By Ji Beibei

Yin Ling, a blind masseuse in Changchun, Liaoning Province, has been frustrated by her career development and the prejudice she has encountered, despite her university degree and professional training as a physical therapist.

"Even though I majored in acupuncture and tuina (hands-on body treatment) systematically for five years, some people question my ability," says Yin, who graduated from the special education institute of Changchun University in 2008.

Yin has received training in medical massage therapy, which qualifies her for work in medical institutions that provide a stable income and pension. The reality, however, is that she has only been able to work in shops that provide muscle relaxation massages. As a result, she has an unstable income that averages about 1,500 yuan ($219) a month.

Massage services can basically be divided into health protection and physical therapy. Health protection massages are used mainly to relax muscles and relieve tiredness, while medical massages can help cure conditions such as arthritis. The medical therapists offer tailor-made treatment to patients after consultations.

"Some clients doubt that blind people can perform medical massage," she said.

Now, Yin has found a new hope after passing a pilot massage examination for blind masseurs in April, sponsored by the China Disabled Person's Federation.

A nationwide exam will be held in October.

Many blind massage therapists like Yin have complained that they cannot apply their professional training at work. The federation believes the exam will overcome discrimination and convince institutions to hire blind massage therapists.

Zhang Chengquan, a federation official in charge of the exam, told the Global Times Wednesday that some 3,000 blind masseurs and masseuses are expected to take the test. Only those who pass the exam will be authorized to provide medical massage service. Those without the qualification can only give relaxation massages.

There are 120,000 blind health protection masseurs and 30,000 blind medical masseurs at present, the federation said. These blind medical masseurs will either take the exam or ask the federation to recognize their experience if they want to continue their profession.

The exam consists of a paper test and a practical hands-on examination.

Wang Zhuo, a blind masseur in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, said he hopes to provide medical massage services.

"The exam can help standardize an industry which is presently chaotic. Some massage therapists took only a short training course while others like me who has received five years of training cannot put what we have learned into practice," Wang said.