● Ethics : One of two subdivisions of the branch of philosophy known as Axiology . Whereas Axiology speaks to the issue of values in general, ethics is the subdivision that addresses values in the context of human behavior. The second subdivision of axiology is that of aesthetics and concerns itself with values in the context of the appreciation of beauty. ● Informed consent : Informed consent by research subjects is a moral requirement derived primarily from the ethical principle of respect for persons. Though somewhat debated, consensus does exist in that informed consent must encompass three critical elements as the researcher attempts to ensure that prospective subjects have all of the required information necessary to make a rational decision regarding their participation in a study. These three elements involve: (a) the extent and nature of study- related information provided to potential research subjects; (b) the comprehensibility of the study-related information; and (c) the voluntary nature of the consent if and when it is forthcoming. ● Neuromuscular therapy : The program of soft tissue manipulation, balancing the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. It is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain. The outcome of the therapy is to help relieve pain and dysfunction by alleviating the underlying cause. ● Massage therapy : A generic term that denotes both (a) the promotion of health and well-being by way of soft tissue manipulation and movement of the body, and (b) a health care profession engaged in by massage practitioners. Specialties in the massage therapy profession are defined by ● 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
virtue of those client populations served, health conditions treated, and intervention techniques used. ● Massage Therapy Research Database (MTRD) : This database, maintained by the Massage Therapy Foundation, 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 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 Integration, and Trager psychophysical integration. ● 2016 Strategic Plan: Exploring the science of 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).
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.
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.
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