Roadside masseurs: A challenging profession - The Express Tribune

[Amir Khan]

KARACHI:
With the arrival of summer in the metropolis, the demand for massage services has increased as people seek relief from physical and mental fatigue. Many people turn to masseurs to alleviate stress, leading to a rise in massage services across the metropolitan city.

Various green belts and intersections transform into makeshift massage stations at night, where masseurs offer their services through two primary methods: roadside massage and itinerant massage.

Amid rising inflation, masseurs have adjusted their service charges, increasing charges by Rs200 to Rs500. Despite the steady demand, the younger generation is increasingly moving away from this ancestral profession, viewing it as financially unstable. Experts within the field advise that while massage therapy has benefits, excessive reliance on it can create dependency, and it is best received once a week for optimal results.

Muhammad Bilal, a seasoned masseur based in the Guru Mandir area, says that modern lifestyles, financial stress, and daily worries contribute to widespread physical exhaustion. While some people turn to exercise - such as jogging, cycling, or swimming - others opt for massages as a means of relaxation and rejuvenation.

According to Bilal, most masseurs in Karachi hail from Punjab, particularly from cities such as Bahawalpur, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Lodhran. They are drawn to Karachi due to better earning opportunities.

The massage profession has been practiced for centuries and is traditionally passed down through generations via an apprentice-master learning system. It typically takes six months to a year to learn basic massage techniques, while true mastery can take up to three years.

Bilal himself has been practicing massage therapy for over 30 years and is now passing his knowledge to his children. He says that while massage services are in demand throughout the year, they see a surge during the summer months.

Working hours for masseurs usually begin around 8pm and extend until 3am. Some of the most popular massage locations in Karachi include Netty Jetty Bridge, Clifton, Korangi Dhayee Number, Guru Mandir, Pyala Hotel, and various chowrangis, footpaths, and green belts.

Masseurs generally focus on 15 key areas of the body, with head, hands, back, and feet being the most commonly treated parts. Their clientele primarily consists of people suffering from joint pain, physical exhaustion, or a lack of time for regular exercise. Customers range from young adults in their 20s to middle-aged people in their 50s, with younger clients typically preferring head and leg massages, while older customers opt for full-body therapy.

According to masseurs, four types of oils are commonly used in massage therapy. Mustard oil is the most widely used lubricant, while olive oil is preferred for joint pain relief. Apart from these, coconut oil and a blended mix of different oil is also used for different purposes.

Masseurs typically provide their services through two distinct approaches: Roadside massage, where clients visit designated locations; and Itinerant massage, where masseurs travel to various areas in search of customers.

Most masseurs reside in shared rented accommodations, pooling resources for food and living expenses. Some live with their families, while others work in more affluent areas where they establish a regular clientele. Those providing home-service massages generally earn more, as customers pre-book their appointments and receive services in private residences. Home-service masseurs can earn over Rs2,000 per day, while roadside masseurs typically make between Rs1,000 to Rs1,500 daily. However, weekend earnings (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) are generally the highest. A basic massage costs between Rs300 to Rs700, while a full-body massage starts at Rs1,000 or more, with tips sometimes exceeding the fixed rate.

A full-body massage session lasts around one hour, whereas a standard massage takes around 30 minutes. Bilal pointed out that while massage services remain an essential aspect of relaxation and therapy, younger generations are increasingly reluctant to adopt this profession due to financial uncertainty. Many are seeking alternative employment opportunities.

Women also engage in massage services, though their role is largely limited to head massages. Professional female masseuses are rare in Karachi, and most women prefer receiving head massages from domestic workers rather than dedicated professionals.

A customer, Shahzaib, shared his experience, stating that after days of body pain, a single massage session helped relieve his discomfort completely.

Masseur Sadiq Ahmed added that, traditionally, masseurs work continuously for 11 months and take a break during Eidul Fitr or Eidul Azha, returning to their hometowns for rest. However, rising inflation has impacted their ability to take extended breaks.

Bilal advises that a normal person should ideally receive a massage four times a month (once a week). Excessive massage therapy can lead to dependency, much like an addiction, making it important to maintain moderation.