American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia™ (AOBTA®)

Overview:

Profession(s): Asian Bodywork Therapy
Scope: National - United States
Formed: 1989
Members: 1,500
Address: 1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Ste 408, Voorhees, NJ, 08043, USA
Phone: 856.782.1616
Fax: 856.782.1653
Email: office@aobta.org
Website: www.aobta.org

Description:

AOBTA® is a professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, and schools and programs of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT), which can include Acupressure, Amma, Amma Therapy®, Chi Nei Tsang, Jin Shin Do®, Medical Qigong, Nuad Bo Rarn (Thai), Shiatsu forms, Tuina, and other forms rooted in the theories of classical and traditional Chinese medicine. We also have a Council of Schools and Programs (COSP).

Mission/Aims:

American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTAR) is a professional membership organization which promotes Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) and its practitioners while honoring a diversity of disciplines. AOBTA serves its community of members by supporting appropriate credentialing; defining scope of practice and educational standards; and providing resources for training, professional development and networking. AOBTA advocates public policy to protect its members. AOBTA also promotes public education on the benefits, ethics, and principles of ABT.

Principal Activities:

National conventions, regional and local workshops, Pulse News (our member news magazine), outreach to other related organizations, ABT research support, monthly email updates, legislative interests as related to ABT, web site, public education.

Member Benefits:

ABT-related information sharing, referral through web site or national office, discounts with vendors and other related membershiporganizations, national conventions, regional and local workshops, Pulse News, monthly email updates, legislative support, research support, public education and PR re: ABT.

Training/Licensing/Certification:

AOBTA® offers membership levels of Certified Practitioner and Certified Instructor. CPs must show completion of the minimum 500-hour curriculum. CIs must complete other requirements including 5 years teaching and practice, complete a thorough application process, and sit for a peer-conducted interview process. We sponsor and co-sponsor educational events. Our CP level requirements match those of the national certification for ABT through NCCAOM.

Affiliations:

Associations to which we are a member:
NOCA

Verification Criteria:

USA - National Certification as a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (Dipl. ABT(NCCAOM)) through NCCAOM. Some state laws governing massage therapy also govern ABT. Some do not. It is best to check with the state to find out if a license is required to practice ABT in that state. If so, ask to see their license. Most practitioners will have a diploma, unless they have been in practice for more than 20 years. If an ABT practitioner is an AOBTA CP or CI, you can be assured they are fully trained.