Holistic Health Practitioner (1,000 Hours)
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Our Holistic Health Practitioner Program is designed for the serious student who desires to build a successful private practice. The HHP curriculum can be completed in roughly a one-year time frame, depending on the student's rate of study. Students may also enroll in HHP courses on an "a la carte" basis. Completion of the program requires passing grades on Bodywork and written exams. Each module has an assessment component. The method of assessment is tailored to what is appropriate to the length of the module and contraindications within the modality. Methods of assessment include: performing a full body session on an instructor, assistant, faculty or staff member, round robin mini sessions on instructor or instructor observation and assessment. Completion of each module also includes a written form of assessment through exam on the last day of class and or periodic quizzes during class. 1000 hour Holistic Health Practitioner Program is excessive in required hours to meet CAMTC certification requirements.
Craniosacral therapies
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy- Intro (30hrs) This course addresses the etheric pattern of the bodymind as it gives rise to health or dis-ease. Students learn to provide a fulcrum for clients, that facilitates integration of the endocrine and nervous systems, while monitoring with the oceanic environment of the cerebrospinal fluid. When the nervous system is distressed, it signals the endocrine system to secrete hormones to help balance the stress. An imbalance and over secretion of these hormones leads to syndromes such as PMS, chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia and diabetes. Students learn to sit in stillness and deepen communication with self and client. As balance occurs, both therapist and receiver experience a deep sense of wellbeing that fosters health and peace of mind. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy I (30hrs) This course offers additional holds and balances for the Craniosacral system, including balances for the temporal, parietal, frontal, zygoma, maxilla and mandible bones. Students will also deepen their capacity to track the rhythmic movement of the cranial sacral bones and fluid tides. As students provide a fulcrum for the unwinding of these bones, deep states of stillness and ease may arise for the client. The cranial impulse then shifts into the longer wave patterns known as the midtides and longtides. Integrative Craniosacral Therapy- Intro (30hrs) Combines traditional Craniosacral holds; peripheral nervous system balances and assorted bodywork techniques. The course examines how these holds serve as pivotal synchronizers of the body, allowing the therapist to first tap into the subtle ebb and flow of the Craniosacral rhythm and then begin to assess and address acute and chronic issues using nervous system integration. This approach expands traditional holds through touch of the peripheral nervous system to allow constant contact with the main hub (the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system). Integrative Craniosacral Bodywork teaches students to relax the cranial system from the coccyx to the head, incorporating techniques to bring the entire body into synchronization. Integrative Craniosacral I (30hrs) Offers releases of the cranium. The course will approach cranial decompression as taught in the Upledger line of thought. In this course students will learn: the peristadt model, the base occipital release, the parietal and frontal release, the sphenoid and mastoid release, temporomandibular joint release, hyoid and nasal cartilage release. Students will learn origin and insertion techniques applied to the muscles of the head, neck and clavicle as well as tissue around the corocoid process to create more space between the pectorals and the scapula. Techniques offered benefit TMJ, headache and carpal tunnel syndromes and assorted pathologies. Course includes postural and palpatory assessment of the craniosacral system, SOAP note documentation, treatment plan, written quizzes and clinic. Integrative Craniosacral II (20 hrs) covers releases for the zygoma, C1 release, parallel releases for C1 and T7, C5 and T12. Students will learn internal mouth-work to release the upper and lower palate as well as tendon connections from the jaw to the sternocleidomastoid muscles and release of the vulna. As greater space and ease returns to the cranial system, emotional, mental process may follow. Deep tissue Courses
Compressive Deep Tissue/Barefoot/Sports (15hrs) Offers a deep tissue protocol for working the major muscle groups using the therapist's feet. The technique is especially suitable for physically active people, athletes and bodies that require sufficient force to effectively release core muscular tension. The method is a lifesaver for hands, wrists and shoulders that tend to become overworked using traditional massage techniques. Deep Tissue and Passive Release Lower Body (30hrs) introduces students to muscle stripping, and cross fiber friction with passive release massage. The course will teach students how to address common lower-body issues such as lower cross syndrome, lower back pain, sciatica, IT band issues and plantar fascitis Proper body mechanics and alignment will be heavily emphasized as well as the appropriate use of forearms, elbows and knuckles to reduce fatigue and the chance of injury. Students will learn to improve postural alignment, increase range of motion, break-up adhesions caused by micro-scarring, injury, or surgery and address chronic pain. Deep Tissue and Passive Release Upper Body (30hrs) introduces students to muscle stripping, and cross fiber friction with passive release massage. The course will teach students how to address common upper-body issues such as upper cross syndrome, thoracic outlet, carpal tunnel, and common neck and shoulder issues. Proper body mechanics and alignment will be heavily emphasized as well as the appropriate use of forearms, elbows and knuckles to reduce fatigue and the chance of injury. Students will gain mastery and confidence in applying deep tissue in a professional setting. Orthopedic Massage and Kinesiology (60hrs) offers a mixture of Orthopedic Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique. In this class students will become skilled at performing a full body postural evaluation using range of motion tests and visual analysis on each joint. Then students will learn to release restrictions in each joint using static pressure, pressure with passive motion, pressure with active motion, along with a type of resistance stretching. Students will also make many of the muscles out of clay, for greater clarity of their layering and attachment sites. After taking this class students will be able to reduce a client’s pain by 90% in one session, and increase ROM. Students will learn how to assess their clients by testing and retesting, thereby affirm the effectiveness of the work. Trigger Point Therapy (60hrs) covers how to treat trigger points and injuries. Trigger points are areas of hyper-irritability within soft tissue that develop when a muscle is injured or overworked. Trigger points caused by trauma create changes in the chemical balance in the tissue, irritating the sensory systems. Trigger points are characterized by local tenderness and referred phenomena, which can include, pain, tingling, numbness, burning or itching. Students learn direct pressure techniques with fingers, thumbs and tools to assess and alleviate trigger points, as well as cross fiber friction techniques for breaking up scar tissue, releasing adhesions and speeding tissue repair. Students also learn adjunctive treatment measures such as RICE, tennis balls, Theracane, foam roller, and Thumbies. The course is formatted in weekly area specific modules, including: lower back, pelvic floor, headaches, neck /shoulders, TMJ/jaw, rotator cuff and extremities. Each module includes palpation skills in locating related muscles and attachments sites, tendons and ligaments, trigger point location and clinical pathologies specific for each body section. Table Shiatsu/Cross Fiber Deep Tissue (30 hrs) Integrates Neurolymphatic Massage, Visceral Massage, Acupressure and Cross Fiber Deep Tissue. The protocol begins with deep acupressure along the meridian pathways, to powerfully release the body’s natural pain opiates- endorphins to balance the meridian system and prepare the body for deep tissue work. Acupressure is then followed by Neurolymphatic Scrubbing on the Chapman Reflexes to clear lymphatic pathways. The protocol then follows with Visceral Lymphatic Drainage to mobilize fascia, pump fluids and tonify the vital organs. The protocol then moves to Cross Fiber Deep with elbows, knuckles and palms, cutting across the muscles fibers for the purpose of breaking up fascial restrictions. The session ends with deep fascial stretches and Neurovascular balances. Students will also be shown how to address an assortment of pathologies: such as hiatal hernia, inflammation of the colon, gall bladder. Lymphatic drainage courses
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (30hrs) offers gentle lymphatic drainage techniques for detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system. Manual Lymphatic Drainage involves, light pulsing pressure applied to the superficial lymph vessels within the extremities and torso. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is indicated for assorted immune system pathologies, low energy states and conditions of toxicity. Course includes observational and palpatory assessment of the lymphatic system, written quiz and clinic. Visceral Lymphatic Drainage (30hrs) offers Chi Nei Tsang bodywork techniques and five element theory for safely detoxifying the deep lymphatics of the abdomen and vital organs. The approach clears the deep lymphatic channels, through freeing the fascial web that binds the vital organs, glands, arteries, veins, lymph vessels and nodes. The lymphatics are an intricate waterway system that flow steadily throughout the body, cleansing and purifying the blood. Additional techniques are offered for detoxifying and balancing the vital organs. Techniques include acupressure, scooping, spiraling and healing sounds. Course includes observational and palpatory assessment of the lymphatic system, written quiz and clinic. Meridian energy/subtle body courses
Access Energy (20hrs) includes: Bars and MTVSS. Bars comprise gentle touch contact on 32 points on the head, feet and hands. Each head position is specific to clearing a mental/emotional stress pattern, and enhancing blood flow to the central nervous system. MTVSS is a frequency technique that allows the body to receive more oxygen and restructure itself on a molecular level. It can be applied anywhere on the body. Acupressure (20hrs) introduces students to meridian theory and application, based on ancient Chinese healing art. Techniques utilized include finger and hand pressure to stimulate specific points on the body which release muscular tension, increase blood circulation and enhance qi. Students will learn the location of the 14 main meridian channels, 20 key master points and a general protocol that delivers a deeply relaxing and energetically restorative massage. Course includes palpatory and observational assessment of meridian imbalances, SOAP note documentation, written quiz and clinic. Emotional Process (20hrs) offers experiential understanding of the mind-body consciousness dynamics. Course includes an overview of disturbances of the body-mind such as: fear, sadness, anger, stress, trauma, and physical pain. Emotional processing skills offered include: Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), Therapeutic Touch, Mindfulness, Core-process, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Healing through heart and body movement. Students will learn how to locate, release and transform trapped emotional energies within the body-mind. Medical Qigong Essentials (20 hrs) introduces the student to the Medical Qigong approach to enhancing lymphatic drainage through self-healing exercise, bodywork and dietary measures designed to initiate purging of stagnant energy and fluids within the viscera, lymphatics and meridians. The Qigong exercises strengthen and regulate the internal organs, nervous system and immune systems as well as relieve pain, regulate hormones and release deep-seated emotions. The course will introduce the student to the basic theories of energy tonification, purgation and regulation of the body's organs and energy channels, as well as strengthening the body's protective energy field. Muscle Testing and Meridian Energy (30 hrs) Students will learn to assess 14 indicator muscles and their related organs, glands and meridians. Students will also learn to address the evaluation and treatment of common client pain profiles and deficiency syndromes through re-establishing the flow of life energy to the muscular and organ systems. Balancing techniques include: neurolymphatic scrubbing, neurovascular balance, origin and insertion technique, acupressure holding points, meridian tracing, spinal reflex, and muscle spindle cell technique. Polarity Therapy (30hrs) presents an introduction to Polarity Therapy based on the work of Dr. Randolph Stone. Students learn an overview of the wireless anatomy, including the subtle bodies, chakras, bipolar currents, oval fields and transverse currents. Students learn light touch techniques for interfacing with the electromagnetic fields, flows and chakras of the human body. Table Shiatsu/Cross Fiber Deep Tissue (30 hrs) Integrates Neurolymphatic Massage, Visceral Massage, Acupressure and Cross Fiber Deep Tissue. The protocol begins with deep acupressure along the meridian pathways, to powerfully release the body’s natural pain opiates- endorphins to balance the meridian system and prepare the body for deep tissue work. Acupressure is then followed by Neurolymphatic Scrubbing on the Chapman Reflexes to clear lymphatic pathways. The protocol then follows with Visceral Lymphatic Drainage to mobilize fascia, pump fluids and tonify the vital organs. The protocol then moves to Cross Fiber Deep with elbows, knuckles and palms, cutting across the muscles fibers for the purpose of breaking up fascial restrictions. The session ends with deep fascial stretches and Neurovascular balances. Students will also be shown how to address an assortment of pathologies: such as hiatal hernia, inflammation of the colon, gall bladder. Thai Massage (30hrs) integrates the therapeutic aspects of traditional Thai massage with Western compressive deep tissue. Students learn to open and release the meridian and muscular systems through deep stretches and compressive techniques . Students will learn massage routines for prone, supine, seated, and side lying positions. Thai Massage is a floor style of bodywork utilized in India and Thailand for 2500 years. It is performed on fully clothed recipients without use of massage oils. Special populations
Pregnancy Massage (35hrs) Our Pregnancy Massage training includes side posture and semi-reclined positioning ideal for pregnant mothers, those with pain syndromes in the lower back and hip, and clients adverse to supine positioning. The techniques offered therein include: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Acupressure and Polarity Therapy specific to addressing the common challenges incurred during pregnancy such as stress, anxiety, myofascial pain and dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, nausea, and delayed labor. The techniques offered have a broad range of application beyond pregnant clients. Side posture massage allows access to deep layers of the musculature more difficult to reach in supine position, as well as protects prenate and mother from adverse gravitational forces on the growing fetus, and vulnerable ligaments of the mother. Course offering includes Reproductive Physiology and Pathology. Sports Massage (15hrs) illuminates the needs of athletes and highly active people, specific to maintaining their immune, nervous and musculoskeletal systems in peak condition. In this course students will learn a variety of techniques for supporting athletes in their sport, pre and post event, including: Athletic Taping , Deep Transverse Friction, PNF stretches, the use of heat and ice, Pre-event and Post event Protocol and injury care. Adjunct therapies
Essential Oils, Aromatouch (10hrs) introduces the practitioner in the therapeutic use of essential oils. Students will learn to work with over a twenty therapeutic oils in singles and blends. Students will learn the Aromatouch protocol – a layered application of oils to the back and feet for inducing relaxation, immune enhancement, relief from inflammation and nervous system homeostasis. The course will also cover the application of castor oil/essential oil paks to the liver and areas of inflammation, magnesium oil application and baths, far infrared sauna and the therapeutic use of essential oils for assorted pathologies. Hot Stone Massage (20hrs) Provides training in the principles and practical application of Hot Stone Massage for private practice or spa settings, including: basic science and theory of hot stone massage; principles and application of hot/cold therapy; indications, contra-indications, and sanitation and safety precautions; various stone shapes and sizes for specific applications. Students will also learn to apply the principles of hot/cold therapy to enhance the circulatory and lymphatic systems and overall immune response. physiology and pathology
Immune Physiology and Pathology (30hrs-Required) this course covers the functions, pathologies, pharmacologies, contraindications, areas of caution related to the systems involved with immunity. These systems specifically include: the circulatory, lymphatic, skin, respiratory, integumentary, digestive and urinary. Clinical pathologies addressed include: cardiovascular disease, cancer, open wounds/sores, high blood pressure, edema, common cold, sinusitis, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, AIDS and assorted. The course also prepares students for success in sitting for the MBLEx exam. MBLEx type quizzes included. Musculoskeletal Physiology/Pathology (13hrs) Covers common musculoskeletal pathologies such as hypertonic/ hypotonic muscles, fibromyalsia, sprains, strains, ruptures, tendinosis, tendonitis, osteoporosis, arthritis, and postural distortions. The course also covers the physiology and of the muscular and skeletal systems. The course also prepares students for success in sitting for the MBLEx exam. MBLEx type quizzes included. Neuroendocrine Physiology and Pathology (27hrs) Introduces the science of body/mind medicine. This course illuminates bio-molecular science’s most recent understanding of feelings, emotions and mental states. The course presents the anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the nervous and endocrine systems and the chemicals that give rise to our emotional/mental states in health and disease. The course explores the benefits and limitations of the leading approaches to mind/body balance including pharmacology, mindfulness, nutrition and bodywork. The course also prepares students for success in sitting for the MBLEx exam. MBLEx type quizzes included. business skills
Business Skills (20 hrs) covers a broad range of business skills for employment and private practice. A number of leading marketing practices will be offered by successful graduates and employers. Topics include business planning, strategic planning, office management, marketing, hiring/interviewing, documentation and records, client records, business records as well as current employment opportunities. The course also prepares students for success in sitting for the MBLEx exam. MBLEx type quizzes included. Mblex preparation
MBLEx Prep (2- 30 hrs) Our Prep course for the MBLEx exam includes Massage Prep’s online MBLEx study program. This program includes a thorough progression of study sessions for each topic included in the exam, practice tests and over 40 simulation MBLEx exams. Exam content is weighted and timed comparable to the MBLEx exam. Students will receive an immediate grading of their exam and feedback on what sections of the exam are their strength and what portions require more study. Students may self -study from home and schedule their exams at their convenience on campus. Students may receive up to 30 hours credit for this course as needed. |
