The Self-Cultivation of a Reborn Massage Therapist

Chapter 403 Popular Science: Massage Parlors Clash with the Professional Medical Community
After the last customer of the previous batch left satisfied, the busy technicians did not linger, but quickly left the hall, leaving only the service ladies to efficiently tidy up.

What happened next left Pu Chenming and the others in the waiting area somewhat stunned.

The young women worked swiftly, removing all the used sheets, massage towels, and pillowcases from the beds and placing them directly into designated recycling bags. They then promptly replaced them with brand-new, pristine white linens, tidying even the smallest corners perfectly. Used teacups, discarded tissues, and other debris on the coffee table were also immediately cleaned up, and the tabletops were carefully wiped with disinfectant wipes.

This was something Chen Mingliang and his colleagues had never seen in ordinary consumer venues. Some customers began to wonder: Was this kind of service free?

Could this be some kind of hidden scheme?

A sense of doubt and unease quietly spread among the customers.

At that moment, the large screen opposite the waiting area suddenly lit up and started playing Guoguo's popular science short video, which was a new video simultaneously released by the official account of Relaxing Slow Travel Notes.

In the video, Guoguo, a girl from Northeast China, patiently demonstrates the first move of the "Six Healing Sounds" mantra, "Xu," accompanied by soothing guiding music and her own rhythm.

Chen Mingliang's chest rose and fell unconsciously with each breath, as if his earlier doubts and unease had been quietly carried away with each inhale and exhale.

After the rehearsal, Guoguo stood in front of the camera, smiling, and said:

"At the invitation of relevant departments, our video account has been reopened! We will continue to provide health education for everyone, without selling or promoting products. However, to make things easier for everyone, we will restock some of our own linen products. The prices are a bit high, so please choose according to your needs if you are interested."

She changed the subject, her tone becoming sincere:

"Actually, our real purpose in doing science popularization is to encourage everyone in a sub-healthy state to get moving! You don't necessarily have to follow our instructions. There are many excellent instructional videos online, such as Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, and Yijinjing. As long as it's a nationally certified fitness qigong, you can practice it. If everyone can get moving, our goal will be achieved!"

“Qigong isn’t as mystical as it sounds,” Guoguo explained in simple terms. “Its core is to help us loosen up stiff muscles and bones and improve blood circulation through specific movements. If you find that the effects are not obvious after exercising for a period of time, it means that your body has adapted to the current intensity. At this time, you can try to increase your walking time or try jogging, and adjust gradually according to your body’s response.”

"Remember, movement generates Yang energy. As long as you exercise scientifically, it is the best way to maintain your health."

As soon as he finished speaking, many customers in the waiting area frowned.

"Move around? If we could move around easily, would we still be sitting here?"

This feeling of "talking without understanding the situation" instantly cooled down the goodwill that had just begun to rise in the waiting area.

Just then, Guoguo's expression on the big screen suddenly became unusually serious.

But what's amazing is that even though her expression was serious, her gentle tone and steady rhythm remained unchanged.

After becoming a top-level technician, there are very few things in reality that can affect her emotions. The once fiery and energetic girl from Northeast China has now become more composed.

"Alright, that concludes the official topic explanation." She then shifted her tone, "Next, let's talk about what our new 'Relaxed and Slow Travel' program truly wants to tell you." Her gaze seemed to pierce through the screen, looking directly at every viewer:
"Please understand that the suggestion to 'get moving' is aimed at people who are clearly in a sub-healthy state. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please listen carefully:"

Then, she clearly read out a series of symptoms:

"Memory loss or difficulty concentrating; sore throat; painful lymph nodes; muscle aches; joint pain (without redness or swelling); new type of headache; inability to recover energy after sleep; discomfort lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exertion..."

Each symptom she read out felt like a stone hitting the hearts of customers in the waiting area. When they heard "at least four of the above symptoms have been present for more than six months and have seriously affected their quality of life," many people sat up straight, their eyes glued to the screen.

Guoguo maintained her steady speaking pace and solemnly stated:
"This condition is known as chronic fatigue syndrome in modern medicine. Its incidence rate may not be high, but our population base is huge, and the absolute number of people affected is something I cannot and dare not say. People aged 30 to 50 are the pillars of every family. Therefore, when you find these symptoms, please, please seek medical attention in a timely manner."

She took a deep breath and uttered her boldest warning:
"Today, the real science popularization of New Easy Slow Travel is right here: If you are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and a doctor is holding up the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and recommending that you undergo 'graded exercise therapy'—please do not listen, do not move!"

She made a very firm and serious suggestion:
"Your body is very tired, extremely tired. Please stop, lie down in bed, and get some rest."

Finally, Guoguo faced the camera directly and said, word by word:

"Hello everyone, I am Guoguo, a senior technician at New Easy Slow Travel. I take full legal responsibility for all my statements today. This concludes this episode of science popularization. Thank you."

The screen went dark, and the entire waiting area fell silent. Many people were still immersed in the huge information overload and couldn't come back to their senses for a long time.

Guoguo's words, "Don't listen, don't move!"

It left them confused and struggling.

Every symptom described in the science book seemed tailor-made for them, so accurate it made them want to cry; but the advice given directly overturned the "authoritative" voices they heard when seeking medical help—which doctor didn't tell them to "get moving slowly"?
This is just a small massage parlor! How dare it voice opinions so different from mainstream authorities in such a serious medical field, and even directly challenge guidelines from across the ocean!

remarkably brave.

But doesn't it know what kind of pressure and storm it will face next?
Just as these complex emotions were spreading, a gentle voice broke the silence.

"Thank you for waiting, everyone." Miss Pan Xiaoli had appeared in the waiting area at some point, with a reassuring smile on her face. "Now it's your turn. Please rest assured, this service is completely free."

"Later, our certified intangible cultural heritage therapist, Ms. Zhao Xiaochui, will personally guide the shop's technicians to provide you with a treatment focused on relaxation and stress relief. We hope this will help alleviate some of your discomfort."

"Our service has no requirements for you. If you are willing, please follow our staff to the changing room and get ready."

(End of this chapter)