Born in 1997, Nguyễn Đại Dương’s name, meaning “the vast ocean,” seems to reflect the boundless spirit within him. One of 32 trainees in our December 2024 therapeutic massage course, a collaboration with the Vietnamese Blind Association, Dương hails from Nam Định province. Like many with visual impairments, he has never let the darkness define his dreams.
Congenitally blind, Dương navigated the world without sight, yet his inner vision was always clear: a path of personal growth through therapeutic massage. After high school, he began his journey at the Da Nang Blind Association, learning the foundational techniques of Vietnamese “Tam quat.” Six years of dedicated practice have transformed him into a skilled and experienced therapist within the Association’s studio.
Each day, for five to six hours, Dương channels his focus and expertise into providing thoughtful and skillful therapeutic massages. He shares that his average income is around 55,000 VND per client (approximately $2 USD per hour). While he manages his own meals, spending about 50,000 VND daily, his true priority lies in the quality of care he offers.
Demonstrating remarkable self-respect and professionalism, Dương doesn’t hesitate to refuse service to clients who behave inappropriately. This stance underscores his commitment to his well-being and the integrity of his profession, while also ensuring a respectful environment for other clients. The challenges of mobility for a visually impaired person have led him to focus solely on his work at the studio, forgoing in-home massage.
Dương views the inevitable obstacles of his profession not as setbacks, but as opportunities for learning and growth. He finds profound satisfaction in massage therapy, not only as a source of stable income but also as a way to bring tangible health benefits and joy to his clients. His unwavering perseverance and genuine love for his work have been the compass guiding him through every challenge he has encountered.
