hospitals, for the improvement of patients’ health. In Australia it has been found to benefit people with arthritic pain, headaches and other tension-related problems. Various researches are being conducted in various countries to shed more light on the health benefi ts of Reflexology and how it works. While researching this article, I found that Reflexology has been shown to relieve pain in terminally ill cancer patients, adding some dignity to the dying person’s life.

However, in the ROC, foot massage is included in the category of traditional or folk medicine. Maybe that is the reason why local people’s approach towards reflexology is more cosmetic, and less serious, although everyone I have spoken to mentioned its benefits. The Chinese Foot Refl exology Association (www.cfra.org.tw) has been established with the idea of promoting the age-old technique and at the same time training people to practice the art. It also offers certifi cation to the practitioner. It is located at No. 72, Section 2, Zhongxiao East Road (

), Tel: 886-2-33433926.



Can guys bear more pain? I guess girls can abide more pain in this round!

Got your foot massaged today yet?


COVER STORYTaipei's Places of Worship

Giwodo Foot Massage Clinic

Address: No. 59, Section 1, Xinsheng North Road ( ) Tel: (02) 2523-3376 Fax: (02) 2542-6077 This is the most developed foot-massage clinic and is recommended by ROC Tourism Bureau. The charge is higher but the staff speaks English. During peak Japanese tourist season, it sees a few hundred visitors per day.

Foot Massage Center

Address: No. 298, Section 2, Bade Road ( ) Tel: (02) 8772-2286 www.footmassage.com.tw

Taichitong Foot Massage Center

Address: Minquan BranchNo. 134, Section 2, Minquan East Road ( )

Tel: (02) 2571-2017

If you walk along Section 1, Minquan East Road, and Section 2, Zhongshan North Road you will notice various foot massage clinics, prominent by the hoarding of foot maps placed outside the shop.

Father Wu Health Center

Address: 12-1F, No. 68, Section 4, Renai Road ( ) Tel: (02) 2704-1215

Foot Massage Clinic

Address: No. 109-2, Section 4, Xinyi Road ( ) Tel: (02) 2700-8817

The American Club in China

Also provides refl exology sessions, on prior appointment with the health saloon. It is located at No. 47, Beian Road ( ); Tel : (02) 2885-8260.

Where to Go Foot-massage clinics are aplenty in Taipei. It’s quite a profit-churning

business, says one young proprietor, as the health-conscious local citizen prefers prevention to cure. Every locality has one or more clinics; so do morning and night markets. Both Shilin and Huaxi night markets have centers and offering good value for money—a 30-minute session costs NT$300-500. A little knowledge of Chinese is necessary if you want to converse with your reflexologist. Sit back and relax, the leather couches are quite comfortable. If you want thorough pampering of your feet, visit luxury hotels like Grand Formosa Regent, where it costs NT$1000-1200 for a 30-minute session.

“Ouch, that hurts!” (Photo courtesy of Taichitong Foot Massage Center)

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