ACHING FEET ARE a part of the job in a walk-intensive city like Hong Kong. As a result, stressed-out office workers are increasingly turning to reflexology centres to treat their feet to some tender loving care and keep them on their toes for another working day.
The theory behind reflexology is that applying pressure to certain points on the foot (or hand) that correspond to areas of the body helps release toxins, alleviate ailments and balance and harmonise the body. But most of us who go in for a foot massage do so because we find it deeply relaxing, if not sleep-inducing.
The good thing about setting up a foot massage business is that you do not need a hygiene licence in case your premises lack a bathtub or a shower, and you do not need a police licence if you are not doing mixed gender body massage.
The Yellow Pages carries 181 entries under reflexology, also known in the business as day spas or foot massage centres, depending on whom you ask.
Because foot massage centres have no single industry or government body to oversee them, we had to leg it around town, guided by the Yellow Pages, to find the pulse of the reflexology business.
Our search soon revealed that the industry was undergoing significant changes. And one point that became very clear was that taking care of employees was key to the success and longevity of the foot massage business.
Johnny Mak, supervisor and senior masseur at the Acupressure & Foot Reflexology Health Care Centre of the Blind, emphasised the importance of good staff with good technique and good service attitudes.
