“Hello Hello” Chinese Foot Massage

November 2010, Shanghai, China

The art of Chinese acupressure massage dates back more than 5,000 years.  This technique of applying pressure to particular “pressure points” is thought to relieve tension, improve circulation, and increase overall health.  As the chart shows quite clearly, you can get an overall “tune up” from a simple foot massage.

“Hello, Hello. . .”

The diminutive, white-shirted speaker greeted and cajoled in that one simple phrase.  Inside the shop (let’s not get ahead of ourselves and call it a studio or clinic) a row of eight apparently comfortable armchairs fronted by ottomans stretched down one side.  Seated on low stools, women in well-worn white shirts kneaded, slapped, and wrestled with the feet, ankles and calves of patrons who sat sipping tea from disposable cups.  Led by Chef Dave and accompanied by Keeblero, this was my initial trip to what became known as Hello, Hello Foot Massage.

The three round-eyed Americans were quickly seated.  The apparently comfortable armchairs suddenly shrank to Lilliputian proportions and revealed themselves to be plywood racks masked in the thinnest of upholstery.  To say that my 6’ 3” could be accommodated in the traditional “work space” would not be accurate.  The stools slid back and the chattering ensued.

Three bushel baskets lined with plastic bags and filled with water just below the boiling point were quickly brought from a back room and placed at our feet.  A mystery powder contained in a Kool-Aid package was added to the water—this one happened to be yellow, but on subsequent visits it changed to blue or green powder.  Either a special price at Foot Massage Supply Mart—“Buy Ten Yellow for 5 RMB and Get a Blue and Green for Free!”—or something more mysterious.

After a short soak, the woman now known as Diamonds on My Windshield began to tenderize my ankles and calves.  A sharp, quick beating of my thighs with her closed fist brought the “get to know you” period of the romance to completion.  She then proceeded to grind her knuckles into my right foot hitting all the pressure points one at a time.  Not real comfortable.  I think I proceeded to curse loudly, but I cannot be sure.

Fortunately for me, I survived the treatment to my right foot—after 30 minutes of deep breathes and five or six cigarettes.  (Smoking is heavily encouraged in China)  The left foot came as much less of a surprise.  Diamonds on My Windshield was relentless in her efforts to somehow “fix” all of my obvious ailments through the pressure points of my feet.  After this first hour at Hello, Hello I limped away strangely satisfied and actually feeling pretty good.

In subsequent visits I learned that much depended upon the particular person performing the massage.  Mongolian Mustache was much more aggressive (angry, even) with my feet than Diamonds on My Windshield.  World of Warcraft is a whole different story. . .

Will aka “Dad”

5 Responses to ““Hello Hello” Chinese Foot Massage”

1. Jess says:

   January 11, 2011 at 1:45 am

   This totally brings me back to my trip to Hong Kong in
   1999. I also visted a “REFLEXOLOGY” place, if you wan to call it
   that. I remember walking into, described above, however I remember
   the women being very small and quiet. I looked at my aunt and
   sister saying “are you sure we will feel it?” Needless to say we
   walked, or I should saw crawled out of there. “HELLO, HELLO FOOT
   MASSAGE.”

   Reply
   • Chef D says:

     January 11, 2011 at 3:56 am

     That is so true! When I am in Asia I try to keep it a regular practice! Always find it makes me more mentally alert, yet strangely so relaxed!

     Reply
2. Dad says:

   January 11, 2011 at 3:36 am

   I sure do seem to know what I am talking about. .
   .

   Reply
   • Chef D says:

     January 11, 2011 at 3:58 am

     Great post- “Hello-Hello”!

     Reply
3. Andrew says:

   March 26, 2011 at 9:07 pm

   I really like reading and I think this website got some genuinely utilitarian stuff on it! .

   Reply