§ 11-6-2. Definitions.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

(1)

Massage means the manipulation of body muscle or tissue by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping, by hand or mechanical device.

(2)

Massage business means any establishment or business wherein massage is practiced, including establishments commonly known as health clubs, physical culture studios and massage studios.

(3)

Business or profession of massage includes the massage or treatment of any person for a fee or in expectation of a gratuity from the person massaged.

(4)

Massagist means any person engaged in the business or profession of massage.

(5)

Registered massage therapist means a person who holds either (a) a diploma from a school approved by the American Massage Therapy Association Commission on Massage Training Accreditation/Approval (COMTAA); or (b) a diploma in massage therapy from an institution approved or licensed by the North Carolina Community College System; or (c) a current certification from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

(Ord. No. 95-20, § 1, 1-16-95)