Massage can provide us with a means to counteract the relentless surge of work and domestic pressures. Massage has been used to heal and soothe the sick.

One unique advantage is that massage is as pleasant to give as it is to receive. Stroking people has a relaxing effect and lowers one's blood pressure. It can provide a context for recovery by inducing a sense of wellbeing.

I bought my first book of massage "The Book of Massage" in 1983 when I was in New Zealand. It was described in the book that touch is the core of massage. Touch is a language we all use instinctively to show our feelings, to demonstrate to others that they are loved, wanted or appreciated. I hence read the complete book with patient.

I started to practise massage by self-reading the book. I then learned the holistic massage, hand and foot reflexology, and pressure point therapy from various instructors throughout the years. I learned the techniques as well as the rules of conduct to be observed.

When I learned the Father Josef Eugster Foot Reflexology, the instructor reminded us to be well prepared at the beginning of each session. We have to clean our hands and the receiver has to clean the feet. Lay a tower on our knee before placing the foot of the receiver on it. We need to use our hands instead of tools. The instructor said that if that is our daily work, we may use the tools so that our hands will not be too tired. We have to do it with love.

A pastor ever taught us hand and foot reflexology. He explained, demonstrated, and made sure we practised with the correct methods. He got us the relevant reference book and diagrams. He said that the Church rent a HDB unit to provide hand and foot reflexology service free for the elders. He said that the service was also available for the non-elders, but a sum would be charged. We learned that we picked up the technique not solely on profit.

When I learned the full body massage, I was the only male student. The females would put on a tower around their chest at the practical session. I had to be bared. Those young ladies were very friendly. They said that we took turn to practise and rotate our partners. If they refused to let me touch them, it would be unfair to me and I would not learn. I was glad to have them in the same class. They were board-minded and considerate. It helped me in learning the full body massage.

I started to do the massage for my son when he was a baby. It helped him to develop with a clear mind and healthy body. It was very pleasant to carry out the massage for my lovely son. When my father was seriously sick in early 1985, I did the massage for him with great concern for a month until he recovered. Many years ago, I assisted the pastor to visit church members who were in hospitals. I sometimes did the massage them. The caring massage created feelings of well-being, trust and joy.

When I do massage for a person, I would like him to observe the rules too. Both of us must have the peaceful mind during the massage session.
I always tell the receiver that both of us must be joyful and have a peaceful mind, otherwise we will be hurt. Then we should not carry out the massage.

There was once when I carried out the massage session in an elder care centre, a group of school children visiting the centre. They turned on the music loudly and arranged the 'musical chairs' with much noise. One school boy came and got the elder to play game. The elder was unwilling to go. The teacher who led the children did not stop the children to disturb us. I was unhappy. The staff then told me that that was the CCA for the school children. I told the staff that when there would be a CCA in the centre, let me know early and I would not come on the day. Actually, there is no use to have this type of CCA in the elder care centre. Some of the elders just look like robots when passing the ball around. They would like to have people to listen to them and give a short and sweet respond. They would like to listen to the Chinese opera and oldies. Can our school children do it?

There was another occasion that I was unhappy too. At the end of the massage session, an old grandma left the mahjong table and sat at the chair waiting for massage. I said that the session was over. I always tell the elders and the staff that those whose would like to have a massage must take a rest on the chair ten minutes before their turns. It was the rule for me and them.

Massage is a two-way flow of touch and response. Touch of love therapy is a matter of sharing. For the healing power of touch to come through, both giver and receiver need to understand their roles in the exchange.