“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.

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Fresh Chinese Noodles (Lamian) & Restaurants in Shanghai, China

Living in Shanghai, China has opened my eyes to much of China’s deep food culture. China is the birth of all things gastronomic, don’t be mistaken and think the Italian’s came up with pasta, it was a spin on the ancient art of Chinese noodle making, Lamien. The restaurants I frequent around Shanghai  (Pudong) by the Expo Village have been given nick names. This is simply because we can not read Chinese, so it is much easier to just call them by a memorable or identifiable names, such as Purple Chair, Crystal Underground, Duck Face…and so on.

Lamian noodles, known in Chinese as Lamian or Lamiantiao are popular with many ethnic groups both in Xinjiang and the rest of China. The name “Lamian” means “pulled noodles”.  These noodles are the best I have ever had!  It took me a while to find a recipe , but they are made with simple ingredients. Click on the LaMian link above to read more on the process.

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Wok Cooking in Chong Ming, Shanghai, China.

Watching the Zhang family prepare food for each meal was a lesson in its own right!  All the corn husks,  twigs, and grass were kept out to dry. Mrs. Zhang used this to start the fire. The heat was transferred through a chimney flute and powered the 2 woks for cooking.  The fire was moved from side to side, and various elements were added to enhance the heat depending on the chef’s request (Mr. Zhang).

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Chong Ming, China- The Zhang Residence & Farm

I was so delighted and more honored that I was invited to Kent’s (Pastry Chef from the US Pavilion) family home in Chong Ming about an hour outside of Shanghai.  Kent invited Will Fleichman and I to come and experience the real way of Chinese life outside the hustle and bustle of the big city.

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Chinese Fire Cupping

The Chinese gave birth to this philosophy of healing from the inside out, starting back thousands of years ago in the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BC). They believe in the total balance of the body’s ying/yang properties.  So many people fear the Chinese massage (and especially the cupping), but I couldn’t wait for the experience.  I strolled into this small family run massage clinic close to Expo Village in the Pudong district of Shanghai.  Not sure what to anticipate, the next thing you know I am having pressure points drilled with elbows and limbs stretched out like play-doe! (…Of course I am lovin’ it!)

Then my new friend (Sunny, in photo above) looks at me and says in very limited English- Cupping??? The next thing I know this ball of fire appears out from nowhere and the look on his eyes was priceless when my head sprung up!  The rest is history; the small beta bowls were stripped of their oxygen and stuck over specific pressure points.  Imagine having an octopus sucking your back for ten minutes. The feeling was foreign, yet not painful (I know someone who would argue that comment), then the release comes.  Simply Bliss!

So, after several friends and family saw these photos they first told me I was crazy, yet somehow I created intrigue in so many.  Fir st it was, “David you are insane, look at your back!…why would you do that”?

Simply put, why not?

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