By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Treat yourself to foot reflexology, an ancient Chinese practice designed to ease tension and improve the function of different parts of the body by applying pressure to the feet.
Spring Foot Reflexology in Northborough specializes in this technique and in Asian body work, acupressure techniques applied to specific points on the body along with deep tissue pressure.
Lucy Chen, who opened Spring Foot Reflexology in early 2012, has been practicing reflexology for 10 years. Her brother opened the first professional reflexology center in Massachusetts in Watertown.
“Our customers here in Northborough have been very friendly and really enjoy our treatments. One came first with a friend, then with her mother. She comes in almost every week now,” Chen said.
Foot reflexology is 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.
“This style of treatment is almost a thousand years old in China,” she explained. “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 stimulation of the feet improves circulation and has produced improvement for many people with chronic illnesses when used in combination with conventional medicine.
She encourages clients to schedule regular visits to get the full benefits of the treatments, offering a sixth session free after five sessions. Both women and men are welcome, and there are specials for couples.
In addition to individual appointments, Spring Foot Reflexology can accommodate group appointments for up to six or seven people for a girls” night out, a bridesmaids” party, or a birthday. Chen encourages group customers to come in and enjoy their reflexology session, but to plan on having food and drink elsewhere so not to disrupt the relaxation effects of the treatment.
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 rest of the session while the customer relaxes in a comfortable, reclined chair.
The salon also has three tables for the Asian body work treatment. That treatment, Chen said, is different from the Swedish-style massage people may be more familiar with because it focuses on specific 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.
The cost for a one-hour session of foot reflexology is $35. 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 are available.
