Massage is the refinement of our basic human instinct that, if it hurts, we rub it better.

There over 400 recognised massage systems. As a definition, "massage" is any method of rubbing, stroking and therapeutic touch applied to the body. Massage is the refinement of our basic human instinct that, if it hurts, we rub it better. The range of massage systems ranges from the subtle etheric treatments as found in Reiki and Energy Healing, to sports massage, remedial and deep tissue treatments to affect many physical conditions.

Who Can Massage?
Anyone can setup a massage practice in New Zealand. There is no legal requirement other than a practitioner abides by NZ consumer law and the 'fair trading act' however if you are going to have a massage, we advise you seek out someone who has had professional training. Practitioners Directory

Massage Regulations
In New Zealand there are none, the massage industry is peer regulated by several collectives of therapists with no government control or regulation. The industry is hugely disadvantaged by the fact that many brothels trade as 'massage parlours' and massage is still used as a cover for the sex industry.

There are rumours that legislation will be bought in to regulate the industry. The likely affect of this is that any therapist who has not completed and NZQA approved course will not be able to advertise or practice massage. If this happens, it will be another sad day for New Zealanders who will lose access to hundreds of highly skilled therapists and it will be another blow against our human rights. If this legislation appears, please protest to your MP.
A history of massage in New Zealand

Effects of Massage
Relaxation, increasing a sense of well being, a release of toxins into the blood stream which may result in feeling tired for a day or two. Improving muscle tone, assisting weight loss, cellulite reduction, faster recovery from illness and injury - massage facts.

Risks in Having Massage
The Australian media (Nov 2006) reported that up to three people per week are admitted to Australian hospitals due to injuries received during massage treatments. This is unheard of in New Zealand and there are two explanations:

1. That Australian medical establishment are anti massage and have put out this information to mislead and promote a fear of massage.
2. That the level of training in Australia is not as good as the training available in New Zealand and other places.
3. Massage is considered risk free provided you specify what you require and for your comfort during your initial booking and consultation.

• The New Zealand Charter of Health Practitioners Incorporated
  2 Airborne Road
  Albany
  North Shore Auckland
  New Zealand
  Website
• MINZI (Massage Institute of New Zealand Incorporated)
  Massage Institute of
  New Zealand Inc.
  P O Box 4131
  HAMILTON 2030
• Thai Yoga Massage Association of New Zealand
  Website
• Reflexology New Zealand
  National association for reflexologists
  Website
   

• Southern Institute of Technology
  Invercargill & Queenstown
  Website
   
• Otago Polytechnic
  Website
   
• The Canterbury College of Natural Medicine
  Victoria St Christchurch
  Website
   
• The Quiet Mind Body Shop
  Holistic Bodywork Specialist with personal tuition and small public classes
  Mairehau Christchurch
  Website.
   
• Raynor Massage
  5 and 10 day Intensive Massage courses in the
  internationally acclaimed Raynor method of massage therapy
  Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland
  Website
   
• Christchurch College of Holistic Healing
  183 Shaw Avenue, New Brighton,
  Christchurch, New Zealand
   
• Holistic Health Training Ltd
  Nelson
  Website
   
• Aromaflex International Aromatherapy School
  Website
   
• The Wellington School of Massage Therapy
  Website
   
• Universal College of Learning
  Palmerston North
  Website
   
• Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
  Tauranga
  Website
   
• Naturopathic College of New Zealand
  New Plymouth
  Website
   
• Lotus Holistic Centre
  Hastings
  Website
   
• Eastern Institute of Technology
  Napier & Hastings
  Website
   
• Tairawhiti Polytechnic
  Gisborne
  Website
   
• Sunshine Network New Zealand
  Thai Massage
  Papakura Auckland
  Website
   
• Wellpark College of Natural Therapies
  Auckland
  Website
   
• New Zealand College of Massage
  Newmarket, Auckland 1023
  Website
   
• North Tec
  Whangarei
  Website
  
  Institutions may apply to be added to this list, contact us.

NZQA
The New Zealand Qualification Authority is the government sponsored monopoly over all educational systems in New Zealand.

Search for more books, DVD's