World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission Newsletter (Issue No. 3) - April 2010
World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission
Newsletter (Issue No. 3)
April 2010
Published by World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission
Contents
Membership List
P.2
Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang, Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
P.3
Development of Thai Massag for the Blind in Thailand
Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind
P.4-P.5
The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia
Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer
P.6-P.8
Muscle Aches
Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure &
Training Center Ltd.
P.9-P.11
New Function of Blind Massage International Website
P.11-P.12
10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage
P.13-P.14
Newsletter Editorial Committee
P.14
Membership List
(2008-2012)
World Blind Union Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
Founding Chairman
Mrs Grace Chan, RSW, JP
(Hong Kong, China)
grace@afpb.hk
Chairman
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
penglei@yeahcome.com
Vice-Chairman
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
m.kyoshiri@sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp
Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)
maureen.tam@hksb.org.hk
Secretary -General
Mr Wang Jian Jun (China)
amzx_amc@163.com
Deputy Secretary-General
Mr Kim Mok (Hong Kong, China)
kim.alum@hkbu.edu.hk
Members
Mr Mahboob Ahsan (Bangladesh)
mahboobahsan2003@yahoo.com
Mr Boun Mao (Cambodia)
boun.mao@online.com.kh
abc@bigpond.com.kh
Mr Yoshihiko Sasagawa (Japan)
ncwbj@mbm.nifty.com
Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
kbuwel@yahoo.co.kr
Ms Norimah Hj. Ahmad (Malaysia)
nuri_relex707@yahoo.com
Captain Oscar Taleon (Philippines)
ojtaleon@pacific.net.ph
Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
pecharat@gmail.com
Mr Cao Van Thanh (Vietnam)
caovanthanhhnm@gmail.com
Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang
Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
The Third Newsletter of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was published as scheduled. Invited by the Newsletter Editorial Board, I am hereon greatly honored to discuss the blind massage in the Asia-Pacific area with all of you.
The Board of Directors Meeting of the World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was held successfully in Seoul, South Korea in July, 2009. During the meeting, the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar, the Blind Massage International Network and the Second Issue of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission Newsletter were discussed. The achievements made so far are obvious to all. Hereby, we should extend our hearty thanks to the President of WBU Asia Pacific Region, Mr. Chuji Sashida, for his great support for the Board of Directors Meeting.
The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar will be a great success. Hereby, we should extend our thanks to all members of the Korean Organizing Committee for their unremitting efforts for preparing this seminar. The WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar has been successfully held nine times, and the achievements made so far have been obvious to all. Many people have made arduous efforts and lots of members of WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission have made extraordinary contributions to the massage profession for the blind in the Asia-Pacific area.
In the year 2010, communication between members will be strengthened and it is the year for work promotion. The Blind Massage International Network (www.blindmassageintl.com) is launched facing the world widely. This platform makes it possible for information exchange on blind massage ehrich in a broader context. You are most welcome to join us! Everyone’s active participation and valuable suggestions to enrich this Website will enable the International Blind Massage Network to maximize its role as an information exchange platform. The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar is going to be held in Seoul, South Korea which will cover topics such as: “Europe and America Massage Development Trend”, “Clinical Case of Alternative Therapy”, “Massage Clinical Case”, “Government’s Support for Massage Enterprises” and other subject reports. In addition, the seminar will add a special subject of Massage Manipulation, as a continuation of the traditional programme found at previous seminars. This will bring more opportunities for the participants to learn and understand more about the massage profession.
New Year, New Spirit! The international communication and co-operation is more important in such globalizing world nowadays. Let’s carry forward the noble spirit of solidarity and helping the underprivileged; to further create companionate interpersonal relationships towards a united harmonious society; to encourage the blind to do their best and elevate their own quality with positiveness and creativity. Together with able-bodied people, to create a happy life and bright future which belongs to all of us together!
Lastly, I wish you good health, happiness and great achievements in your career. All the best!
Development of Thai Massag
for the Blind in Thailand
Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind
Seventy years ago, blind people in Thailand were helpless and burden to their family! Having a blind child in one family was a belief that the family must have had a great sin in their past lives! Many people thought at the time that blind children were a bit better than chair and tables because they could talk. After Miss Genevieve Caulfield, an American blind lady, came to Thailand in 1939 and found the first school for the blind, the belief regarding blindness and blind people has been gradually changed. Much progress has been achieved after Thai Government began to pay more attention to the disabled by passing the Rehabilitation Act in 1991 and Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act in 2007. The public awareness concerning the blind has been increased by demonstration of well trained blind people in our society and the increasing numbers of institutions, organizations of and for the blind.
Now there are more than one thousand blind people with Bachelor Degrees and over a hundred with Masters’ Degrees. There are more and more blind people engaged in the occupations of teachers, telephone operators, musicians, hospital workers, etc. We also have blind people self employed in various businesses. In this article, the Medical Massage will be emphasized.
Massage is so far the most promising occupation for the blind, particularly in Asia! Massage can be divided into two main categories: health massage and medical massage. Thai Massage teaching was introduced to the Skill Development Center for the Blind thirty years ago. At that time, very few people believed that massage was suitable to the blind. There was a belief then that men and women touching each other was dangerous and sinful! Most Thai people merely believed that the blind could not see, therefore they could not know where to put their fingers on the right spots! Of course, most of them have changed their belief! Now Thai Massage is the most promising occupation for the blind in Thailand and Asia Pacific. Good progress has been achieved compared with the time when first Thai Massage teaching to the blind was introduced thirty years ago, but there is still very long path we must struggle. Beside China, Japan and Korea, blind people in this part of the world are never legally allowed to enter into medical massage!
In Thailand, masseurs must take national exams set up by Medical Registration Division, Department of Health Support Services, Public Health Ministry, then are eligible to obtain the license. Up till now, no single blind person in Thailand has received medical license!! The blind are engaged only in Health Massage. Only last two years, the Ministry of Public Health permitted blind people to take examination for medical license! To be survived in this very competitive occupation, one has to be very skilful and diligent. Blind masseurs and masseuses must keep improving their skills and techniques and move from regular health massage to medical massage.
This is the main reason Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind (FEPB) took up an initiative to conduct a training program called “Preparing blind masseurs and masseuses to take national medical license exams.” Our training course consists of following subjects: Scientific Health, Traditional Thai Medicine, Thai Massage, Law and Morals, introductory of foreign massage, Reading/writing Braille, O and M and analysis of 35 cases. Total 1154 hours. The duration of training course will be two years beginning January 2009 to December 2010.
We have 6 licensed teachers, twenty text books all converted to MP3 and Daisy format. FEPB is now the only organization for and of the blind legally permitted to open such training program. We have fifty blind masseurs and masseuses who are very anxious to upgrade themselves from health masseurs to medical masseurs, from various parts of Thailand, came to enroll in this training program. These fifty very enthusiastic masseurs and masseuses have already gone half way: they passed the examination last year which entitled them to be Assistant Medical Masseurs. The certificates were presented on January 26, 2010 by Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, Director Bureau of Sanatorium and Arts of Healing, Ministry of Public Health.
These fifty masseurs and masseuses are studying hard so that they are well prepared to take the national medical license exam in 2011. They are the first group of blind masseurs and masseuses in Thailand who are eligible to take the historic medical license examination. When they become licensed masseurs, they are then eligible to open their own clinics! We are fully aware that to have a successful business in this field, skills of massage or medical license alone is not sufficient. One must have knowledge and experiences in management, marketing, finance, human relationship, etc. FEPB plans to conduct business courses for our blind masseurs in the near future! For the past thirty years, blind masseurs have been working under institutions of and for the blind. Very few individual blind masseurs succeed independently! Therefore, it is necessary to empower our blind masseurs by giving them the knowledge and experiences in massage business.
The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia
Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer
Results of Activities
Upgrading Support for Massage
St. Nicholas’ Home has been training the blind in oil massage for relaxation since 2002. During my assignment to SNH, I trained nine students in non-oil massage, Shiatsu and using more medical and scientific approach. Eight of my students are staff of SNH and one is a graduate of the massage training programme running his own massage business.
The SNH Wellness Centre provides massage therapy to the public. Now Shiatsu is on the menu, RM50 for one hour. It is getting popular among the customers.
Training in Acupuncture
I provided training in acupuncture to six out of nine students who had more than one year clinical experience. The teaching methodology is related to traditional Japanese method which is based on mainly palpation and tactile sense. The needles and Moxa used are Japanese made which is the finest.
Two out of six staff obtained an excellent level as independent therapists. However, others are still in the dependence level. They need more training or support from excellent staff.
Teaching Medical Science and Medical Art/Experience
There are two categories: medical science, basic medical science (anatomy and physiology), and medical art/experience which is traditional Chinese medicine (Yin-yang theory and meridian-and-points).
My approach is to give practical sessions first before teaching theory. The practice motivates the students to learn the related theory. Some students don’t have the basic education background which makes teaching theory not easy as compared to teaching in Japan.
Getting Textbook and Reference Books
Before my assignment in SNH, there was no text book on theory. I decided to use “Guide to Anatomy and Physiology, by Louise Tucker, Revised Version August 2009, EMS Publishing, ISBN: 978 1903348284”. For the first year, we had the print and Braille version only. Later on, audio version was added.
There is still a pending issue on making textbook of meridian and points. I have been teaching traditional medicine without any textbook for them. So far there is no appropriate book in English, so I made it myself at the end of 2009.
Visit Royal National College for the Blind, UK
Textbooks are used at Royal National College for the Blind, UK. I visited RNC in autumn 2009, and obtained audio files and other data of medical science. I found some basic advanced points in RNC which is a NGO similar to SNH as follows:
A. Computer literacy; All the 17 massage students for 2009, are computer literate which helps them to learn the theory.
B. Better amenity and living environment; Student hostels provide students with individual rooms, and the food/drinks choices in the canteen is more sophisticated.
C. Governmental financial support; each local authority that the student belongs to, subsidizes student’s major cost including accommodation, food, and going home twice a month.
Anatomy Models
At the end of last April, 11 anatomy models were donated by JICA Malaysia Office. They are very basic and effective tools when blind students learn human body structure. * JICA stands for Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Adequacy of My Assignment
Adequacy, positive points
In spite of continuous economical development in Malaysia, disabled people are still left behind in the society for their human rights. Their basic education, independent living, and social participation are still developing. After working for two years in an agency, I have found the following points need more improvement. It is not only the point of hardware but also software. Especially, better planning, evaluation and transparency in the management. However there is a struggle in my mind whether I can use my Japanese methods in this field.
JICA volunteers tend to dedicate their assignments to support sub-counterparts. However, if we could collaborate with them for improvement of the basic structural problems, it would be much better. In this way, Japanese systematic work sequence can be introduced very effectively.
Adequacy, Pending issues
Volunteers may face the problems mentioned above. The chain of order is too much top-down management. Subordinates don’t have a chance to express their opinions. Even good proposals tend to become complaints.
If the volunteers work only in the field of assignment, I wonder the end results. Because, well educated staff or students will not stay in such environment, then they will leave. Even so, our efforts may be expanded to somewhere else. However, I am not satisfied with it.
Results, Its Future Self-sustainability and Necessity of Continual Support
Future self-sustainability
I believe that Shiatsu and therapeutic non-oil massage will be continuously developing in future. My sub-counterparts are going to teach it to new students. Some sub-counterparts will go out from SNH, and spread out the therapy method.
In acupuncture training, two sub-counterparts have already reached a self-sustainable level. Technically, they are higher than my expectation. However, in diagnosis which means examination and planning of the treatment, they are still not good enough. They need to accumulate their clinical experiences under supervision by an expert. After one year’s experience, they will reach to the level to train new students of acupuncture independently.
Necessity of Continual Support
There is a great need for continual support. They need supervision and advice. So at least, one more year occasional support is needed for supervision. This is a sort of the final step of this support and very much important. This is equivalent to resident system of doctor training.
About Volunteer Experiences
It’s an once-in-a-lifetime experience. As there are almost no laws or regulations in massage and acupuncture in this country, I was able to work with my own planning. It made me activated and motivated. It’s a sort of an adventure and challenge with my counterparts. Satisfaction of my sub-counterparts through my help makes me feel satisfied. Besides, living and working in a mixed cultural and mixed linguistic society, I was also activated and motivated with feeling of tension.
Future Plans of My Contribution to Society
My Basic concept
Japanese people tend to be keen on details and stick on it. Sometimes, it seems to make an excessive stressful society.
Malaysian people, however, tend to be relaxing, care-free and sociable. I learned them from mixed cultural society. Excessiveness in either way is wrong; I would like to bring back this tropical attitude to Japan as a souvenir.
Continuous collaboration work In Overseas Countries
I would like to collaborate with blind people anywhere in need of help with therapeutic massage and acupuncture training. In making this a reality, JICA’s implementation, financial support, security and other consideration is the most important and appreciated.
Muscle Aches
Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure & Training Center Ltd.
Introduction
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically-demanding work. In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is usually obvious which activity is causing the pain. Muscle pain also can be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body, like some infections (including the flu) and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body (such as lupus). One common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia, a condition that includes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.
Causes
The most common causes are:
Injury or trauma including sprains and strains
Overuse: using a muscle too much, too soon, too often
Tension or stress
Certain drugs, including:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Cocaine cholesterol
- Statins for lowering
Dermatomyositis
Electrolyte imbalances like too little potassium or calcium
Fibromyalgia
Infections, including:
- Influenza (the flu)
- Lyme disease
- Malaria
- Muscle abscess
- Polio
Lupus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Home Care
For muscle pain from overuse or injury, rest that body part. Apply ice for the first 24 - 72 hours of an injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more relaxing.
Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a long rest period are also helpful.
Regular exercise can help restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good aerobic activities to try. A physical therapist can teach you stretching, toning etc. to feel better and stay pain-free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. Massage, acupressure therapy is excellent way to help you sleep and relax.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If home measures aren’t working, call your doctor, who will consider prescription medication, physical therapy referral, or referral to a specialized pain clinic.
If your muscle aches are due to a specific disease, follow the instructions of your doctor to treat the primary illness.
Call your doctor if:
Your muscle pain persists beyond 3 days
You have severe, unexplained pain
You have any sign of infection, like swelling or redness around the tender muscle
You have poor circulation in the area where you have muscles aches (for example, in your legs)
You have a tick bite or a rash
Your muscle pain has been associated with starting or changing doses of a medicine, such as a statin
You have sudden weight gain, water retention, or you are urinating less than usual
You are short of breath.
You have muscle weakness or cannot move any part of your body
You have vomiting, a very stiff neck, or high fever
How to Diagnose
Before giving Massage, Acupressure Therapy a therapist should do the necessary examination; and ask questions about muscle pain, such as:
When did it start? How long did it last?
Where is it exactly? Is it all over or only in a specific area?
Is it always in the same location?
What makes it better or worse?
Do other symptoms occur at the same time, like joint pain, fever, vomiting, weakness, depression, or difficulty using the affected muscle?
Is there a pattern to the muscle aches?
Have you taken any new medications lately?
Prevention
Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
Stretch before and after exercising.
Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
If you work in the same position most of the day (like sitting at a computer), stretch at least every hour.
Alternative Names
Muscle pain; Myalgia; Pain – muscles¬
References
Buttaravoli P. Muscle strains and tears. In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 122.
Buttaravoli P. Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia: (Trigger points). In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 123.
New Function of Blind Massage International
Website
The Blind Massage International Website (www.blindmassageintl.com) was launched on 15 October, 2009 under great support from members of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission. At the moment of its launching, Blind Massage International Website received great support from President of WBU Asia Pacific Region and Council of the National Committee of Welfare for the Blind in Japan (NCWBJ) — Mr. Chuji Sashida (Japan), Founding Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of Hong Kong Blind Sports Association Ltd. — Mrs. Grace Chan (Hong Kong, China), Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and Board Chairman of Hunan Yeahcome Health Care Co., Ltd. — Mr. Zhu Gang (China), Vice-Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Society for the Blind — Ms. Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China), member of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and President of Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind — Mr. Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand), Secretary-General of Korea Blind Union — Mr. Kang Yong Bong (Korea), as well as an acupuncture and massage therapist from America and a massage customer from Netherlands. They all congratulated warmly on its implementation and acknowledged the positive contribution of this website to the blind massage industry.
The Website was launched after repeated testing for three months. Its function has been further improved and its content being updated daily. In order to realize the resource-sharing, sections such as “Professional Academic” and “Blind People’s World” have been set up. In addition, sections like “Industry Yellow Page”, “Recruitment and Employment”, “Education and Training”, “Testing Center”, “Questions and Answers” and etc. are for members to upload data.
Professional Section: including the academic world and massage. It involves the advanced academic essays world-wide and professional massage knowledge. Welcome to share your latest research results/suggestions with all of us by sending an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network’s mailbox (blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com).
Visually Impaired: To provide the latest information for the blind or low vision people, in order to help them resolve problems/confusion realistically.
Yellow Page: To provide a convenient publicity platform for various therapeutic massage centers, massage clinics and industrial enterprises. Aims to collect industrial trends/dynamics, to promote mutual understanding among practitioners and to offer a convenient search function for the related industrial (internal or external) people of all circles.
Employment: To issue the recruitment information and release the resume. You may register to be a member to publish recruitment news which provides more chances for massage therapists outside this region, to gain more information related to employment. If you are looking for a new job, you may register here as a member and submit your resume. Perhaps the opportunity is here.
Education: More training opportunities for the region will be welcomed by blind massage therapists. It promotes the industry of blind massage and brings progress and development. Traditional massage techniques from different parts of the world can also be exchanged as well. We welcome the relevant training institutions to register and post education, training and recruitment information to this section.
Q & A: This is a special section for questions and answers. Whenever we face some questions and are eager to find out the solution, you may submit your question to this section. Any browser can register as a member and reply to your question with his/her answer. Let us learn from each other by resource sharing.
The vigorous development of Asia-Pacific regional blind massage is the result of the tireless efforts of various national organizations of blind massage. In this highly developed information technology, the Internet, as the most efficient and convenient information exchange channel, can also be one of the best choices to promote the information exchange of blind massage. It is believed that with more of you joining us, the better the platform realizes the blind massage’s exchanges and cooperation to the maximum extent.
If you have the latest information of related industries, or the latest research findings, please send an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network at blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com.
Thanks for your support!
10th WBU
Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage
3 to 6 May, 2010 • Seoul, South Korea
Organized by Korea Blind Union
The “10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage” will take place from 3 to 6 May, 2010 at the Seoul Olympic Parktel in Seoul, South Korea, a great conference for blind massage teaching professionals, operators of massage centers and blind masseurs. This conference will discuss and exchange ideas on new massage techniques and theories, new applications and related training and employment for the blind.
The Korea Blind Union is honored to be appointed by the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission to be the host of this Regional Massage Seminar. It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend this meaningful Seminar. The theme of the Seminar is “Meeting New Challenges through Exchange and Rising Self-Esteem”
It is Spring in May in Seoul where flowers blossom with pleasant weather. We extend our warm welcome to all our friends in the region and other regions of the world to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage. We believe your participation will make the Conference meaningful and remarkable.
Countries:
Australia Bangladsh Brunei Cambodia
China Hong Kong, China Taipei, China Fiji
Indonesia Japan Korea Malaysia
Mongolia Philippines New Zealand Papua New Guinea
Singapore Thailand Vietnam Samoa
Myanmar Laos
Tentative Programme:
3 May, 2010
Opening Ceremony
Key Speeches
Country Reports
Plenary Session I:
Europe and America massage development trend
4 May, 2010
Plenary Session II:
Simulation therapy clinical case
Plenary Session III:
Massage clinical case
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (I):
Health Massage
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (II):
Clinical Practice
5 May, 2010
Plenary Session IV:
Support system of government for the massage enterprises
Closing Ceremony
6 May, 2010
Sight-seeing
•Changgyeong Palace
•Kwang Hwa Moon Square & Cheonggye creek
•Han River
Tour of Institutions
•Korea Blind Union Office
•Blind Massage Center
•Seoul Blind School
Newsletter Editorial Committee:
Chairman:
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
Members:
Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)
Newsletter (Issue No. 3)
April 2010
Published by World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission
Contents
Membership List
P.2
Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang, Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
P.3
Development of Thai Massag for the Blind in Thailand
Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind
P.4-P.5
The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia
Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer
P.6-P.8
Muscle Aches
Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure &
Training Center Ltd.
P.9-P.11
New Function of Blind Massage International Website
P.11-P.12
10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage
P.13-P.14
Newsletter Editorial Committee
P.14
Membership List
(2008-2012)
World Blind Union Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
Founding Chairman
Mrs Grace Chan, RSW, JP
(Hong Kong, China)
grace@afpb.hk
Chairman
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
penglei@yeahcome.com
Vice-Chairman
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
m.kyoshiri@sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp
Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)
maureen.tam@hksb.org.hk
Secretary -General
Mr Wang Jian Jun (China)
amzx_amc@163.com
Deputy Secretary-General
Mr Kim Mok (Hong Kong, China)
kim.alum@hkbu.edu.hk
Members
Mr Mahboob Ahsan (Bangladesh)
mahboobahsan2003@yahoo.com
Mr Boun Mao (Cambodia)
boun.mao@online.com.kh
abc@bigpond.com.kh
Mr Yoshihiko Sasagawa (Japan)
ncwbj@mbm.nifty.com
Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
kbuwel@yahoo.co.kr
Ms Norimah Hj. Ahmad (Malaysia)
nuri_relex707@yahoo.com
Captain Oscar Taleon (Philippines)
ojtaleon@pacific.net.ph
Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
pecharat@gmail.com
Mr Cao Van Thanh (Vietnam)
caovanthanhhnm@gmail.com
Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang
Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
The Third Newsletter of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was published as scheduled. Invited by the Newsletter Editorial Board, I am hereon greatly honored to discuss the blind massage in the Asia-Pacific area with all of you.
The Board of Directors Meeting of the World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was held successfully in Seoul, South Korea in July, 2009. During the meeting, the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar, the Blind Massage International Network and the Second Issue of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission Newsletter were discussed. The achievements made so far are obvious to all. Hereby, we should extend our hearty thanks to the President of WBU Asia Pacific Region, Mr. Chuji Sashida, for his great support for the Board of Directors Meeting.
The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar will be a great success. Hereby, we should extend our thanks to all members of the Korean Organizing Committee for their unremitting efforts for preparing this seminar. The WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar has been successfully held nine times, and the achievements made so far have been obvious to all. Many people have made arduous efforts and lots of members of WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission have made extraordinary contributions to the massage profession for the blind in the Asia-Pacific area.
In the year 2010, communication between members will be strengthened and it is the year for work promotion. The Blind Massage International Network (www.blindmassageintl.com) is launched facing the world widely. This platform makes it possible for information exchange on blind massage ehrich in a broader context. You are most welcome to join us! Everyone’s active participation and valuable suggestions to enrich this Website will enable the International Blind Massage Network to maximize its role as an information exchange platform. The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar is going to be held in Seoul, South Korea which will cover topics such as: “Europe and America Massage Development Trend”, “Clinical Case of Alternative Therapy”, “Massage Clinical Case”, “Government’s Support for Massage Enterprises” and other subject reports. In addition, the seminar will add a special subject of Massage Manipulation, as a continuation of the traditional programme found at previous seminars. This will bring more opportunities for the participants to learn and understand more about the massage profession.
New Year, New Spirit! The international communication and co-operation is more important in such globalizing world nowadays. Let’s carry forward the noble spirit of solidarity and helping the underprivileged; to further create companionate interpersonal relationships towards a united harmonious society; to encourage the blind to do their best and elevate their own quality with positiveness and creativity. Together with able-bodied people, to create a happy life and bright future which belongs to all of us together!
Lastly, I wish you good health, happiness and great achievements in your career. All the best!
Development of Thai Massag
for the Blind in Thailand
Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind
Seventy years ago, blind people in Thailand were helpless and burden to their family! Having a blind child in one family was a belief that the family must have had a great sin in their past lives! Many people thought at the time that blind children were a bit better than chair and tables because they could talk. After Miss Genevieve Caulfield, an American blind lady, came to Thailand in 1939 and found the first school for the blind, the belief regarding blindness and blind people has been gradually changed. Much progress has been achieved after Thai Government began to pay more attention to the disabled by passing the Rehabilitation Act in 1991 and Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act in 2007. The public awareness concerning the blind has been increased by demonstration of well trained blind people in our society and the increasing numbers of institutions, organizations of and for the blind.
Now there are more than one thousand blind people with Bachelor Degrees and over a hundred with Masters’ Degrees. There are more and more blind people engaged in the occupations of teachers, telephone operators, musicians, hospital workers, etc. We also have blind people self employed in various businesses. In this article, the Medical Massage will be emphasized.
Massage is so far the most promising occupation for the blind, particularly in Asia! Massage can be divided into two main categories: health massage and medical massage. Thai Massage teaching was introduced to the Skill Development Center for the Blind thirty years ago. At that time, very few people believed that massage was suitable to the blind. There was a belief then that men and women touching each other was dangerous and sinful! Most Thai people merely believed that the blind could not see, therefore they could not know where to put their fingers on the right spots! Of course, most of them have changed their belief! Now Thai Massage is the most promising occupation for the blind in Thailand and Asia Pacific. Good progress has been achieved compared with the time when first Thai Massage teaching to the blind was introduced thirty years ago, but there is still very long path we must struggle. Beside China, Japan and Korea, blind people in this part of the world are never legally allowed to enter into medical massage!
In Thailand, masseurs must take national exams set up by Medical Registration Division, Department of Health Support Services, Public Health Ministry, then are eligible to obtain the license. Up till now, no single blind person in Thailand has received medical license!! The blind are engaged only in Health Massage. Only last two years, the Ministry of Public Health permitted blind people to take examination for medical license! To be survived in this very competitive occupation, one has to be very skilful and diligent. Blind masseurs and masseuses must keep improving their skills and techniques and move from regular health massage to medical massage.
This is the main reason Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind (FEPB) took up an initiative to conduct a training program called “Preparing blind masseurs and masseuses to take national medical license exams.” Our training course consists of following subjects: Scientific Health, Traditional Thai Medicine, Thai Massage, Law and Morals, introductory of foreign massage, Reading/writing Braille, O and M and analysis of 35 cases. Total 1154 hours. The duration of training course will be two years beginning January 2009 to December 2010.
We have 6 licensed teachers, twenty text books all converted to MP3 and Daisy format. FEPB is now the only organization for and of the blind legally permitted to open such training program. We have fifty blind masseurs and masseuses who are very anxious to upgrade themselves from health masseurs to medical masseurs, from various parts of Thailand, came to enroll in this training program. These fifty very enthusiastic masseurs and masseuses have already gone half way: they passed the examination last year which entitled them to be Assistant Medical Masseurs. The certificates were presented on January 26, 2010 by Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, Director Bureau of Sanatorium and Arts of Healing, Ministry of Public Health.
These fifty masseurs and masseuses are studying hard so that they are well prepared to take the national medical license exam in 2011. They are the first group of blind masseurs and masseuses in Thailand who are eligible to take the historic medical license examination. When they become licensed masseurs, they are then eligible to open their own clinics! We are fully aware that to have a successful business in this field, skills of massage or medical license alone is not sufficient. One must have knowledge and experiences in management, marketing, finance, human relationship, etc. FEPB plans to conduct business courses for our blind masseurs in the near future! For the past thirty years, blind masseurs have been working under institutions of and for the blind. Very few individual blind masseurs succeed independently! Therefore, it is necessary to empower our blind masseurs by giving them the knowledge and experiences in massage business.
The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia
Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer
Results of Activities
Upgrading Support for Massage
St. Nicholas’ Home has been training the blind in oil massage for relaxation since 2002. During my assignment to SNH, I trained nine students in non-oil massage, Shiatsu and using more medical and scientific approach. Eight of my students are staff of SNH and one is a graduate of the massage training programme running his own massage business.
The SNH Wellness Centre provides massage therapy to the public. Now Shiatsu is on the menu, RM50 for one hour. It is getting popular among the customers.
Training in Acupuncture
I provided training in acupuncture to six out of nine students who had more than one year clinical experience. The teaching methodology is related to traditional Japanese method which is based on mainly palpation and tactile sense. The needles and Moxa used are Japanese made which is the finest.
Two out of six staff obtained an excellent level as independent therapists. However, others are still in the dependence level. They need more training or support from excellent staff.
Teaching Medical Science and Medical Art/Experience
There are two categories: medical science, basic medical science (anatomy and physiology), and medical art/experience which is traditional Chinese medicine (Yin-yang theory and meridian-and-points).
My approach is to give practical sessions first before teaching theory. The practice motivates the students to learn the related theory. Some students don’t have the basic education background which makes teaching theory not easy as compared to teaching in Japan.
Getting Textbook and Reference Books
Before my assignment in SNH, there was no text book on theory. I decided to use “Guide to Anatomy and Physiology, by Louise Tucker, Revised Version August 2009, EMS Publishing, ISBN: 978 1903348284”. For the first year, we had the print and Braille version only. Later on, audio version was added.
There is still a pending issue on making textbook of meridian and points. I have been teaching traditional medicine without any textbook for them. So far there is no appropriate book in English, so I made it myself at the end of 2009.
Visit Royal National College for the Blind, UK
Textbooks are used at Royal National College for the Blind, UK. I visited RNC in autumn 2009, and obtained audio files and other data of medical science. I found some basic advanced points in RNC which is a NGO similar to SNH as follows:
A. Computer literacy; All the 17 massage students for 2009, are computer literate which helps them to learn the theory.
B. Better amenity and living environment; Student hostels provide students with individual rooms, and the food/drinks choices in the canteen is more sophisticated.
C. Governmental financial support; each local authority that the student belongs to, subsidizes student’s major cost including accommodation, food, and going home twice a month.
Anatomy Models
At the end of last April, 11 anatomy models were donated by JICA Malaysia Office. They are very basic and effective tools when blind students learn human body structure. * JICA stands for Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Adequacy of My Assignment
Adequacy, positive points
In spite of continuous economical development in Malaysia, disabled people are still left behind in the society for their human rights. Their basic education, independent living, and social participation are still developing. After working for two years in an agency, I have found the following points need more improvement. It is not only the point of hardware but also software. Especially, better planning, evaluation and transparency in the management. However there is a struggle in my mind whether I can use my Japanese methods in this field.
JICA volunteers tend to dedicate their assignments to support sub-counterparts. However, if we could collaborate with them for improvement of the basic structural problems, it would be much better. In this way, Japanese systematic work sequence can be introduced very effectively.
Adequacy, Pending issues
Volunteers may face the problems mentioned above. The chain of order is too much top-down management. Subordinates don’t have a chance to express their opinions. Even good proposals tend to become complaints.
If the volunteers work only in the field of assignment, I wonder the end results. Because, well educated staff or students will not stay in such environment, then they will leave. Even so, our efforts may be expanded to somewhere else. However, I am not satisfied with it.
Results, Its Future Self-sustainability and Necessity of Continual Support
Future self-sustainability
I believe that Shiatsu and therapeutic non-oil massage will be continuously developing in future. My sub-counterparts are going to teach it to new students. Some sub-counterparts will go out from SNH, and spread out the therapy method.
In acupuncture training, two sub-counterparts have already reached a self-sustainable level. Technically, they are higher than my expectation. However, in diagnosis which means examination and planning of the treatment, they are still not good enough. They need to accumulate their clinical experiences under supervision by an expert. After one year’s experience, they will reach to the level to train new students of acupuncture independently.
Necessity of Continual Support
There is a great need for continual support. They need supervision and advice. So at least, one more year occasional support is needed for supervision. This is a sort of the final step of this support and very much important. This is equivalent to resident system of doctor training.
About Volunteer Experiences
It’s an once-in-a-lifetime experience. As there are almost no laws or regulations in massage and acupuncture in this country, I was able to work with my own planning. It made me activated and motivated. It’s a sort of an adventure and challenge with my counterparts. Satisfaction of my sub-counterparts through my help makes me feel satisfied. Besides, living and working in a mixed cultural and mixed linguistic society, I was also activated and motivated with feeling of tension.
Future Plans of My Contribution to Society
My Basic concept
Japanese people tend to be keen on details and stick on it. Sometimes, it seems to make an excessive stressful society.
Malaysian people, however, tend to be relaxing, care-free and sociable. I learned them from mixed cultural society. Excessiveness in either way is wrong; I would like to bring back this tropical attitude to Japan as a souvenir.
Continuous collaboration work In Overseas Countries
I would like to collaborate with blind people anywhere in need of help with therapeutic massage and acupuncture training. In making this a reality, JICA’s implementation, financial support, security and other consideration is the most important and appreciated.
Muscle Aches
Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure & Training Center Ltd.
Introduction
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically-demanding work. In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is usually obvious which activity is causing the pain. Muscle pain also can be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body, like some infections (including the flu) and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body (such as lupus). One common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia, a condition that includes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.
Causes
The most common causes are:
Injury or trauma including sprains and strains
Overuse: using a muscle too much, too soon, too often
Tension or stress
Certain drugs, including:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Cocaine cholesterol
- Statins for lowering
Dermatomyositis
Electrolyte imbalances like too little potassium or calcium
Fibromyalgia
Infections, including:
- Influenza (the flu)
- Lyme disease
- Malaria
- Muscle abscess
- Polio
Lupus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Home Care
For muscle pain from overuse or injury, rest that body part. Apply ice for the first 24 - 72 hours of an injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more relaxing.
Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a long rest period are also helpful.
Regular exercise can help restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good aerobic activities to try. A physical therapist can teach you stretching, toning etc. to feel better and stay pain-free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. Massage, acupressure therapy is excellent way to help you sleep and relax.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If home measures aren’t working, call your doctor, who will consider prescription medication, physical therapy referral, or referral to a specialized pain clinic.
If your muscle aches are due to a specific disease, follow the instructions of your doctor to treat the primary illness.
Call your doctor if:
Your muscle pain persists beyond 3 days
You have severe, unexplained pain
You have any sign of infection, like swelling or redness around the tender muscle
You have poor circulation in the area where you have muscles aches (for example, in your legs)
You have a tick bite or a rash
Your muscle pain has been associated with starting or changing doses of a medicine, such as a statin
You have sudden weight gain, water retention, or you are urinating less than usual
You are short of breath.
You have muscle weakness or cannot move any part of your body
You have vomiting, a very stiff neck, or high fever
How to Diagnose
Before giving Massage, Acupressure Therapy a therapist should do the necessary examination; and ask questions about muscle pain, such as:
When did it start? How long did it last?
Where is it exactly? Is it all over or only in a specific area?
Is it always in the same location?
What makes it better or worse?
Do other symptoms occur at the same time, like joint pain, fever, vomiting, weakness, depression, or difficulty using the affected muscle?
Is there a pattern to the muscle aches?
Have you taken any new medications lately?
Prevention
Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
Stretch before and after exercising.
Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
If you work in the same position most of the day (like sitting at a computer), stretch at least every hour.
Alternative Names
Muscle pain; Myalgia; Pain – muscles¬
References
Buttaravoli P. Muscle strains and tears. In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 122.
Buttaravoli P. Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia: (Trigger points). In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 123.
New Function of Blind Massage International
Website
The Blind Massage International Website (www.blindmassageintl.com) was launched on 15 October, 2009 under great support from members of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission. At the moment of its launching, Blind Massage International Website received great support from President of WBU Asia Pacific Region and Council of the National Committee of Welfare for the Blind in Japan (NCWBJ) — Mr. Chuji Sashida (Japan), Founding Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of Hong Kong Blind Sports Association Ltd. — Mrs. Grace Chan (Hong Kong, China), Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and Board Chairman of Hunan Yeahcome Health Care Co., Ltd. — Mr. Zhu Gang (China), Vice-Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Society for the Blind — Ms. Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China), member of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and President of Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind — Mr. Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand), Secretary-General of Korea Blind Union — Mr. Kang Yong Bong (Korea), as well as an acupuncture and massage therapist from America and a massage customer from Netherlands. They all congratulated warmly on its implementation and acknowledged the positive contribution of this website to the blind massage industry.
The Website was launched after repeated testing for three months. Its function has been further improved and its content being updated daily. In order to realize the resource-sharing, sections such as “Professional Academic” and “Blind People’s World” have been set up. In addition, sections like “Industry Yellow Page”, “Recruitment and Employment”, “Education and Training”, “Testing Center”, “Questions and Answers” and etc. are for members to upload data.
Professional Section: including the academic world and massage. It involves the advanced academic essays world-wide and professional massage knowledge. Welcome to share your latest research results/suggestions with all of us by sending an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network’s mailbox (blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com).
Visually Impaired: To provide the latest information for the blind or low vision people, in order to help them resolve problems/confusion realistically.
Yellow Page: To provide a convenient publicity platform for various therapeutic massage centers, massage clinics and industrial enterprises. Aims to collect industrial trends/dynamics, to promote mutual understanding among practitioners and to offer a convenient search function for the related industrial (internal or external) people of all circles.
Employment: To issue the recruitment information and release the resume. You may register to be a member to publish recruitment news which provides more chances for massage therapists outside this region, to gain more information related to employment. If you are looking for a new job, you may register here as a member and submit your resume. Perhaps the opportunity is here.
Education: More training opportunities for the region will be welcomed by blind massage therapists. It promotes the industry of blind massage and brings progress and development. Traditional massage techniques from different parts of the world can also be exchanged as well. We welcome the relevant training institutions to register and post education, training and recruitment information to this section.
Q & A: This is a special section for questions and answers. Whenever we face some questions and are eager to find out the solution, you may submit your question to this section. Any browser can register as a member and reply to your question with his/her answer. Let us learn from each other by resource sharing.
The vigorous development of Asia-Pacific regional blind massage is the result of the tireless efforts of various national organizations of blind massage. In this highly developed information technology, the Internet, as the most efficient and convenient information exchange channel, can also be one of the best choices to promote the information exchange of blind massage. It is believed that with more of you joining us, the better the platform realizes the blind massage’s exchanges and cooperation to the maximum extent.
If you have the latest information of related industries, or the latest research findings, please send an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network at blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com.
Thanks for your support!
10th WBU
Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage
3 to 6 May, 2010 • Seoul, South Korea
Organized by Korea Blind Union
The “10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage” will take place from 3 to 6 May, 2010 at the Seoul Olympic Parktel in Seoul, South Korea, a great conference for blind massage teaching professionals, operators of massage centers and blind masseurs. This conference will discuss and exchange ideas on new massage techniques and theories, new applications and related training and employment for the blind.
The Korea Blind Union is honored to be appointed by the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission to be the host of this Regional Massage Seminar. It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend this meaningful Seminar. The theme of the Seminar is “Meeting New Challenges through Exchange and Rising Self-Esteem”
It is Spring in May in Seoul where flowers blossom with pleasant weather. We extend our warm welcome to all our friends in the region and other regions of the world to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage. We believe your participation will make the Conference meaningful and remarkable.
Countries:
Australia Bangladsh Brunei Cambodia
China Hong Kong, China Taipei, China Fiji
Indonesia Japan Korea Malaysia
Mongolia Philippines New Zealand Papua New Guinea
Singapore Thailand Vietnam Samoa
Myanmar Laos
Tentative Programme:
3 May, 2010
Opening Ceremony
Key Speeches
Country Reports
Plenary Session I:
Europe and America massage development trend
4 May, 2010
Plenary Session II:
Simulation therapy clinical case
Plenary Session III:
Massage clinical case
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (I):
Health Massage
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (II):
Clinical Practice
5 May, 2010
Plenary Session IV:
Support system of government for the massage enterprises
Closing Ceremony
6 May, 2010
Sight-seeing
•Changgyeong Palace
•Kwang Hwa Moon Square & Cheonggye creek
•Han River
Tour of Institutions
•Korea Blind Union Office
•Blind Massage Center
•Seoul Blind School
Newsletter Editorial Committee:
Chairman:
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
Members:
Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)
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