Massage can be considered as the oldest and simplest form of medical care as it has been practiced since the ancient times, dating back to the Egyptian era. A Chinese book entitled The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, advises “breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet” as the correct treatment for complete paralysis, fevers, and chills.” The Greeks and Romans practiced this method as a way of relieving pain. The father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, wrote in the 5th century B.C., “but assuredly in rubbing…for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.

Today, there are over 80 types of massage therapy being practiced throughout the world that have been passed on from generation to the next, evolving and improving in terms of efficacy, relieving body aches and malaise, and easing the stress from every day living.

In this regard, Massage Therapy Certification was established to address the growing public demand for massage therapy and body work and regulate the practitioners of the profession, and to maintain the standards of ethical and professional practice.

Massage therapy in one form or another is now used in most American hospices, as is in health centers, pain clinics, and drug treatment clinics. Its also widely practiced in intensive care units, in pediatrics, geriatrics, cancer patient facilities, AIDS, heart and stroke recovery centers. Some of the common complimentary therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and osteopathy have also used massage therapy techniques..

Employment agencies prefer to hire certified massage therapist to be certain that they have undergone sufficient training and experience. In some places outside the U.S. only those who have certification are allowed to practice their profession in the area or establishment of their choosing. This is where it is vital for all aspiring massage therapist to attend certified massage therapy classes for at least a year to become certified. The benefits and advantages of a yearlong training program offers greater assimilation of knowledge and mastery of the complexities of the various massage techniques and its individual benefits compared to other lesser ones of shorter durations.

Massage therapy of today uses scientific principles that have been studied from the century-old traditional massage of the past, to enhance the health and well-being of every individual. Getting a Massage Therapy certification will not only get the certification needed to practice without restrictions on places and health institutions here and around the world, but will also give you that extra edge over someone who isn’t certified.