Reflexology Footpaths

Reflexology foot paths are very common in China. These pictures show the paths that go around the lake we live near. I still haven’t gone all the way around the lake, but, everywhere I’ve been, they have had these paths. There are narrower ones, maybe 1 ½ feet wide, on either side of the main walkway/road, and then these wider ones, probably 2 ½ feet wide, are set back a little from the main road. Many reflexology paths in China are decorative, but these are simple. If you aren’t familiar with reflexology, there are pressure points on the soles of your feet that connect to your body meridians, so as you walk on a path like this, either with soft soled shoes, socks or barefoot, you are basically giving yourself a healthy foot massage :-) The stimulation to your feet is beneficial to different parts of your body! These are becoming more popular worldwide, so, if you see one of these paths, give it a try! It may hurt at first, take it slow if it does!

Leah and I leave in the morning for a trip to the USA…. I have managed to do 132 days straight of “Life in China 2016: A Picture A Day”, but for the next month I won’t be posting regularly. I do have some extra pictures saved up, so I will post once in a while :-) Stay tuned …. Daily pictures will resume in mid June!

Foot Massage

One of my favorite things in China is getting a foot massage! On Friday nights, Jim and I have a regular foot massage date. :-) Foot massage, called “xi jiao” or literally “foot wash” is much more than it sounds like! The routine at the spa we currently go to is to sit on the footstool, with your feet soaking, while first they massage your neck and shoulders, then back, also working on your spine and stretching you a bit, then you turn and sit back in the chair, still with feet soaking, and they massage your face and scalp from behind the chair, then arms and hands. Finally, it’s time for the feet! One at a time, the foot and calf are massaged while the other usually stays wrapped in a towel.  They are well trained in knowing the pressure points all over your body, so they are working them the whole time. Once they finish massaging your feet, they rub liquid soap on your feet and lower legs and then you rinse them in fresh warm water. To finish, your legs are given more of an overall massage, including your upper legs. By this time, I’m usually ready to fall asleep if I haven’t already! I ALWAYS get a wonderful night’s sleep after a foot massage! An 80 minute massage costs 88rmb, about $13.50 usd, and includes some tea and fruit.