The practice of massage therapy is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation in the public interest. The purpose of this Act is to protect and benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to practice massage therapy, to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed to practice massage therapy in the State of Illinois, and to protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice massage therapy.