In the 1800s, which group was designated to operate as massage practitioners in Japan?

During the 1800s in Japan, the practice of massage became associated with a specific group known for their expertise and unique skills: the blind. The visually impaired were recognized not just for their ability to maneuver effectively without sight, but also for their heightened sensitivity and intuition in assessing the body's needs through touch. This recognized proficiency made them well-suited for the practice of massage, leading to the establishment of training programs for the blind, which allowed them to become accomplished massage practitioners.

As such, this designation had a profound influence on the culture of massage therapy in Japan, transforming it into a respected profession. The proficiency and skill level developed by this group helped regulate standards for massage therapy, ensuring quality treatment that patients sought after. Consequently, their unique qualifications set them apart in a burgeoning field of massage practice during that era.