Massages Lost In Translation

I've been getting acupressure massages from the guys at the Galleria Mall, on Artesia and Hawthorne, for a few months now. They're all Chinese, and speak very little English. Over time they've discovered I know a few words of Chinese, and I think they appreciate that I try to communicate with them. That, and I think they appreciate the fact I'm a regular and tip well.

But anyway, I digress. I've managed to form some sort of friendship with one of the fellows, a happy guy named "Li". He's one of the best, and for the locals who are interested, there's a tall, skinny guy who's good and a couple of the gals are good too. The tiny quiet one who doesn't have red hair is good. The one who has red hair is good, but I sense she prefers the quick customer who will give her cash than in building a customer base.

Today when I went to the mall to get a massage, Li started saying a lot of Chinese to me, most of which went completely over my head. I heard "Mei guo ren" ( 美国人/American), so I assumed that he wanted my nationality. I said (in Chinese) something to the effect that I could only speak a little, and that I'm American. He happily said something (which sounded like a lot) to his coworkers, repeating that I only speak a little and something else I didn't understand. He then asked me something I really didn't understand, and before I could say I didn't understand he said, "My Mandarin too much, yes?" I said yes and he said, "Si Shi?" (四十/40), for how long (in minutes) I usually get my massage.

I don't know how much better an acupressure massage is from a regular one, but the good masseuses manage to completely unknot my shoulders, and it lasts for days. But I think I go to get massages more because I want to be touched than I have painful knots in my shoulders (I don't, because I get massages!). I don't touch anyone at all most days. Sometimes a friend will touch my shoulder, or I'll touch a friend's shoulder. Sometimes I'll shake hands with someone. My coffee buddy usually gives me hugs when he drops me off at my building. I don't think I'd do well in solitary confinement.

If you think about it, how many people do you touch in a day? I think on an average day, I don't touch more than five people, and then only casually. I speak to many more.

I don't know why this bothers me so much, not being touched. I recall articles I've read regarding how little Americans touch one another, compared to Europeans and South Americans. I'm sure someone has tried to link obesity/overeating with lack of touch.

After my massage was over, Li told me he liked the hand cream I was using (I had just bought some Aromatherapy Orange Ginger hand cream from Bath & Body Works, and was wearing a sample) and taught me the Chinese word for "lotion" as I taught him the English word. I've already forgotten it (Although "mei" was one of the syllables. But "mei" usually means "pretty", in my experience). Maybe I can consult my mom and she'll know the term. I told Li (in Chinese) that my Dad is American, my Mother is Taiwanese, and that I didn't have a photo with me today. I told him in English I would bring one "next time". He seemed happy and I assume he let everyone in on the news.