Elective Descriptions
Comfort Touch®: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill: 15 hrs
Comfort Touch® is a nurturing style of acupressure that gives special consideration to the physical and emotional needs of the elderly and/or ill client. Its primary intention is to provide comfort through techniques that promote deep relaxation and relief from pain. Participants acquire skills in applying the principles and techniques of Comfort Touch® in a wide variety of settings and circumstances, including hospices, home-care and long-term care facilities. Emphasis is placed on efficient body patterning and self care for the caregiver. [ back to top ]
Fundamentals of Sports Massage: 30 hrs
This course is designed to give massage therapists a solid background for work in the sports arena. The practitioner of sports massage exhibits an acute understanding of muscle and joint mechanics and their relationship to the activities of athletes. Their skills include an awareness of which muscles are stressed by a particular sport, what areas of those muscles are subject to micro-trauma, analysis of which muscles may be injured by which movements, and a familiarity with current information on injury prevention and training. [ back to top ]
Herbology: 15 hrs
Herbal medicine, also known as Herbology, is the art and science of utilizing botanicals to nourish, cleanse, and balance the body. Herbs provide nutrients and have been used by millions of people for thousands of years. Herbology includes plant identification, preparations, and how to safely and effectively use herbs to improve health conditions and increase vitality.
[ back to top ]
Hydrotherapy
This course explores therapeutic principles of the water element. Learn various thermotherapy treatments including: ice massage, beginning hot and cold stone massage, hot and cold body wraps, contrast therapy, reflexive therapy, and salt scrubs. An introduction to Balneology will include operating the Vichy shower and hydrotherapy tub. [ back to top ]
Introduction to Animal Massage: 15 hrs
Students will learn about behaviors, emotions, and the applications of touch for animal massage. Focus will be specifically on those animals where internship sites are provided — horses, dogs, and rabbits. Some basic comparative skeletal and muscular anatomy will be presented. Safety matters and how to communicate intention to these animals will be discussed and practiced. The course will include hands-on practice and application of massage techniques, which have been learned and used on human clients in previous courses. [ back to top ]
Introduction to Thai Massage: 15 hrs
Students will learn an array of techniques for supine, prone, side lying, and sitting positions and will be able to combine the moves into a dynamic and fluid one-hour session. Thai massage is an ancient healing art with origins in Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga. It has evolved into a unique and magical combination of gentle rocking, deep stretching, rhythmic compression, soft-tissue manipulation, energy balancing, and acupressure. Thai massage affects the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, enhancing the body’s natural energy flow, and promoting inner peace and a quiet mind.
[ back to top ]
Orthopedic Massage: 30 hrs
This elective is designed to enhance the student’s ability to recognize and treat various disorders and spinal misalignments. Topics include: nerve compression of upper and lower body, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, visceral manipulation, tempomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and research in massage therapy. This course is a great addition for any therapist looking to treat a multitude of clients. [ back to top ]
Polarity Therapy: 15 hrs
Polarity therapy is the art of healing based on the principles of energy in motion and how life is governed by these principles. This course introduces an energy model of the human body based on the chakra system. From this basis, a full-body energy balancing treatment is taught, along with simple exercises which deepen sensitivity to subtle energy. The experience of giving and receiving polarity work serves as the gateway to understanding energy bodywork. [ back to top ]
Postpartum Massage: 15 hrs
This introductory module focuses on the period of time from delivery through two years postpartum. The student will learn how pregnancy, birth, and child care affect the structure, musculature, and physiology of a woman’s body. Additionally, the woman’s emotional state and how massage therapy and exercises can support her on all levels during this time period are explored. The focus of the course will be on reawakening core musculature to support postural challenges and on assessing and treating common pain complaints. [ back to top ]
Prenatal Massage: 15 hrs
In this course, students learn the benefits of prenatal massage, pregnancy anatomy and physiology, common psychological changes, as well as how these relate to prenatal massage. The course is balanced with experiential hands-on practice of proper prenatal client positioning, including side position and semi-reclined position, draping, and prenatal massage techniques appropriate for each trimester. Students also learn about prenatal massage contraindications and how to do a thorough health history intake with pregnant clients, as well as how to recognize the signs and symptoms of complications to a healthy pregnancy. [ back to top ]
Reflexology: 15 hrs
Reflexology is an ancient therapy designed to bring the body into healthful balance and to provide preventive maintenance. It is based on the principle that all organs, glands, and body parts have corresponding reflex points in the feet and hands. Based on the original Ingham method, this course will introduce the principles of zone therapy. Participants will learn the benefits of reflexology, will be able to identify specific reflex points of the feet and hands, and will learn and practice specific techniques in order to perform complete and thorough foot and hand reflexology treatments. [ back to top ]
Seated Massage: 15 hrs
This creative and fun elective will instruct the student in the skills and techniques of seated massage, utilizing a professional massage chair and a standard chair. Students will learn to incorporate acupressure techniques (Shiatsu) in a seated kata and will experience various creative techniques for an effective seated session. A seated massage is a wonderful way to introduce people to the art of skilled touch and is a dynamic marketing tool in building one’s practice or gaining an employment opportunity.
[ back to top ]
Tail of the Tiger: Table Shiatsu with Expanded Lower Body Techniques: 15 hrs
This elective will teach you how to deepen and expand your existing knowledge of Shiatsu on the table, emphasizing proper body mechanics, positioning, sensitivity, and creative techniques for completing a full-body session. The leg meridians learned in Zen Shiatsu will be reviewed and additional detail and techniques to work the hips, knees and ankles will also be included. This class is especially helpful for working with active clients such as runners and cyclists. [ back to top ]
Vibrational Medicine: 15 hrs
This elective is an experiential exploration of the energy body — the auric field, chakras, and meridians. Students will expand their awareness of the human energy system and how to support the whole health and well being of their bodywork clients and themselves. Students will also learn how to incorporate basic energy medicine techniques into their massage practice to enhance the overall session. [ back to top ]
Wings of the Dragon: Table Shiatsu with Expanded Upper Body Techniques: 15 hrs
This elective will teach you how to deepen and expand your existing Shiatsu practice on the table, emphasizing proper body mechanics and positioning, increased sensitivity, and creative techniques for completing a full-body session. The arm meridians learned in Zen Shiatsu will be reviewed and additional details and techniques to work the joints of the shoulders, elbows and wrists will also be included. This class is especially helpful for working with clients who carry their stress in their upper back and shoulders, work at a computer, or have repetitive stress injuries. [ back to top ]
