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IN THIS ISSUE |
Dear e-touch reader,Spring is finally here. Trees are budding and flowers are blooming. Change is all around us. This time of year inspires many of us to make changes to our own lives in areas such as diet, stress management and even careers. This issue of e-touch includes information on spring's early crops like asparagus, gives information on a career in massage therapy and takes the guesswork out of choosing the type of massage that's right for you! Enjoy the issue! If you no longer wish to receive e-touch, please follow this link to unsubscribe. Spring's Healthy Greens
Centuries ago, people believed asparagus could relieve bee stings and toothaches. Today, it rules not only for its delicious flavor but because it's a low-calorie powerhouse. Asparagus is especially high in folate (also known as folacin) and folic acid, which aids red blood cell growth and the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of all cells. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive need this important nutrient especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy, as folate has been shown to prevent neural birth defects. In general, if you don't have enough folate in your diet, you're on the road to anemia, which could make the average demanding lifestyle that much more difficult. Symptoms of anemia include paleness, dizziness and irritability. Avoid that journey with a mere cup of steamed asparagus, which provides about two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance of folate. The adult recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folate is 400 micrograms. Asparagus is also a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A and C, and thiamin. To learn more about asparagus, visit asparagus.org Source: mtj® (Massage Therapy Journal®), Spring 2006. Credentials for the Massage Therapy Profession—What to Look ForCredentials help inform a consumer about the qualifications and competency of a massage therapist. Massage therapy credentials include licensing, national certification, education and training, and membership in a professional association. Licensing Currently 38 states and the District of Columbia regulate the massage therapy profession. Depending on the state, this could be in the form of a license, registration or certification. Cities, counties and other local governments also may regulate massage. Licensing is the strictest form of professional regulation, making it illegal for anyone to work as a massage therapist unless he or she has a license. National Certification Many massage therapists choose to become a nationally certified in massage therapy. Some states require the passing of the National Certification Exam (NCE) as part of the requirements for licensure. These exams are administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Individuals who meet standards of education, training and/or experience, and pass the examination are entitled to use the designation "Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork " and its initials, NCTMB. National certification indicates that these massage therapists possess core skills, abilities, knowledge and attributes to practice safely and competently, as determined by the NCBTMB.
Education and Training Standards for education and training can help the consumer know whether a massage therapist has adequate preparation to practice. AMTA recommends a minimum of 500 hours of supervised, in-class initial massage therapy training, which must include the study of anatomy and physiology, the theory and practice of massage therapy, and elective subjects. States that license massage therapists define the minimum initial massage therapy training required. Most require a minimum of 500 hours of training, but some require 1,000 hours. One way of knowing whether a training program or massage school provides a nationally–recognized standard level of education is to see if it is accredited by a credible agency, that is, one that follows the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education. Membership in a Professional Association Membership in a credible professional association indicates professional preparation and accountability. Founded in 1943, AMTA is the largest nonprofit professional association representing massage therapy. AMTA requires members to meet minimum education requirements, pursue continuing education and uphold its code of ethics. Click here to learn more about the differences between certification, licensure, and accreditation. Which Type of Massage Is Right For You?Deciding on what type of massage you want when making an appointment can be overwhelming. How do you know which one is best for you? There are several types of massage. The most common are:
AMTA recommends you ask your massage therapist what type of massage will give you the results you want. A professional massage therapist will discuss your particular situation with you, including any injuries or health conditions, and tailor a massage that's right for you. To find a professional massage therapist in your area or while traveling, use AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist® national locator service. This free, searchable database of professional massage therapists across the country allows you to search for a massage therapist by city, state, zip code or type of massage. You can also search by calling toll-free at 1-888-THE-AMTA. Did You Know?The U. S. Department of Labor recently updated its Occupational Outlook Handbook for massage therapy. This handbook includes information on the training and education requirements, earnings, and expected job prospects. The update includes valuable information for massage therapists and those looking to enter the profession. Job Outlook for Massage Therapists In the next eight years, employment for massage therapists is expected to increase faster than average compared with other occupations. This increase is said to be especially positive for those seeking to pursue massage therapy part-time. This future growth is attributed to many factors including an increase in consumer interest in alternative and complementary medicine and its integration into many different places including hospitals, spas, health clubs, clinics, hotels and airports. Companies are even including massage as an employee benefit to distinguish themselves in the marketplace and to improve productivity. To read more about the occupation of a massage therapist, visit the U. S. Department of Labor at www.dol.gov. Click 'n' PickWhy did you get your last massage? Let us know by taking this issue's survey. See the results in the next issue of e-touch! Here are the results of the Winter 2008 survey! Have you ever purchased a massage gift certificate?
Legal NoticeArticles submitted by individual authors are copyrighted by those authors and reprinted with their permission. Views expressed in these articles are not necessarily the views of the American Massage Therapy Association®, and should in no way be construed as an endorsement. They are for informational purposes only. AMTA MissionTo serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy. |
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Nothing ushers in spring like
the arrival of asparagus. Enjoy it while you can because this nutrient-dense vegetable is around for only a few weeks.