WHEREAS, Massage therapy is beneficial to overall health and is increasingly part of integrated health care; and

WHEREAS, Consumers spend approximately $18 billion annually on massage therapy, and more insurance companies are covering it; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning to offer massage therapy benefits and recognize the proven efficacy of the field; and

WHEREAS, Therapeutic massage can benefit people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, A growing body of clinical research shows that massage therapy provides relief from a myriad of conditions ranging from chronic pain, the effects of cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and

WHEREAS, California regulates the massage therapy profession, and massage therapists must meet the legal requirements to practice, which may include minimum hours of initial training to ensure patient safety; and

WHEREAS, Massage therapists consistently provide consumer and professional education information on massage and help consumers and health professionals locate qualified massage therapists in their area; now, therefore, be it