Blind people are bringing reflexology to Bangalore, thanks to an initiative of the National Association for the Blind.
Blind people are bringing reflexology to Bangalore, thanks to an initiative of the National Association for the Blind.
Popular in Malaysia, reflexology is a healing art in which the feet and hands are pressed and massaged.
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Good reflexes: Visually impaired reflexologists Mahesh and Kempakka |
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The different reflex zones in the hand |
Association secretary Karun said, "When I visited Malasiya, I experienced reflexology for myself and thought why not bring it to Bangalore and give employment to visually challenged people."
Telephone booths and the garment industry traditionally provided jobs for the blind. But with the advent of mobile phones, and the recession, jobs have shrunk, leaving the visually impaired at a disadvantage.
"Reflexology could well provide the much-needed alternative," Karun said. The first batch of reflexologists is trained and ready, and two students have already got employment.
Mahesh (20) and Kempakka (19), both visually challenged, joined a free two-month course at the association.
They now work at a private centre in Indira Nagar. This is their first job, and each takes home Rs 3,500 a month.
Mahesh is proud he is an earning member of his family now. "I am waiting for my first salary. People used to say I was useless, and I used to feel sad, but now I can prove my worth to them," he told MiD DAY. He lost his sight when he was four. He demonstrated his skills, cheerfully singing a movie song, 'Noorondu
Nenapu' (Memories spring from the depths of my heart/and turn into song...) Kemppakka used to work at a
garment factory in the packing department, and had nowhere to go when recession robbed her of her job. "I heard about the course from friendsu00e2u0080u00a6 I am not worried about my livelihood now," she told MiD DAY.
Hailing from Tumkur, a two-hour drive from Bangalore, she now lives on Hosur Road, where she and her friends share an apartment for Rs 1,500. Mahesh and Thimmakka work from 10 am to 7 pm.u00a0 The association is looking at a franchise model, and is ready to send trained reflexologists to entrepreneurs who wish to set up centres.
Reflexology involves applying pressure on the hands and feet to relieve pain. It believes specific points, when pressed, improve blood flow in related organs.
| What's reflexologyu00a0 |
A healing art based on the principle that reflexes in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.
Reflexologists press these points with their hands without the use of tools, creams or lotions.
Reflexology is said to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote the natural functions of the body. |
