blind massage

I started getting massages about two years ago, when my therapist suggested that I try to incorporate more relaxing activities into my life to deal with my anxiety issues. I started doing more yoga, and getting monthly (sometimes bi-weekly) massages. I learned quite quickly that massages are great for your mind, body and spirit.

I was raised in a household where such an activity would seem quite indulgent. That included with my innate guilt led me to sometimes get a bit stressed out about getting massages. Yeah, I know, anxiety about getting a massage? Girl, you need some help…

Fast forward to this evening. I was getting a pedicure with a co-worker and we were discussing the possibility of getting a massage (it’s a real hard life we lead). A Singaporean woman who had been listening to our conversation jumped in and recommended that we try the blind massage place around the corner.

I had never heard of such a thing, but she explained that since they are blind, they are more in tune with your body and are known for giving better massages. I blurted something out about feeling guilty about having a blind person massage me. Maggie the Singaporean (yes, we exchanged names and numbers) quickly reminded me that this was their livelihood. I felt super asshole-ish for making the comment. Luckily she didn’t judge me too much (we’re having dinner next week!), mentioned the price (under $15 US) and we were very much sold on trying it out.

The blind massage place isn’t anything like a spa. It is clean enough, but there isn’t any Zen music going on or anything. There are a bunch of basic cots and blue scrub style blankets, and 5-10 people who are legally blind. You stay fully clothed and the masseuses have a conversation the entire time, quite loudly. This isn’t really bothersome because they know what is up- they are rubbing your head, face and digging awesomeness into your body.

Both my co-worker and I left there knowing that we’d be back for more, but of course my little curious self had to do some research about this blind massage phenomenon. And guess what? It is something I am totally in support of. In 2006, the Chinese government started an initiative to help blind people find work as masseurs. This included some sort of help related to getting certified and created a large boost in the number of blind masseurs. China isn’t exactly a country that embraces people with any sort of special need, and it excites me so much that they want to help these people. I will be helping them with my Yuan, and not feeling even a tiny bit guilty about it.