New Canaan now has a commercial space in its downtown dedicated exclusively to reflexology, a type of massage based on the principle that different parts of the body are connected to reflex points in the feet, hands and head.
Sokushindo opened last Friday, April 25, at 10 East Maple St., catty-corner to the Center School parking lot.
May Zhang and MingKun Song of Sokushindo, a reflexology parlor at 10 East Maple St. in New Canaan.
Northeast China natives MingKun Song and May Zhang—co-owner and receptionist, respectively–said “Sokushindo” is a Japanese tradition in reflexology (“Soku” means foot or leg, “Shin” heart, center or core, and “Do” a discipline or way).
“We just drove around here and we loved the community,” Zhang said of the choice of New Canaan for the business. “It’s very peaceful, very nice.”
Sokushindo reflexology parlor at 10 East Maple St. in New Canaan.
She added that Song’s Pittsburgh-based U.S. partner, a friend of his mother’s, urged Song to look for a location in Greenwich or Fairfield County, and that their own research told them New Canaan has women and sports-minded, active youth who may avail themselves of reflexology.
Song and Zhang arrived separately in the United States in 2007, in Queens, where their transplanted families are based and where they live. Song in December 2009 completed his training from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, and has been working in reflexology in Long Island since then, said Zhang, who has been working at the front of a reflexology business in Mt. Kisco, NY.
The reflexology chairs at Sokushindo, which combines Asian and U.S. traditions, the owners say.
Sokushindo’s approach to reflexology blends Japanese and U.S. traditions, she said. Customers’ feet are soaked in sea salt and rose petals while a member of the parlor’s three-person staff works on their head, neck, shoulder and arms, then works on the feet and back.
“You just sit here and relax,” Zhang said.
For people who want to nap during or after their Sokushindo reflexology session, the parlor has this room set up.
Meanwhile, according to the theory of the practice, the entire body benefits because nerve zones or reflex points that run from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head encompass vital organs in between. Advocates for reflexology say it provides increased energy and circulation.
The roughly 1,000-square-foot space includes a front area, and then a dimly lit work area with four reflexology chairs, fish tank (with Chinese red fountain fish white dragon fish and map fish), and a separate closet for people who want to nap (and may snore) during or after the 30-, 60- or 90-minute service (which come in varieties such as “crystal” and “hot stone”).
Asked to describe the warm, calming atmosphere at Sokushindo, Zhang said, “It will be like entering another country but also that you feel at home. It’s very comfortable.”
Here’s where they’re located: