Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Press Release - Massage Therapy: A Profession on the Rise

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

March 18, 2005

For More Information Contact: Lauri Howell, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Massage Therapy: A Profession on the Rise

Massage therapy is a booming industry. Between 120,000 and 160,000 people practice massage therapy in the US, more than 80,000 of them are Nationally Certified. Alternative medicine is on the rise in general, and massage therapy accounts for 18 percent of the 425 million visits made to alternative medicine providers each year.

Two out of five adults have visited a massage therapist while 12 percent received at least one massage in 2004. According to a January 2005 study commissioned by Associated Bodyworks & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and conducted by Harstad Strategic Research, Inc., 51 percent of those polled have favorable feelings toward massage therapists.

Massage therapy is especially popular with women. Two-thirds of females under age 45, and two-thirds of women with at least two years of college are favorably minded about massage therapy. It is also most popular along the West Coast.

People seek out massage therapy for a variety of reasons: medical complications including soreness, stiffness, spasm, pain reduction, injury, recovery and rehab; relaxation; and stress reduction. Most people appreciate the therapeutic aspects of massage therapy and bodyworks, including health insurers, who are increasingly covering the costs of alternative medicine. This is a promising development considering that Americans make more visits to see alternative medicine therapists than to see primary care physicians.

Alternative medicine is roughly a $21.2 billion industry, $2-4 billion of which is spent on massage therapy and bodyworks. For the benefits (pain relief and relaxation), the service remains affordable; the median national price for a one-hour massage is only $60.

This multi-billion dollar industry only continues to grow as baby boomers age and reach peak earning potential. It will also flourish due to efforts to legitimize massage therapy in the complementary medical field.

To learn more about massage therapy professions please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941 or visit www.PacificCollege.edu .

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