BPA’s course on scientific massage trains students in techniques of effective blood circulation

After 60 when most people lead a retired life on their pension, 62–year–old Usman Khatri, a visually impaired, has mustered courage to make a living by his own. The senior citizen sensed the opportunity in Blind People’s Association’s newly launched course on scientific massage, a first of its kind of specially designed course for visually challenged.

Started Last month, the course has attracted 13 students, including three girls. The new programme aims at training visually impaired as professional masseur in order to make them financially independent.

Course co–ordinator Dr B K Panchal said, "Generally masseurs do not have any formal training. But this scientifically designed course will provide participants an edge over others as they will be able to cater to people in a professional way. The programme will create job opportunities for participants in spa and beauty parlours. Any class X pass–out can enroll for the course."

The programme has been recognised under the state government’s Kaushalya Vardhak project, a skill development scheme.

Post–delivery conditions, spinal injury, back and neck pain, knee joint, old age and arthritis, apart from relaxation, are common conditions when people seek help of trained masseurs, said Panchal.

Course teacher Manisha Jadav said: "We train students in hair, face and foot massage. We stress on the technique of effective blood circulation that relaxes the body and increases circulation towards the heart."

Chetna Gohil, who has joined the course, said: "Trainers use models to explain us the anatomy of bones, muscles and various organs that need massage. We have theory and practical lessons, too. So far, we are trained in friction and skin rolling."

BPA Executive Director Bhushan Punani said: "The course will make them professional masseurs. It will make them self–reliant."

The course includes practical sessions where teacher train students