By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – When Zen “Jen” Zhu came to the United States from China it seemed very likely she would work professionally in the restaurant business.
Her father owned a restaurant in China and Zhu worked there from a very young age, learning much about the food service business.
When she got her Business Management degree in college it seemed to be a good fit for owning a restaurant when she came to the U.S. in 2005.
But seven years ago she found an interest in going to school for massage techniques not used so often in many U.S. massage salons. Reflexology offered tremendous benefits as the original Chinese massage.
Teaming up with a business partner, Dong “Mary” Xia Mei, the two businesswomen opened their first ZM Massage in New Orleans, a second location in Lafayette, and now their third ZM Massage in Louisiana with the Slidell location that is now open for business at 2170 Gause Blvd. West, Suite 115 (on Hwy. 190 near the North Shore Square mall.)
Zhu and Mei have found two key aspects to massage that has led them to much success in owning three ZM Massage locations.
First, they utilize Reflexology, the original Chinese massage that originates from an ancient study proving certain pressure points on the hands or feet lead to stress relief and pain relief in many parts of the body.
Secondly, the ladies are operating a massage salon that is one large open room with no separate, closed off booths. As they say in their promotional material, “clothes on, no oil, family styles.”
“We found that it has been very successful to have an open massage room where no one has to take off their clothes because we use reflexology, mainly working on pressure points in the hands and feet,” Zhu explained.
“This has also led to many people coming to have a massage with a friend, or with a group. They can all be in the same room and have the massage together while they talk,” she added.
Foot reflexology has been proven to relieve pain and stiffness, emotional tension, eliminate toxins, improve diet, control weight gain, improve blood circulation and improve sleep.
“Foot reflexology is one of the most relaxing treats you can give yourself or others,” Zhu said. “It can also prevent or cure many symptoms such as stress, headache, asthma, constipation, migraines, high and low blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.
“This is more than a foot massage. It is the ancient art of Chinese reflexology,” she said.
Particular pressure points in the hands improve problems with various glands, particular body parts and specific organs in the body.
Zhu, now age 47, grew up in China with two brothers. She worked in her father’s restaurant before going to college and did not marry until the age of 28.
“That is old for Chinese women,” she said with a smile. “I was too busy to get married and was concentrating on my college studies.”
Her first husband died in an accident, then in 2005 she married again and came to the United States.
“We truly see the United States as the land of opportunity, and also want to come here because there is so much freedom,” she said. “It is difficult to have a business in China and here you can try anything.”
After seven years in the restaurant business in the U.S. it was time for Zhu to find a new opportunity, leading to the massage therapy business.
ZM Massage is offering an introductory special for new clients with a half-hour massage for only $32 and an hour massage for $52. They have other time options and offer special packages for a foot and back massage.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit them at 2170 Gause Blvd. West, or call them for more information or to make an appointment at 985-201-8911.