Acupuncture skills for blind masseurs

DENPASAR: At least 40 blind masseurs are participating in acupuncture training to help them improve their customer service skills -- including for foreign customers.

"We hope the training on acupuncture techniques will enable the participants to improve their massage skills," said Selly Dharmawijaya Mantra, coordinator of the Denpasar Social Services Activities, on Wednesday.

She explained that the participants are already skilled masseurs and that through the acupuncture techniques they would improve their knowledge and skills.

"We strive to provide additional skills to they can earn a higher income," Selly said, adding that they usually work by invitation at hotels, or customers will come to their houses.

Selly, who is the wife of Denpasar Mayor Rai Mantra Dharmawijaya urged businesspeople to help the blind people by providing shelters for their massage businesses.

Ketut Nasir, one of the masseurs in the training program, expressed his gratitude in being able to receive these new skills.

"I hope all the city's blind masseurs can receive this additional training," he said. -- JP