Hello, welcome to an overview
the New Zealand Massage Industry.
Over the past 30 years
therapeutic massage has
grown from a fringe recreational activity into a an accepted recreation
and healing discipline. Already many medical clinics,
physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and
others have remedial massage therapist as a part of a
multidisciplinary team.
Anyone who has received any
massage sincerely performed,
receives the benefits of relaxation and a sense of
greater wellbeing.
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:
That Australian medical establishment are anti massage and have
put out this information to mislead and promote a fear of massage.
That the level of training in Australia is not as good as the
training available in New Zealand and other places.
Massage is considered risk free provided you specify what you require and for
your comfort during your initial booking and consultation.
Some Recognised Associations are:
The New Zealand Charter of Health Practitioners Incorporated 2 Airborne Road
Albany
North Shore Auckland
New Zealand Website
Thai Yoga Massage Association of New Zealand Website
Reflexology New Zealand
National association for reflexologists Website
The Quiet Mind Body Shop
Learn to massage for home or business 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
Institutions may apply to be added to this list,
contact us
with your information and a request to be added to this page.
A reciprocal link form your website is appreciated.
NZQA
The New Zealand Qualification Authority
is the government sponsored monopoly over all educational systems in
New Zealand.
The Health Information Network as the owner of http://nzhealth.net.nz is
involved in affiliate marketing and the advertising of products for which we
earn a commission. We hope that this disclosure demonstrates our intent to
operate an honest and reputable business. For more info, please see our
public statement.
Disclaimer: All Information is provided for
educational purposes only and not intended
to be used for any therapeutic purpose, neither is it intended to diagnose,
prevent, treat or cure any disease. Please consult a health care
professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
While attempts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information,
The Health Information Network does not accept any responsibility for any errors or
omissions.
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. 
