Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68016
news notes COMPILED BY SEAN EADS Massage-Exam.com is a 24/7 service with almost 3,000 massage therapy ADVOCACY GROUP FOR EDUCATION FORMED In August, a nonprofit, independent advocacy group for massage educators was formed. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE) will be based in Washington, D.C., and plans to have an organizational meeting of interested parties in 2010. The Alliance's leadership group is comprised of veteran massage therapy educators, including Rick Rosen, who will serve as executive director. The Alliance will embrace all disciplines across the spectrum of what is commonly known as massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies, with the goal to improve and strengthen massage education. Massage school directors, administrators, teachers, and continuing education presenters interested in becoming members can visit www.afmte. org for more information. questions and answers covering the MBLEx, NCETM, and NCETMB national examinations. Qigong Massage for Autism A randomized controlled study conducted by Western Oregon University finds qigong massage is effective for treating sensory and self- regulation problems in autistic children. The five-month study involved 46 autistic children under the age of 6. Qigong-trained therapists worked with the children 20 times over five months, while the parents gave daily massages to their children. The children were evaluated by their parents as well as their preschool teachers, who were not made aware of the treatment. The teachers reported significant classroom improvement in social and language skills and parents reported across-the- board gains in their child's behavior. The study appeared in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy. Massage Envy, Massage-Exam.com in Partnership Massage Envy, the largest massage therapy franchise in the United States, has partnered with Massage-Exam. com to assist massage therapy students wanting to pass accreditation tests. Massage-Exam.com is a 24/7 service with almost 3,000 massage therapy questions and answers covering the MBLEx, NCETM, and NCETMB national examinations. Topics include body systems, anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, and standards and ethics. The site provides integrated online help and is staffed by licensed LMTs six days a week. Through its partnership, new graduates who are Massage Envy employees will receive a 20 percent discount on Massage-Exam. com products and services, including extended membership with Massage- Exam.com until the test is passed. 14 massage & bodywork november/december 2009