On 7th March 2025, the Father Josef’s Method (FJM) of Reflexology pilgrimage group from Taiwan, China and Inner Mongolia on their visit to the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau, Penang, were warmly welcomed by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang along with Rev. Fr. Edmund Woon and Rev. Fr. Dominico Evan CSE. The Father Josef Eugster Holistic Development Association, affiliated with the Catholic Church in Taiwan, is chaired by Bishop Philip Huang Chao-ming of Hualien Diocese. FJM Reflexology serves as a complementary medicine tool for evangelization, offering holistic care that encompasses physical health, mental well-being and spiritual companionship.
Cardinal Sebastian, in his message to the FJM group drew an analogy between their practice of reflexology and scripture. Cardinal explained that Jesus could be considered the first foot reflexologist, when “Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet” in John 13:1-7, a passage some dare to call the ‘Communion of the Feet’. Cardinal also referenced Luke 7:36-50, where a woman, labelled as sinful by onlookers, performed a unique form of ‘foot reflexology’ on Jesus when she wet His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing Jesus’s feet with perfume. The feet serve as a pathway to the heart and evangelization. Reflexology, deeply rooted in Asian culture, when combined with evangelization represents the ‘Inculturation of the Gospel’ alongside the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ today.
Fr. Josef Eugster, a Swiss missionary whose Chinese name is Fr. Wu Ro-shih, has been living and pastoring in Taiwan for over 50 years, alleviating the health issues of his parishioners through reflexology. This practice is grounded in the principles Reflexology and integrates Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The FJM Reflexology is known for its healing powers and is an affordable therapy encapsulated by 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”. Fr. Josef has expressed that, as a member of the clergy, he considers it a blessing from God to serve people and relieve them of their pain. Fr. Josef believes helping people through reflexology is the best way to sing praises to the Lord. The FLM Reflexology from Taiwan has spread its wings to China, Malaysia, India, Macao, Indonesia, Canada, Germany, Australia, Bolivia and Zimbabwe.
Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Penang is collaborating with the FJM to train practitioners within the diocese. This initiative aims to offer holistic care to the public, reviving both body and soul.
Earlier the FJM Reflexologist conducted a therapy session on Cardinal Sebastian and the clergy present. Cardinal Sebastian concluded the welcome by offering a laying-on-of-hands blessing to each pilgrim.
By Michael Yip and Christopher Kushi
