The Treaty of Waitangi

Integrating Treaty framework and Hauora values into my practice as a massage therapist:
Due date: 17th of June 2009:
Professional practice:
Victoria Walden:

Article 1: Governance:
The massage therapists’ role in the relationship between client and therapist is to help the client in any way possible in keeping within the scope of practice. The treaty policy and legislation for health department applies to our practice so ensure health of each client. Being aware of the treaty is part of the massage therapy requirements, the code of ethics states: ‘Respect the client’s boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, emotional expression and beliefs’ (code of ethics, Massage NZ).

Article 2: Authority:
Within the scope of practice for massage therapists the client will be able to speak their mind as a right and have a say as to how their treatment will proceed. There will be a partnership between client and therapist to produce an outcome that both are happy with. This is accomplished by: ‘Maintain open communication throughout the massage session ensuring ongoing informed client consent, explaining rational for proposed massage’ (code of ethics, Massage NZ).

Article 3: Equity:
The quality of how people are treated should be of the highest respect and professionalism. Under the massage scope of practice each client should be treated the same and also accommodating for those of disabilities. Therefore access, and acceptance/respect of every client, no matter their disadvantage. The therapist should also respect and know when they should refer on; ‘Acknowledge the limitations of their skills and, when necessary refer clients to the appropriate qualified health care professions’ (code of ethics, Massage NZ).

Article 4: Respect:
Within the scope of massage practice the client’s wishes, culture, beliefs will be respected, also to what the client wants for their treatment.
The code of ethics states what the therapist should NOT do for example; ‘Endanger the physical, mental or emotional health, well-being or safety of a client’ (code of ethics, Massage NZ).

Hauora = well-being:
Hauora/well-being is a very vital part within the practice of massage therapy for the therapist and the client to reach the goal they are both happy with.
There are 4 parts to Hauora, Cultural beliefs, Thoughts and feelings, physical side and family (the social aspect); This is how they fit into my massage therapy scope of practice:

Cultural beliefs: The cultural beliefs of the therapist will be addressed and also of the client. With regards to the client, the therapist will have the respect for any cultural beliefs of any client and will do their best to understand and to accommodate their requests. From the therapist, some rituals are a belief to them and therefore a compromise is needed between therapist and client. Communication is the key.

Thoughts and feelings: The client’s thoughts and feelings will be freely welcomed in the company between client and therapist. The client should feel happy enough to communicate their ideas and thoughts about treatment plan and also how the process will unfold. Communication is vital to form a bond between client and therapist.

Physical side: From the client and therapist having a professional relationship the physical aspects of the client’s health and also what they want untouched or left alone physically will be established. This aspect of the scope of practice is very important making sure keeping within scope of a massage therapist, taking care of the client.

Family (social aspect): From the social aspect of the massage therapy scope of practice the information can be found from sports to old injuries, especially involving other health professionals in the investigation of the client’s reason for coming to the practice (with clients consent). Within the massage scope of practice, the therapists will respect the wishes of the client, therefore as a young child or teenager may want an adult or friend present in the session, a translator maybe necessary for clients who do not speak English or for cultural beliefs or other the family may be present or in another room close by.

Hauora and the framework of the treaty are vital pieces of information and that should be respected and understood by all massage therapists coming into the business, as the saying goes, treat people with the same respected that you would want them to treat you.

Reference:
Massage New Zealand. (2009). Retrieved June 16th 2009, from http://www.massagenewzealand.org.nz/
My own thoughts
Group thoughts from class 12th June 2009