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As a qualified massage therapist, it is my desire to contribute to the recognition
of massage therapy as a vital component of the health regimen, and to have more and more people take advantage of this wonderful
means for the enhancement of their overall physical and mental well-being. The benefits of massage are so many and so extensive
that there are very few instances or health conditions where massage is contraindicated as a therapeutic intervention.
Unfortunately for the sufferers of many and varied ailments, massage therapy has been compromised as a legitimate
factor or choice in health care over the years, and has only recently become a covered cost under some insurance policies.
We live in a largely touch-deprived society, where appropriate touch and the proper response to it is often misunderstood
and inappropriate. As a society, we frequently don't understand how to respond to pleasant touch other than sexually, making
it very difficult for legitimate massage practitioners when some segments of the public have misguided expectations. Therefore,
potential clients must understand that I provide therapeutic massage only, and have no other expectations.
This is not a moral judgement, but a purely practical decision. Laws and licensing requirements for massage therapists
have less been a means to measure qualification than a method to control prostitution. We endure closer scrutiny than any
other professionals and frequently suffer unequal treatment under the law when it comes to licensing for ourselves and establishments.
Therefore, I believe it is necessary for all therapists who wish to see massage elevated to its proper and deserved
place in the health regimen to stringently and distinctly separate themselves and their practice from any possible connection
to illicit activity. There is no room for confusion or ambiguity on this question. It is important that the framework of support
and legitimacy within the mind of the public be furthered, which in turn will make life and the practice of excellent, therapeutic
massage easier for ourselves and for the therapists that follow us.
Maggie McCracken, NCTMB
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