Massage

Re “Muscling Your Way Into a Free Massage,” June 26.

I am writing to thank you for your interest in our profession and your kind comments. However, I wish to clarify several misleading statements.

* The article’s title and theme of free massages: Touch Therapy Institute occasionally offers massages gratis but only to acquaint prospective students with the course. We do not give free massages to the public. People wishing student or certified therapeutic massage may make an appointment, at a fair price.

* The “air was thick with the smell of oil and sweat.” [Reporter Jeffrey] Gettleman was half correct. We stress personal hygiene throughout the course; classrooms smell of herbal oil blends, not sweat.

* Gettleman mentioned another school’s 150-hour program, omitting the distinction that Touch Therapy Institute’s basic course is 200 hours plus several options to amass the total of 300 hours to be required in Los Angeles as of Jan. 1.

For the past several years, Touch Therapy Institute has been part of a coalition of massage therapists and educators lobbying the California state Assembly to ratify state licensing. Most of the United States has state licensing. California still has cumbersome city and county requirements. We welcome responsible media coverage to help bring this about for the good of the public and our health care system.

DIANE DALBEY, Master Teacher, Touch Therapy Institute, Encino