A new position statement from one of the nation’s largest massage therapy associations articulates that massage therapy offers benefits to people who suffer from anxiety.

The position statement was approved by the American Massage Therapy Association’s House of Delegates at the association’s annual national convention in Fort Worth, Texas, in late September.

The new position statement reads: “It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that massage therapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.”

AMTA’s House of Delegates votes on position statements proposed by members. Once approved by the House of Delegates, they become the position of the association, reflecting the will of the delegates, according to AMTA’s Communications Manager Ron Precht.

“Position statements express the position of the association on professional or public policy issues that relate to the mission and goals of AMTA,” Precht told MASSAGE Magazine. “All position statements approved so far relate to massage therapy for certain health issues and are supported by published clinical research.”

All previously approved position statements may be read here.