Visually impaired massage in Taiwan (視障按摩)

The short answer

For many years Taiwan law reserved massage work for visually impaired people. That rule was found unconstitutional in 2008 and ended in 2011, but visually impaired massage practitioners remain an established part of massage in Taiwan. Taipei and Tainan city governments publish lists of their locations. Sessions range from short seated massages at service points to full sessions at a studio.

In Chinese: 視障按摩.
History: Reserved for visually impaired people until Constitutional Interpretation No. 649 (31 October 2008) struck the rule down; it stopped applying on 31 October 2011.
Where: Service points in public buildings, and studios. City lists give addresses and phone numbers.
Booking: Phoning is the usual way. Hours vary; few places publish a menu online.

Finding a place

Taipei: the city government publishes a register of visually impaired massage locations on Taiwan's open data portal. One example is the service point inside Taipei City Hall. Taipei City Hall massage service point
Tainan: the city government publishes a list of visually impaired massage locations with addresses and phone numbers. Hours are not on the list, so call first.

Booking and visiting

Some places are small; phone first. Speak up when you arrive, and say what you would like, just as you would anywhere else. Prices are often not published online, so ask on the phone. The experience varies from place to place, as with any massage.

What to say

請問今天還可以預約嗎？
Can I still book for today?
請問四十分鐘多少錢？
How much is 40 minutes?
可以輕一點嗎？
Could you use less pressure?

All phrase cards, shown large for the therapist

When to skip it or ask a doctor first

Massage shops in Taiwan are registered as non-medical businesses and may not diagnose or treat anything. Our general guidance: ask a doctor before booking if you have pain that is new, severe or getting worse, numbness or tingling, a recent injury, fracture or surgery, a blood clotting problem or you take blood thinners, a skin infection or open wound, or you are pregnant. Sudden swelling, pain or warmth in one leg needs a doctor, not a massage. According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture, and it suggests asking a health care provider if you are not sure massage is right for you. Relax.tw makes no health claims.

Facts on this page checked 9 November 2026. Prices and policies change: confirm with the business.

Sources (6)

Checked 9 November 2026