Course Descriptions

Zen Shiatsu
This ancient form of Japanese Bodywork focuses on working with the energy (Qi) in the body. Similar to acupuncture, Zen Shiatsu works with specific meridian pathways to support a client's overall health by balancing, enhancing, and often restoring the natural flow of Qi. The practitioner uses gentle acupressure and passive stretches to increase blood flow and to relax muscle tension.

Swedish Therapeutic Massage
This style of bodywork is the basis of all Western styles of bodywork. This modality is helpful for stress relief, increased circulation, and reduced muscular fatigue. The basic concepts of Swedish massage include kneading, friction, percussion, vibration, and compression. In addition to foundational Swedish techniques, students work with bolsters and draping techniques to ensure client comfort. 

Normalization of Soft Tissue (NST)
Developed by a team of highly skilled instructors at BCMT, this form of therapeutic massage helps treat areas affected by postural dysfunction, repetitive stress, and traumatic injuries. The key objectives of the treatment are: alleviation of pain, increase in range of motion, and the improvement/restoration of function. Techniques involved in NST work include myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, and cross fiber friction.

Integrative Therapeutic Massage
Originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of bodywork focuses on the mind, body, and spirit - connecting physical and emotional elements. Developed at BCMT over 20 years ago, Integrative Therapeutic Massage incorporates broad fluid strokes, breath work, and open communication with clients to support their overall health. 

Practitioner Skills for Special Populations & Conditions
This style of bodywork is a continuation of NST. The practitioner uses techniques such as lymph drainage and hydrotherapy (ice massage, heat applications, and contrast therapy) in working with special populations and certain conditions such as acute injuries, whiplash, and shoulder injuries. Clients may include people with cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, physical limitations/amputations, and the elderly.

Kinesthetic Anatomy I & II
This course is the study of human muscular and skeletal anatomy using a variety of kinesthetic and experiential learning methods including building muscles out of clay, and palpating muscles on classmates and self. Students gain an understanding of the location, structure, function, pathological considerations, and interrelationships of joints, muscle groups, ligaments, and connective tissue. This system of hands-on learning is an ideal approach to the study of the musculoskeletal system, building the body from the inside out.

Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology I
In this course, the basics of cellular, tissue, and organ structure and function are introduced. In particular, students learn about the integumentary, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. By exploring the concepts of homeostatis and chemical reactions, students gain an understanding of organ systems and how they interrelate. Additionally, discussion of nutritional biochemistry allows students to reflect on the impact of organic compounds on human function.

Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology II
This course introduces students to the healthy body structure and function, laying the foundation for recognizing anatomical and physiological disorders requiring treatment. Students expand their knowledge of the systems of the body and their interactions to include: the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, respiratory, and urinary.

Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology III
This course introduces students to alterations in normal human physiology which result in disease. Students gain an understanding of common ailments and diseases they may encounter as massage therapists. In particular, students learn about musculoskeletal disorders, common cancers, skin disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, and endocrine disorders.

Personal/Professional Development I
This course provides students with an understanding of how to create healthy, therapeutic relationships with their clients. Students explore the concept of personal boundaries, and ground rules for the helping relationship. In addition, students gain an understanding of both verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Personal/Professional Development II
This course introduces students to the ethical issues involved in massage and bodywork. Discussion emphasizes the guidelines for safe and ethical conduct, and the importance of setting and maintaining professional boundaries in a massage therapy practice. Students also learn how to respond sensitively to clients with a history of physical and emotional abuse.

Personal/Professional Development III
This course focuses on preparing students to succeed in the business of massage. Instructors offer practical guidelines on how to establish a successful massage therapy practice and pursue massage-related employment opportunities. Through lecture and experiential learning, this course also examines professionalism, licensing/registration, fee structure, marketing strategies, and business ethics.