| Since ancient times, mankind has had some | | | | describe their profession. The modern term is |
| awareness of the healing and restorative powers | | | | massage therapist, and the only people who use |
| of massage. From simple kneading to work the | | | | the term masseuse (or masseur) are practitioners |
| knots out of muscles made sore and tired in the | | | | whose services extend to more intimate forms |
| heat of battle to more luxurious forms of | | | | of bodily contact. This is one case where a rose |
| massage performed for royals and nobles alike in | | | | by any other name may not smell as sweet! |
| the baths and spas of bygone kingdoms, various | | | | Know what you want |
| types of massage therapy have always played | | | | Before you even attempt to choose the right |
| some part in our collective history. | | | | massage therapist for your needs, you should do |
| Of course, the massage therapist has had, in one | | | | a little research to find which type of massage |
| form or another, a history as long as the discipline | | | | you want. While many people automatically |
| itself. For that reason, finding a qualified massage | | | | assume that every therapist is capable of |
| therapist has always been an essential part of | | | | providing quality massages using any chosen |
| receiving effective massage treatments. | | | | discipline, the truth is that most choose to |
| The qualifications to look for | | | | specialize in one form or another. If you are |
| In those aforementioned ancient times, choosing a | | | | looking for a Watsu massage - or any other form |
| good massage therapist was probably not that | | | | of massage, be sure to check the preferred |
| difficult - particularly since they were no doubt | | | | disciplines of any potential massage therapist |
| housed in or near the palace and noble homes of | | | | candidate. |
| the people they regularly served. In modern | | | | Many areas have organizations devoted to the |
| times, however, finding a qualified massage | | | | profession that can help you to identify the |
| therapist entails sifting through dozens and | | | | various practitioners in your city. One advantage |
| sometimes hundreds of advertised specialists, | | | | to utilizing these organizations in your quest is that |
| depending upon the area in which you live. | | | | their members have usually agreed to be |
| So what are the qualifications of a good massage | | | | governed by particular rules of ethics and |
| therapist? The general rule is that any therapist | | | | conduct, and must meet standards of practice |
| should have at least a couple hundred training | | | | set by the organization. |
| hours under his or her belt, and in highly | | | | Like any other purchase of services, you want to |
| competitive areas that number may be closer to | | | | take the time to do your homework on the |
| 1,000. Most cities require registration of one form | | | | subject. Don't be afraid to conduct impromptu |
| or another, which provides you with an easy | | | | interviews of any potential candidate, asking them |
| method for complaint if your therapy is | | | | questions about their training, preferred disciplines, |
| unsatisfactory for any reason. | | | | and organizational memberships. Reputable |
| Forget the word masseuse | | | | massage therapist professionals will not hesitate |
| When evaluating any massage therapist, be wary | | | | to cheerfully answer any questions you ask. |
| of anyone who uses the term masseuse to | | | | |