The Best Foot Massage Ever
You may have passed places that advertise Chinese Foot Massage and you may have even ventured into one, but I’m going to tell you about the time that I got a real one in China.
Chinese Foot Massage is an ancient practice in China and it doesn’t just focus on your feet. There are so many health benefits to massage and if anyone has figured this out, it’s the Chinese. During a trip to Seattle with a girlfriend of mine a few years ago, we wound up in Chinatown where we found our way into one such place. You can read all about that trip here.
I realize I’m going on and on, so let me break it down into useable information.
What to Expect
You might be a little taken aback when you walk into a Chinese Massage parlor. There are lines of chairs and tables all next to each other in a single room. Whether in the US or in China, this holds true. There are some places that have private rooms in the back if you prefer to pay more for a private massage.
You Keep Your Clothes On
Unless you pay for the private massage, you will leave your clothes on for Chinese massage. You will be led to a chair and seated. Sometimes, you might be offered tea or water.
There’s a Footsoak
Once you are seated and you are comfortable, you will be brought a bucket to lower your feet into. This bucket is usually filled with warm water, tea, and herbs. They will ask if it’s too hot and adjust the temperature accordingly.
You’re Going to Be There Awhile
This is where everything gets really good for you. You are likely going to be here for a while. When I was in Seattle, I was in the chair for an hour while a young man lulled me into a coma with a foot and calf massage. While in China, I was in the chair for two and a half hours!
There’s a Little Pain Involved
Massage is meant to be therapeutic. If someone just rubs on your skin for a while, that may help with circulation a little and it may feel nice, but it doesn’t aid your body in recovery and healing. In order to heal the body, there needs to be a little pain. If you are not a fan of deep tissue massage or sports massage, you may want to try those out before heading into a Chinese foot massage.
If you like these tips and want to hear more, give me a chance to tell you myself through my audiobook!
My Epic Massage in China
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let me tell you a little story. While in China in 2018, I wandered around with my friends until we found a massage parlor. We walked up a set of stairs and came upon a velvet rope and a man in a suit standing at the door. When I asked if it was a massage parlor, he smiled widely, said yes, and gestured that I walk inside. While he was holding the door open, I noticed that the massage therapists inside were scantily clad and all the rooms has doors. This was not the place for me.
I hurried out and went back to the street where my friends got a great chuckle out of the fact that I had just nearly propositioned a whore house for a massage. I also found it amusing, despite being a little embarrassed.
We continued walking and wandered street to street until we came upon it. Glass front, neon signs, CHINESE FOOT MASSAGE glowing red onto the sidewalk. I knew I had found the right place this time.
Me and two of my friends went into this shop and had the longest wait, but it was worth it. I wish that I had more pictures from in this place, but I don’t and I’m sorry. Sometimes, when I try new things, I get caught up in the novelty for myself and forget to take pictures for the blog. I’ll try to do better next time I’m in China.
We sat down and had our feet soaking in tea for about half an hour. From here, I got a foot massage, a calf massage, and even the tops of my thighs got some love. All over the clothes, I assure you. Once the feet and legs were done, the man that I had grabbed my hand and rubbed my forearm, bicep, tricep, and shoulder. Then he did the same to the other side.
He had me turn around and he rubbed my shoulders, neck, and back…all still over the clothes and it was all amazing. When we were done, he asked if he could take pictures with us. I am pretty sure that we were the only Americans that had even been in there. He was so excited.
This whole ordeal costed me only 35 Yuan. That was about $5 American! I couldn’t believe it. I just gave him 70 Yuan and tried to walk out. As you may know, tipping is one of those things in China that you argue over. If you aren’t familiar, check out my other blog post on 9 Tips for Your First Trip to China.
Until next time, I hope y’all enjoyed this story and keep reading more.
Thanks, y’all!
