Massage & Bodywork

MAY | JUNE 2017

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/812910

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 87 of 120

C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 85 countries. When asked what he hopes to accomplish with his involvement in this endeavor, Dartnall says, "We hope to create a new health-care profession in India and, in turn, create economic opportunities for its young population through massage therapy as a career. Massage therapists strive to decrease stress, anxiety, and discomfort through touch. The goal of massage therapy is to create an environment that is the antithesis to violence and aggressive behavior in society. Physical touch is the foundational element of human development, healing, and culture." Debra Koerner, the "Natural Health Explorer," is on a mission to inspire our nation's health transformation. As the host of the award-winning The Journey into Wellbeing television show airing on PBS, Koerner uncovers the secrets to living a high-energy, vibrant life. Her new show on healthy aging, Senior Moments, can be viewed at www.journeyintowellbeing.com. Koerner co- owns the massage education and consulting firm imassage, Inc., and authored the massage text Success from the Start (F.A. Davis Company, 2013). She is a popular keynote speaker and has been published in major publications, including Huffington Post, Woman's Day, and Newsweek. spa-goers, and shrinking student enrollments are creating a demand for massage that is not being met. Franchise owners and spa directors report they are unable to meet the demand for massage services. With other countries beginning to formalize massage, there is an opportunity for foreign-educated and licensed practitioners to fill this void. "We are very excited to be part of the partnership with CCMH and IMMTI," says Fraser Clarke, president and CEO of Massage Addict, Canada's leading provider of registered massage therapy. "This partnership makes sense on so many levels. India has a strong, cultural foundation in massage therapy and the Canadian market— from employers to insurers to the general public—has embraced therapeutic massage as part of the health-care continuum. This partnership will ensure that graduates who are interested in coming to Canada to further their education, and become licensed as health-care professionals, can practice with Massage Addict." With the program just beginning, it could be a year or more before qualified candidates begin to make their way to other At left, this North American contingent of massage therapy educators (including the author, second from right) helped launch massage therapy as a viable career path in India. At right, James Waslaski demonstrates massage therapy with local seniors. successful in acquiring positions at (senior) homes, orphanages, and other human-care facilities." Spas will still be viable employers, but the team hopes to influence the perception of consumers away from considering massage just a pampering experience. Students will have the opportunity, for example, to intern at India's Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College and Hospital. Understanding the importance of establishing the science of massage, the program ensures graduates have excellent hands-on skills and high ethical standards. To support education for graduates who might eventually come to Canada, the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) and the West Coast College of Massage Therapy announced a partnership with IMMTI. All graduates of IMMTI who wish to continue their studies in Canada will be referred to either school to complete their studies at one of five campuses. Meeting Employment Needs It's no secret that there is a growing need for massage therapists in North America. Expanding franchise systems, returning

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - MAY | JUNE 2017