Brandi Schlossberg. Claudia Ostiguy, Nancy Jones and Virginia Maddocks contributed to this list.

This article is excerpted from Massage Magazine.

1. There are a wealth of job opportunities. You can hold a position in a spa, hospital, chiropractor's office, cruise ship, hotel or airport, to name a few.
   
2. It's a way to act locally and accomplish globally. You'll be healing the world, one client at a time.
   
3. You can be your own boss. An independent massage therapist can set her own hours, rates and business plan. She can individualize her office and session room, work from home, or bring the business to the customer.
   
4. It's not based on grades. You don't have to have great SAT scores to be a great massage therapist.
   
5. You empower others. Massage therapists tap into the body's healing potential, showing clients, in many cases, that they have what it takes to heal themselves.
   
6. Every session is a workout. With proper body mechanics, you can keep yourself in shape while soothing the client. Working closely with the human body is also a great reminder to keep up on your own health and well-being.
   
7. It's a self-esteem booster. Making people feel good day in and day out makes you feel good, too.
   
8. The field is growing. People everywhere are recognizing the benefits of massage, and this hands-on skill is bound to stay in demand.
   
9. Write-offs. You can write off interesting things-such as candles, incense and your own massages.
   
10. The opportunity to reach out. You can take your profession outside the session room and into your daily life, by massaging your spouse, your grandchildren and even your pets.