Massage therapy

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Elliot Greene

Massage may enhance the immune system. A study suggests an increase in cytotoxic capacity associated with massage. A study of chronic fatigue syndrome subjects found that a group receiving massage therapy had lower depression, emotional distress, and somatic symptom scores, more hours of sleep, and lower epinephrine and cortisol levels than a control group.

The generally accepted standard for training is a minimum of 500 classroom hours. Training should include anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage theory and technique, and supervised practice. Most massage therapists also take additional courses and workshops during their careers.

In the United States, massage therapists are currently licensed by 29 states, the District of Columbia, and a number of localities. Most states require 500 or more classroom hours of training from a recognized training program and passing an examination.

A national certification program was inaugurated in June 1992 by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, the chief outside agency for evaluating certification programs. Those certified can use the title Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). Most states use the NCBTMB exam for their licensing exams.

A national accreditation agency, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, designed according to the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education, currently recognizes about 70 training programs. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training also accredit massage training programs.

• Beck, Mark F. Milady's Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage. Milady Publishing, 1994.
• Capellini, Steve. Massage Therapy Career Guide for Hands-On Success. Milady Publishing, 1998.
• Downing, George. The Massage Book. New York: Random House, 1998.
• Loving, Jean E. Massage Therapy: Theory and Practice. Appleton & Lange, 1998.

• Field, T., W. Sunshine, M. Hernandez-Reif, and O. Quintino. "Chronic fatigue syndrome: massage therapy effects on depression and somatic symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome." J Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (1997):43-51.
• Ironson, G., T. Field, F. Scafidi, and M. Hashimoto. "Massage therapy is associated with enhancement of the immune system's cytotoxic capacity." Int J Neuroscience (February 1996):205-217.
• Joachim, G. "The effects of two stress management techniques on feelings of well-being in patients with inflammatory bowel disease." Nursing Papers (1983):4, 5-18.
• Kaarda, B., and O. Tosteinbo. "Increase of plasma beta- endorphins in connective tissue massage." Gen pharmacology (1989): 487-489.
• Scafidi, F., T. Field, A. Wheeden, S. Schanberg, C. Kuhn, R. Symanski, E. Zimmerman, and E.S. Bandstra. "Cocaine exposed preterm neonates show behavioral and hormonal differences." Pediatrics (June 1996):851-855.
• Weintraub, M. "Shiatsu, Swedish muscle massage, and trigger point suppression in spinal pain syndrome." Am Massage Therapy J Summer 1992; 31:3; 99-1 09.