Blind massage 101

Haven't tried a blindman massage yet? Learn the history of this Beijing institution – and our favourite massage spots

Blind masseurs are something of an institution in China and those who have lived in Beijing for a while will be used to seeing them offered on street corners or behind neon signs in the city's back streets. Neither the ultra classy treatment of luxury spas nor the seedy pastime of pleasure-seeking singles, the service is a fraction of the price and usually more medicinal than the more popular varieties.

 

Massage has been used as a form of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. The blind are thought to have a superior sense of touch and blind massage came about as way of finding employment for the country's visually impaired – who now numbers more than 8 million. These days an established and respected institution, several centres offer teaching in Beijing and masseurs spend two years or more in training before gaining a government recognised qualification. The concept has become so successful that salons will hire a blind masseuse simply to gain prestige.

It's not hard to find good venues in most areas in Beijing and many of them are small operations inside people's homes or attached to a housing block. Try the corner of Gongti Bei Lu and Gongti Xi Lu (opposite Tasty Taste) for vendors on the street, who will offer a half an hour massage for as little as 30RMB if you bargain hard.

If you're looking for something more private, try the Zhen-Song Massage Centre (21 Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang district tel 6417 6047) 朝阳区春秀路21号. Don't expect candle-lit interiors and calming music, this place feels more like a pathologist's lab than a place to unwind and the force with which they attack your muscles certainly means you won't fall asleep. One hour costs 50RMB and will leave you feeling pummeled but so invigorated you'll be back sooner than you think.

Slightly more expensive but with the benefit of private rooms is Kangeryun Blind Massage Centre (26 Maizidiajie, Chaoyang district, 50 metres east of the flower market, beside the Sanquan Apartments. Free parking, tel 6506 6564) 朝阳区麦子店大街(三全公寓旁边). An hour costs 76RMB for head, back and shoulders and an extra 20RMB for feet.

Also try...

Aixin Ziqiang Blind Massage & Health-care Centre 2A Baijiazhuang Lu, Chaoyang district (tel 6595 0997). One hour 80RMB. 朝阳区白家庄路甲2号

Suncome Blind Massage Centre First Floor, Binduyuan Apartment, 15 Maizidianjie, Chaoyang district (tel 6501 2039). 50 minutes 80RMB. 三康盲人保健按摩中心 朝阳区麦子店街15号宾都园公寓

Flora Bagenal