Energy Work Acceptance

As stated in NCBTMB past communications, its APCE program will continue to evolve as the profession grows. To this end, NCBTMB has worked with the profession regarding the acceptance of energy work.

There are several types of energy work that have been created and built upon throughout the years. In truth, some forms exceedingly reach outside of the Massage Therapy Scope of Practice, according to state laws and NCBTMB policies for acceptable content. This means that though a massage therapist may practice such techniques, and courses containing such content may have been previously accepted, NCBTMB will continue to re-evaluate courses and policies to align with the needs and demands of the profession.

In refining this category, NCBTMB will only accept energy work courses that include  application of professional therapeutic touch as of June 19, 2017. Translated, this means that distant healing, aura techniques, crystal work, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and other techniques that do not include professional touch between therapist and client will no longer be accepted. Courses that are currently approved will be honored through the Approved Provider expiration date; however, when the time comes for an Approved Provider to renew his/her/its status, any energy work course (not including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, ethics, professionalism, research, pathology, business, safety) that does not include the application of professional therapeutic touch will be retired.

NCBTMB will continue to accept home study and distant learning course delivery in subject matter that is within its acceptable content, following the above guidelines.