Code of Ethics

The code of ethics gathers ethical principles and duties common to all massage professions as defined by the French Federation of Wellness Massages (FFMBE).

Wellness massage is a personalized support through touch, using a set of manual techniques to promote, maintain, and optimize the client's overall well-being.

Wellness massage constitutes a specific professional field. It does not fall under the category of modeling and aesthetics, nor under the therapeutic massage category as defined by the Public Health Code.

The code of ethics applies to practicing massage therapists and practitioners, as well as trainees in training, trainers, and training organizations.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner demonstrates kindness towards their client and acts with integrity in all circumstances. In practicing their art, they take into account the client's physical and psychological specifics.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner may not refuse to provide services to a person based on race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion, political beliefs, ethnic or national origin, social status, or disability.

However, depending on their professional choices and training, the massage therapist or practitioner may specialize in a specific practice or clientele. This specialization must be clearly stated.

If it prevents a satisfactory assessment of the client's needs and potential contraindications, a language barrier may be grounds for refusing service.

To practice, the wellness massage therapist or practitioner must hold a minimum of 300 hours of training, in line with the profession's competency framework. Their professional qualifications must be available to clients upon request.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner informs their clients about the nature of their training to avoid any misrepresentation of their skills or the nature of the services offered. If the client’s health requires it, they advise the client to consult a healthcare professional.

In performing their duties, the massage therapist or practitioner must be aware of the limits of their abilities, knowledge, and available resources. They should not undertake services for which they are insufficiently trained or prepared. Therefore, they are entitled to refuse services outside their area of expertise. They may also request that the client provide a favorable opinion or recommendations from a healthcare professional.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner ensures that their knowledge is kept up-to-date by actively engaging in continuous education and professional development.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner commits to maintaining confidentiality regarding any information obtained or entrusted by the client. Concerning medical information that they become aware of or that is shared with them, they are bound by professional secrecy.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner organizes their practice and client reception in such a way that it is materially possible to respect the confidentiality and professional secrecy to which they are obligated.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must not compromise their professional independence for any reason or in any form. They cannot serve any purpose other than delivering a high-quality massage in the best interest of the client. They are obligated to refuse to create or endure any conflict of interest between their massage practice and any other professional, commercial, or other activities.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must ensure there is no confusion between their work and any medical practice. They must refrain from making medical diagnoses or commenting on the opinions and advice of healthcare professionals. Under no circumstances can they guarantee, directly or indirectly, the healing of a disease, injury, or any pathology, nor exploit the inexperience, ignorance, naivety, vulnerability, or poor health of their client.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must never offer services of a sexual nature or anything that might create confusion between massage and sexual services.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner refrains from any proselytism and any practices of a religious or sectarian nature.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner may not accept a service for a minor without the consent of a parent regarding the modalities and limits of the massage provided. If the parent wishes, they may be present during the session.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must establish a relationship of trust with their client. To achieve this, they must, among other things:
Be transparent about their wellness massage techniques and provide the necessary explanations for proper understanding.
Conduct a preliminary interview before the massage to identify and respect the client's needs and expectations.
During this time, they should identify any precautions and possible contraindications.
Identify and respect the client's physical, psychological, and emotional boundaries.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must not in any way undermine the client's free choice to seek the services of another professional of their choice. They must not pressure or repeatedly encourage the client to use their services.

Additionally, they must exclude anything that could constitute psychological manipulation of the client, whether intentional or not, and must not lead the client to make life or behavioral choices.

They must refrain from intervening in the client's personal affairs on subjects that fall outside their professional competence.

Regardless of the location where they practice, the wellness massage therapist or practitioner must ensure that the essential conditions for the quality of their service, the application of hygiene rules, and the respect for the modesty of their client are upheld.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner implements protocols and techniques to ensure the hygiene and health safety of their clientele.

They operate in strict compliance with professional standards and apply the measures established by public authorities. They may refuse service to a client who does not adhere to the rules.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner must identify and respect the modesty expectations and needs of their client. They ensure not to pressure the client and organize the reception, installation, and departure processes to preserve the client’s intimacy.

Regardless of the massage technique used, the therapist should be able to offer a range of methods and tools for managing modesty tailored to the specific expectations of each client.

In return, a client cannot impose their own perception of modesty on their wellness massage therapist, who may then refuse to provide the service.

The wellness massage therapist or practitioner is required to welcome any individual without distinction, in accordance with their massage offerings. However, they have the right to refuse services or any situation that compromises their ethical standards and physical and psychological integrity. This includes the following cases:
Contraindications, or suspicion of contraindications, regarding the client's health.
Manifest loss of trust from the client.
Encouragement from the client to engage in illegal, unjust, or fraudulent activities.
Failure to adhere to good health and hygiene practices.
Harassment, sexual abuse, and all forms of psychological, verbal, or physical violence from the client.
If the client is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances.