Mommy Friend Gone Wild: Traditional Chinese Massage

When my Mommy Friend Jeannette suggested traditional Chinese massage for my next “Gone Wild ” assignment I was intrigued.  I was particularly interested in the idea because it didn’t involve physical ability, rhythm or the possibility of death.

Traditional Chinese medicine involving massage and reflexology is a science all its own rich in history.  Unlike other massages I have experienced, this massage would not be at some ritzy spa with champagne, but rather at a health clinic with green tea.

We arrived at the health clinic at about 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday and the place was jumping.  I was part of a group of 4 Mommy Friends, and we had our choice of several services including, but not limited to:

Exactly.  This health clinic was the real deal and I couldn’t wait to experience it!

The health clinic was exciting and unfamiliar.  There was plenty to do as you awaited your massage, there were leather lounge chairs, televisions and plenty of reading material.

Soon it was our turn.  Shh!  Silence is golden.

The 4 of us were able to get our own private room, complete with 4 masseuses.

I was especially interested in the reflexology aspect of our massage.  

According to Wikipedia: Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method by using the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.  


Gimme some of that!

Reflexology foot schematic

Our massage therapists arrived and placed our feet in scalding hot water.  Then they worked each foot in meticulous detail, applying pressure, kneading and even gave the soles of my feet a little spanking!  It was interesting, surprising and totally relaxing. 

My Mommy Friends and I sat and talked, drank green tea and listened to instrumental Simon and Garfunkel.  The Simon & Garfunkel was just icing on the cake, I was seriously loving this.

When my masseuse was finished with my feet and calves, she began to work on my shoulders and arms where I carry a lot of tension and a 30 pound toddler.

After 50 minutes of the amazing leg, foot and arm massage we were moved into a room with 4 tables for 10 minutes of body massage.  My masseuse was amazingly skilled, she spoke little English but enough to exclaim, “Oh my God!” when she got to my neck.  My neck is one big knot, some people think their kids are a pain in the butt; mine are a pain in the neck.  She worked out all the knots and tension and when the massage was over I felt as if I could melt into nothingness and die a happy woman.

I felt like a million bucks and it only cost me $15 plus tip.  Since when does an hour long amazing massage cost $15?  Simply amazing.

Mommy Friends, I cannot recommend traditional Chinese massage and reflexology enough.  What a relaxing and culturally rich experience, I’m already planning my return visit.