By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
File photo/ Christine Galeone
Westborough—As the cherry blossoms it was named for come into bloom, Sakura Foot Reflexology celebrates its first year offering reflexology and Asian body work treatments, bringing these traditional Chinese treatments to Westborough.
Lucy Chen, owner of Sakura and of Spring Foot Reflexology in Northborough, has been practicing reflexology for 13 years, starting 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 in early 2012.
She chose the Westborough location, at 164 Milk St. at the far end of the Ocean State Job Lot shopping plaza, in part because of the convenience and the quiet, unhurried atmosphere it offers.
Reflexology has a long tradition in Chinese medicine. 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,” Chen said. “We can feel the parts of the body in the feet.” She pointed to a “map” of the feet, which is also shown on the Sakura website, which 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.
A typical treatment at Sakura 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 one-hour session costs $35, and Sakura offers one free session with the purchase of five sessions in advance.
Sakura also specializes in Asian body work, acupressure techniques applied to specific points on the body along with deep tissue pressure. That treatment, Chen said, is different from the Swedish-style massage people may be more familiar with because it focuses on specific pressure points. An hour of Asian body work is $60.
Sakura offers specials for couples and for groups, such as bridal parties, birthday celebrations or just a girls’ night out.
The Westborough location is larger than Northborough, with 10 reflexology chairs and several body work rooms. The tranquil décor, with flowers and shades of mauve, accented with rose-colored lighting, adds to the relaxation.
Sakura Foot Reflexology is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. More information is on the website, www.sakurafootreflexology.com, or call 508-870-0087 to schedule an appointment.
