Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will be organising one training session for Reflexology (Foot Therapy) at Uttarkashi for a month and in Rudraprayag for 15 days free from charges. This also aims to generate employment opportunities near Char Dham Yatra and 13 Trekking Traction Centre. Four experts from Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Jammu, Katra will be organising the training program which will benefit nearly 70 people which will be starting from November 23, 2021.
Briefing the media, Satpal Maharaj, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, said, “Reflexology (foot massage) is our ancient technique. Reflexology is a type of alternative medicine, which is quite popular in other Asian countries including India. Reflexology works on a theory that is related to the organs and systems of the body. Giving pressure to certain parts of the body has many benefits for the body. The gentle art of reflexology focuses on massaging specific reflex points located on feet, hands and ears that correspond to every area of our body. This initiative will be beneficial for the pilgrims and tourists coming for trekking including our Dhams.”
Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, “Many people seek reflexology treatments to help with the physical symptoms of illness, such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. It is also said that the knowledge and techniques of this 2,000-year-old massage therapy were the hidden secrets of Buddhist monks. Those were kept alive and passed down through the generations. Along with this, the doors of employment will also open for the local people.
Additional Chief Executive Officer (Adventure Tourism), UTDB Col Ashwini Pundir, said, “Trained foot therapists charge Rs 150 to 300 for reflexology and can earn Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per day. Not only will this it also provide great relief to the pilgrims/tourists/trekkers while walking on the mountains of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. A large number of reflexologists around the world are offering such facilities.”
