Reflexology, Reflections (no pun intended) on Opening Ceremony at Nanjing University - 9.20.10
Tomorrow, we’re starting a special on foot reflexology at Groundspring Healing Center. When I think of having work done on my feet, I can’t help but to think back to being in China, and the multitude of foot reflexology clinics that were scattered throughout Nanjing and Shanghai. Foot reflexology was a huge part of health and longevity maintenance in Chinese culture, and many health problems would be treated through treatments in which a person could kick back for an hour to get the kinks worked out in their feet, and conversely in their whole body. For more info on reflexology, please click here or here to learn more.
On my externship, I was allotted a certain amount of cash each day for food. Instead of using it to fill my belly, I would spend it on foot treatments. …I still ate, but it was limited to peanut butter sandwiches, NesCafe, and cups of noodles… NOT a highly recommended diet, but it helped me get by. I digress…reflexology… Not only did it keep my feet and legs in good shape for walking or biking throughout the city, but it was a great way to unwind from years in school, and get my qi flow ironed-out to keep me in good shape. It was a great way to relax, hang out with some classmates, and get to know some cool locals and learn to speak some Mandarin. Most treatments started with a hot herbal soak to warm up my feet and ensure good circulation, and were followed by about 45 minutes to smooth out any crunches or kinks in my feet that were restricting the qi flow throughout my body. Typically one finds buildups in the different areas of the foot that correspond with organs and locations within the body. These can show up as crunchy spots that feel like tiny pieces of grain that pop when they are massaged, or nodules or bubbles that smooth out and disappear with a little work. When these restrictions are alleviated, the corresponding organ can function better. Sometimes this is used as a diagnostic tool to warrant further investigation into a potential hitch within those organs, and more reason to bring out stronger therapies, such as food therapy, herbs, and acupuncture.
Sooo…where was I with my travel blog. Yes, starting an acupuncture/herbal practice is time consuming, so I haven’t updated my travel blog in months, and I hope you’re still interested. J September 20th marked the opening ceremony for the start of my externship and entrance into the recorded volumes of students of Nanjing U. We were welcomed by students and faculty of the university, and wished great luck with our studies and travels. We were later treated to a gigantic buffet at a nearby hotel, and introduced to some interesting table-top astrology gadgets that we couldn’t figure out how to operate. We stuffed our faces, and a few of followed up on the celebration by sharing a hookah and some beers at a local jazz bar (please see photo of mural featuring major political figures, including Yao of the Houston Rockets). The rest of the evening is a tad blurry, either from some fatigue, a full belly, hookah, beer, or all of these things. At some point I retired to my hotel room and slipped into sleep to the slowly quieting noises of the busy Nanjing soundscape.
What comes next is more herbal wisdom being bestowed by an herbal diva named Dr. Hao at the women’s clinic, and a guided tour of Nanjing by Dr. Wang. Stay tuned, thanks for looking, and I promise the next post will come much sooner. Like less than a week, tops. Promise.
Peace,
Jon
P.S. Oh yes… If you’d like a reflexology treatment and learn about our current special, just give a call: 503.244.1330.