An hour long foot massage

We were brought on the first day to the Beijing Traditonal Chinese Medicine Centre for a visit. The highlight was of course the 'free' foot massage. The tour guide told us that the massage would be free but we were 'encouraged' to give a small token of RMB 20 per person.

So, a free foot massage turned out to be not so free after all. But then again, when you consider that the massage was an hour long and costs only RM1 (after conversion), I think it was well worth the money spent.

The front of the centre was adorned with various plants. The smell of traditional medicine permeated the air. It wasn't an unpleasant smell at all.

I have learnt a long time ago that it's best to void the bladder before a massage. No sense in asking to go pee-pee in the middle of a relaxing massage, right? The wash basins looked like giant porridge bowls,don't they?

Porcelain urns containing (? ashes of former sifus)

Before the massage, they soaked our feet in a basin filled with warm water infused with a special tea bag. Soaking time was about an hour! I guess they were trying to rid the feet of any bad odour or infective agents! Meanwhile we had to listen to an hour long 'message' (sounded like propaganda) on the virtues of chinese traditional medicine.

My masseur was a young chinese guy with very agile hands as he slapped, twisted, massaged, kneaded, pushed, pulled....well, you get the picture, my very tired tea soaked feet. The feeling was heavenly! :-)

My wife's masseusse was a rather bored looking chinese girl. She spoke a smattering bit of English; but conversation was rather minimal.

Midway through the heavenly experience, in burst a few elderly gentlemen in white coats. We were told they are the 'specialists' or sifus of the institution. Very experienced people it seemed. Walking icons really.

They proceeded to go to those who indicated that they have an ailment. The scene was repeated over and over again. They will sit next to the intended patient, take his or her wrist and proceeded to feel for the pulse. After what seems like an eternity, they will then proclaim that:

1. your kidney/liver/spleen/pancreas/adrenals/uterus (should you have one) was dysfunctional

2. you have anemia

3. "blood circulation no good/not enough"

4. you have backache/neck ache/shoulder ache/ knee ache....

5. how is your menses (if you are a woman) and whether you answered it's fine or not, they will still say your uterus needs an overhaul

My wife's wrist was palpated and she was diagnosed to have "weak kidneys, anemia, her blood circulation was not good and her uterus was weak"! Good grief! For the record, her Hb was 14 g/dL last I checked and her kidney function test was normal. Her uterus is fine as far as I could tell.

Then part 2 of the scenario will be played out where the specialist will now prescribe a number of traditional medications purported to be able to cure all these ailments. My wife declined politely and they moved on to the next vict... I mean, patient.

The guy sitting next to my wife bought RMB 1000 worth of medication for his "weak liver". Well, maybe he had a lot of money to spare. I'd rather use my money to buy fake goods! He he!

Basically I am sceptical about the whole thing. Some people swear that the medications work. As for me, I'd rather practise evidence-based medicine. Still, there is no denying the anecdotal evidence I come across once in a while. Heck, I still take the po-chai pills whenever I come down with diarrhoea! :-)

So, if it works, fine, carry on....