Ms. Paula Curtiss, Founder of Healing Hands School of Holistic Health recently announced the addition of 8 new holistic health classes to be offered to students in 2015. “At Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, we believe that certified Massage Therapists and Holistic health Practitioners should have a variety of bodywork modalities at their disposal”, said Paula. “We also believe therapist should have an understanding of the structure and function of the body as well as holistic health practices known to optimize health. Just as importantly, our students need opportunity to fine-tune their skills with hours of practical, hands-on experience. We believe these new classes will help students do just that”, Paula concluded.
Advanced Herbal Formulations: 
This class takes the introductory herbal experience and goes much deeper. In this course students learn the benefits of various herbal preparations and their powerful role in healing. They will explore formulations that facilitate systemic balancing and are based on client’s individual constitutions or body types, as opposed to just addressing symptoms. They will also experience a variety of solvents for making advanced herbal preparations. By the end of this course, students will be able to assess typical nutritional deficiencies and prepare a variety of effective nutritional and herbal remedies to address our most common health issues like colds and flus, sinusitis/ bronchitis, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, etc.
Community Service Internship: 24 hour to be scheduled with approved facility. Healing Hands Interns work in the student clinic, with specific population groups, and in facilities which partner with Healing Hands. Our interns work with Veterans recovery from hospitalization, peri and pre-natal patients, with disabled adults, the elderly, and in the spa industry. You will schedule your practical hours with your placement facility. Interns commit to working a minimum of 4 hours each week for 6 consecutive weeks. This course may be taken more than once. Prerequisite: On Site Therapy for Career Development
Herbs for the Massage Therapist: This class covers how herbs affect the physical/emotional body and how to introduce their impact through massage. Herbal “products” can be relaxing-to-invigorating and balancing-to-rejuvenating. There are “herbal preparations” that detoxify and others that relieve stress. What appeals to you? Learn what herbs to select and blend for the right healing.
On-Site Therapy for Career Development: Learn how to give massage therapy in any environment. Learn the massage techniques that allow you to adjust body mechanic needs,
as well as effective protocol adjustment. We will examine the needs of several population groups and the facilities which serve them including: spa and beauty, chiropractor, physical therapy, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, Pre-Natal Clinic, office/professional workplace, sports events, fundraiser events, and social settings. Each lecture topic includes hands-on massage techniques for hands, feet, neck and shoulders. Topics Include: job interview skills, preparation of resume/business card, state CAMTC certification, job placement support, geriatric massage; working with homeless veterans, protocol adjustment for pre-natal massage; oncology massage, hospice care massage, and massage for job interview preparation. Upon completion, you are eligible to enroll in the Community Service internship program.
Standardized Test Practice Review: As of January 1, 2015 the California Massage Therapy Council requires state certified Massage Therapist to complete 500 hours of training and pass the Massage Therapy exam. This review class is designed to help you practice your information to prepare for the MBLx exam. We will review important anatomical terms and system functions, as well as reviewing modality specific information. We will work with study aids and practice tests designed to assure your success. This course is a ‘review’, we suggest you take this course after you have already completed at least 4 of the Massage Therapy courses including Anatomy for Bodyworkers.
Therapeutic Mobilizations: Mobilizations are a highly effective method to treat joint pain and restrictions within joints. These are well controlled passive movements which are performed slowly and with the therapist focusing his/her intention on the joints. The student learns how to handle joints effectively and with confidence. Mobilizations are most useful for synovial joints, but can also be performed on cartilaginous and fibrous joints. During these passive motions the therapist moves the joint to resemble the gliding motion between the two joint surfaces. Students are advised to re-visit anatomy prior to the class, such as classification of synovial joints, as the joint type will determine both anatomical and accessory movements possible within the joint. Mobilizations are a great addition to the tool box providing the therapist with the ability to work on a wider range of conditions and joint problems.
Visceral Manipulation: Many people that suffer from IBS [Irritable Bowel syndrome], heartburn, constipation, bloating, internal scar tissue, and healing from pregnancy; live in constant pain. Learn to use the most effective Visceral manipulation techniques to relieve this pain.
Yoga Therapy: Yoga Therapy is an adaptation of yoga techniques and practices that are personalized to help individuals with specific health challenges. This introductory Yoga Therapy class will address topics that you can take and use as tools in your massage or personal yoga practice. It will include yoga sequences, meditation techniques and breathe-work for various ailments. We will explore how certain poses can create space between the vertebrae, within the joints, and around the internal organs; other poses feel like they lift the heart and open space between the neck and shoulders. By improving circulation and reducing muscle tension, Yoga Therapy can become a valuable addition to any therapist’s practice.
To learn more about the 80+ massage therapy and holistic health classes offered at Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, visit us on-line at healinghandsschool.com or call us at (760) 746.9374 in Escondido, or at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills.