12 Jul 2017

A life specialist, Ms Boikanyo Phenyo has encouraged Batswana to explore the massage therapy business.

Ms Phenyo, who is a qualified beauty and massage therapist and has been in the business for over seven years in the United Kindom where she is based, said massage therapy, as a healing technique, was beneficial to both the client and the massage therapist (masseuse).

She was addressing massage therapy business aspirants in Maun on July 8.

Massage therapy, she noted, has been a part of Batswana culture from ancient times. She noted that expectant mothers, babies and the elderly were regularly massaged.

She said massage therapy could be developed into a business just as other beauty technique as hairdressing and nails have developed over time.

She said it was, however, crucial to educate the public about the importance of massage and appreciate professional massage therapists.

Massage therapy, she noted, has been recognised for its health benefits. She said about 45 per cent of adult ailments were stress related which could be prevented through regular massage.

Ms Phenyo said her one year programme to train massage therapists aspirants in Maun starting on July 22, and that they would build a pool of experienced masseuse who would in turn pursue the massage therapy business. She said the community needed to appreciate the value of professional massage which was beneficial to expectant mothers, babies and everyone.

One attendant, Ms Chazha Woto, who has been in the massage and wellness industry for about 10 years, said Batswana were left behind in appreciation of massage services.

Ms Woto said most of her clients were international tourists who were on transit, and that only a few locals used her services as they felt her prices were too expensive. She added that some associated massage therapy with prostitution.

Ms Woto noted that massage therapy has been proven to aid blood circulation and the relaxation of body and mind.

Maun entrepreneur and life coach, Ms Hanna Lecha also encouraged massage therapists aspirants to have a positive outlook.

Ms Lecha said there was a niche for the business since one could be mobile instead of setting up a beauty spa shop.

She, however, noted the need to sensitise the public about professional massage instead of the traditional ways and the believe that professional massage therapy was for the rich and educated.

Ms Lecha said people tended to neglect self-care while in pursuit of life goals and investments, adding that treating oneself to a massage therapy was a health investment and self-care. ENDs