By Michael Yip and Christopher Kushi
PENANG – On Mar 7, the Fr Josef’s Method (FJM) Reflexology pilgrimage group from Taiwan, China, and Inner Mongolia visited the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Balik Pulau. The group was warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Fr Edmund Woon and Fr Dominico Evan CSE. The Fr Josef Eugster Holistic Development Association, affiliated with the Catholic Church in Taiwan and chaired by Bishop Philip Huang Chao-ming of the Hualien Diocese, is behind the FJM Reflexology initiative. FJM Reflexology serves as a complementary therapy tool for evangelisation, focusing on holistic care that encompasses physical health, mental wellbeing, and spiritual companionship.
In his message to the FJM group, Cardinal Sebastian drew a powerful analogy between reflexology and Scripture. He referenced the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in John 13:1-7, describing it as an act of “Communion of the Feet” and likening Jesus to the first foot reflexologist. Cardinal Sebastian also pointed to Luke 7:36-50, where a woman, labelled as sinful by onlookers, performs a unique form of ‘foot reflexology’ on Jesus — washing His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with perfume. He explained that the feet serve as a pathway to the heart and evangelisation. Reflexology, deeply rooted in Asian culture, when combined with evangelisation, represents the ‘Inculturation of the Gospel,’ aligning with the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ today.
Fr Josef Eugster, a Swiss missionary with the Chinese name Fr Wu Ro-shih, has been residing in Taiwan for over 50 years, offering reflexology treatments to alleviate the health issues of his parishioners. FJM Reflexology, grounded in the principles Reflexology and integrates Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is renowned for its healing benefits and affordable therapeutic approach, with the slogan: “Learn the reflexology skill to reduce the health care bill.” Fr Josef’s latest book is Advanced Fr Josef’s Method of Reflexology. As a member of the clergy, he considers his ability to serve others and alleviate their pain as a blessing from God. He believes that through the practice of reflexology, he can offer his sincerest praise to the Lord. FJM Reflexology has expanded beyond Taiwan to countries such as China, Malaysia, India, Macao, Indonesia, Canada, Germany, Australia, Bolivia, and Zimbabwe.
Msgr Henry Rajoo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Penang, is collaborating with FJM to train practitioners within the diocese, aiming to provide holistic care that nurtures both the body and soul. During the visit, FJM reflexologists conducted a therapy session on Cardinal Sebastian and the clergy present. The visit concluded with Cardinal Sebastian offering a laying-on-of-hands blessing to each pilgrim. – Herald Malaysia
