Massage Therapy has been around for almost 5000 years now. Its origin is dated back to 2700 B.C.E in Ancient China. Some professionals believe that it was initiated in India in 3000 B.C.E; possibly earlier. Since its onset into the medical community, massage therapy has been one of the most sought-after healing agents across the field of holistic medicine.
This form of natural treatment is used as a conduit to relieve pain, provide relaxation and help reduce stress. Ancient practitioners introduced the idea that pain, illnesses, and diseases are a result of a state of disharmony between the individual and the environment. Learning the proper steps in receiving a massage therapy education for a career in massage therapy is vital to entry in the profession.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is used to reverse the imbalance between one’s mind and body to bring them back in alignment with nature. Once the physical state is in sync with the Earth, the body starts to heal naturally.
The introduction of massage into the occupational space can be traced to the 1700s. This was when women were hired by surgeons to treat bone and muscle-related problems with the help of manual pressure and friction. Back then, these practitioners were called ‘rubbers’.
As the field of holistic medicine grew, the massage therapy movement expanded all over the world. And soon, it became the pinnacle of integrative medicine which is still prescribed by professionals like orthopedics, and psychiatrists to relieve physical and intense psychological pain.
This growth of massage therapy as an effective treatment created a profession for bodyworkers. Also, this gave them easy access to learning proper tools for massage therapy education.
Essentials for Massage Therapy Education
Unlike many professions, you do not need a college degree, a diploma, or a Ph.D. to become a massage therapist. If you’re considering massage therapy as a viable career option for yourself, then you first need to focus on looking for proper education that will get you closer to your goals
Let’s have a look at some steps you must follow to gain profitable education so you can become a certified massage therapist.
Studying at an Accredited Institution
When it comes to education, you must remember that there are many dupes out there who will try to sell you fake courses and certifications in exchange for money. Hence, you must look for a legitimate institute to get your massage therapy education.
Perform proper research regarding your course specifications, your goals, and schools that may provide the certificate you want to attain. Make sure that the school you choose has been approved by the state.
Complete the course and get your certification. Once you have received your diploma, it’s time to obtain a practicing license from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
If you wish to practice in a different state, then the NCBTMB can grant you a nationally recognized certificate. This is the highest designation an individual can achieve while pursuing massage therapy.
Before you apply for an NCBTMB certificate, you must put in at least 250 hours of patient assistance in the field, complete 750 hours of education, and apply for more courses and certifications. Furthermore, you have to make sure that the course you have opted for includes core subjects like general anatomy, and elective subjects like different massage techniques.
Appear for the Licensing Examination
After successful completion of your education and minimum professional experience, the next step is to appear for the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination). This exam is organized by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
The MBLEx is accepted in almost all states across the country. Make sure to check the guidelines for licensing in your state. You can find everything you need to know about state regulations for massage therapists at American Massage Therapy Association.
If the MBLEx is not enough for you to be able to practice in your state, then you must apply for the national certification from the NCBTMB.
And voila! Start practicing professionally. Once you have clocked in the required number of hours gaining professional experience, then you can perhaps open your clinic or work for medical professionals that require massage therapists.
The field of massage therapy and holistic healing is ever-growing. Keep learning by opting for more certifications and courses in subjects you have not studied before. For example, you can get certified in palliative care, veterinary massage, spa massage, clinical rehabilitation massage, and sports massage.
Conclusion
there are a multitude of resources that are readily available if you want to pursue massage therapy education. All you need to do is be meticulous in your research and enthusiastic while learning. The rest depends on your performance in the qualifying examinations and state regulations for licensed practitioners.