New Rules Rub the Wrong Way

Re “San Juan Capistrano Toughens Rules on Massage Businesses,” Feb. 7:

Prostitution has nothing to do with massage. As a massage therapist, I resent the fact that I have to have my blood tested, be registered with law enforcement agencies and pay enormous bonds and greater licensing fees than other services because bureaucrats consistently confuse massage with sex.

I find the association humiliating and demeaning.

I attribute this maligning to media ignorance that conveniently goes after prurient interests that capture attention instead of printing the truth about a profession that is sorely needed in our society. I have paid many thousands of dollars for my education, books, equipment and association fees. The study of the impact of stress on the body and how to alleviate it relates to ancient knowledge and cultures. It is well worth sharing. Massage is an antidote to stress. Human nurturing touch is a gift.

I am proud of my work and continuing education. Ask athletes about the benefits of massage for a more efficiently performing body. Ask psychotherapists about a reduction in drugs for their stressed out patients. Ask AIDS and cancer patients about the benefits of massage in enhancing their immunity.

Massage is especially helpful for human beings whose lives are sedentary; long hours spent commuting to and from work, long hours spent seated before a computer screen.

Massage acquaints the body with letting go of the stress it holds in the neck, upper back and shoulders. It is highly recommended for newspaper reporters and bureaucrats; it helps to increase their humanity quotient.

Massage is much maligned by the persistent headline that associates it with prostitution.

Please remedy your ignorance. I suggest reading the author Norman Cousins and . . . have a massage.

NICHOLE COSGROVE

Los Alamitos