represents the only consolidated, comprehensive listing of bibliographic citations of the scientific research literature on therapeutic massage and bodywork. It currently contains more than 4000 entries and serves as a reference source to help professionals and the public locate articles and other relevant documents. ● Research : At its most basic level, research is a process that explores one or more areas of interest (called factors or variables ) by analyzing numerical and/or verbal data so as to advance our understanding. More specifically, research is an activity that allows one to accomplish one or more of the following tasks: (a) to characterize a variable of interest by an appeal to numerical and/or verbal data, (b) to investigate ● Complementary healthcare : A non-mainstream practice used together with conventional medicine. The NIH views massage, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation in this category. ● Integrated healthcare : Conventional and complementary approaches brought together in a coordinated way. ● Mind and body practices : Mind and body practices include a large and diverse group of procedures or techniques administered or taught by a trained practitioner or teacher. The 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) showed that chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, yoga, massage therapy, and meditation are among the most popular mind and body practices used by adults. Other mind and body practices include acupuncture, relaxation Principles of professional ethics Ethics refers to principles of morally right or good conduct. Professional ethics in massage therapy is the application of guiding principles and standards of conduct to the study, practice, and business of massage therapy. Professional ethical codes are formally defined, mandatory standards of conduct established by and for members of professional associations to ensure quality and integrity in the profession. The AMTA Code of Ethics This Code of Ethics is a summary statement of the standards of conduct that define ethical behavior for the massage therapist. Adherence to the Code is a prerequisite for admission to and continued membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA, 2015). Principles of Ethics form the first part of the Code of Ethics. They are the model standards of exemplary professional conduct for all members of the association. These principles should not be regarded as limitations or restrictions, but as goals of which members should constantly strive to achieve (AMTA, 2015). The second part of the code is Rules of Ethics. Rules of Ethics are mandatory, and direct specific, minimally acceptable professional conduct for all members of the association. These rules are enforceable for all association members, and any members who violate this Code shall be subject to disciplinary action (AMTA, 2015). The AMTA provides the following ethical principles to ensure that massage therapists/practitioners shall: ● Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy to those who seek their professional service. ● Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues. ● Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self- assessment of strengths, limitations, and effectiveness by continued education and training.
a possible relationship between two or more variables, and (c) to integrate or synthesize data from already published sources concerning one or more variables of interest. ● Risks/benefits assessment : The assessment of risks and benefits is the moral requirement derived primarily from the ethical principle of beneficence. This assessment should be viewed not only as a responsibility but also as an opportunity for the researcher, a review committee, and a prospective research subject. For all three parties involved, it allows for the systematic gathering of comprehensive information about the research being proposed, with each party to the process having a unique set of concerns regarding the study’s potential risks and benefits (AMTA, 2016c). techniques, such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, tai chi, qi gong, healing touch, hypnotherapy, and movement therapies, such as Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, Rolfing Structural complementary and integrative health : A series of goals and objectives to guide priorities for future research on complementary health approaches. The scientific objectives in the plan are aligned with those of the broader National Institutes of Health strategic plan. ● Natural products : A variety of products, such as herbs, also known as botanicals, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. These are widely marketed, readily available to consumers, and often sold as dietary supplements (NCCIH, 2016b). Integration, and Trager psychophysical integration. ● 2016 Strategic Plan: Exploring the science of
National Center for Complementary, and Integrated Health: National Institute of Health glossary ● Alternative medicine : A non-mainstream practice used in place of conventional healthcare.
ETHICS FOR MASSAGE AND BODYWORK
This course is based on standards of ethical behavior embodied in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Codes of Ethics.
● Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client’s right to privacy within the constraints of the law. ● Project a professional image and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. ● Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of self, clients, and associates (AMTA, 2015). The AMTA provides the following ethical rules to ensure that massage therapists/practitioners shall: ● Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. ● Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients in the course of a massage therapy session. ● Be truthful in advertising and marketing, and refrain from misrepresenting his or her services, charges for services, credentials, training, experience, ability or results. ● Refrain from using AMTA membership, including the AMTA name, logo or other intellectual property, or the member’s position, in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading. ● Refrain from engaging in any activity that would violate confidentiality commitments and/or proprietary rights of AMTA or any other person or organization (AMTA, 2015).
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