By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Northborough – A new salon here is bringing a traditional form of Chinese treatment to the area.
Spring Foot Reflexology offers sessions in foot reflexology, the practice of applying pressure to specific areas of the feet. Reflexology contends that these “reflex areas” of the feet correspond to specific organs and parts of the body, and that applying pressure to those points, using trained techniques, can relieve tension and promote improved natural function of the related parts of the body.
Lucy Chen, owner of Spring Foot Reflexology, has been practicing reflexology for nine years, most recently in a salon owned by her brother in Watertown, which she noted was the first professional reflexology center in the state. She opened the Northborough salon about six months ago.
“This style of treatment is almost a thousand years old in China,” she said. “We can feel the parts of the body in the feet.” She pointed to a “map” of the feet that shows the related body parts that are believed to be affected by acupressure at each spot on the feet.
Chen said the stimulation of the feet improves circulation and has produced improvement for many people with chronic illnesses when used in combination with conventional medicine.
“Regular stimulation really helps. Over time, people see results.”
A typical treatment at Spring Foot Reflexology lasts for an hour and starts with soaking the feet for 15 minutes.
“We use different ingredients in the soaking water depending on what the person needs and on the season of the year,” Chen said.
While the customer's feet are soaking, the technician rubs the back, shoulders and neck to encourage relaxation. The technician then applies pressure to various parts of the feet for the remaining 45 minutes.
Spring Foot Reflexology also offers Asian body work, acupressure techniques applied to specific points on the body along with deep tissue pressure.
Asian body work, Chen said, is different from the Swedish-style massage people may be more familiar with because it focuses more on pressure points.
All of the technicians at the salon are professionally trained in reflexology and Asian body work techniques, and both female and male therapists are available, she added.
Soothing shades of lavender with soft pink lighting create a relaxing atmosphere from the start at Spring Foot Reflexology. There are eight wide, comfortable lounge chairs for foot reflexology plus three tables for the body treatments.
The cost for a one-hour session of foot reflexology is $35, and the salon is offering a sixth session free after five. Prices for other treatments are listed on the website, www.springfootreflexology.com, along with additional information about reflexology and the treatments available.
Located at 10 Main St. in Northborough, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 135, Spring Foot Reflexology is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 508-393-8888.
Gift certificates for treatments are available.
The salon also hosts such events as birthday parties, showers and bachelorette parties, Chen said.
