As the students of Healing Hands School of Holistic Health (Healing Hands) are busy finishing up their semester classes, for many it marks the end of the Program and beginning of a new chapter of life. In addition to a solid understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, and hands-on massage therapies, the lessons learned at Healing Hands, empower students to choose from a multitude of career paths in the Holistic Healing Arts.
During the final weeks of each course, students prepare for mandatory written exams and what the Healing Hands’ Faculty calls “Public Day”. It requires they perform 1.5 hour massages to two complete strangers. The massage is given to a public volunteer who is tasked with evaluating the student’s newly acquired skills. Despite the students initial reservations, they almost always report that Public Day was an experience they truly enjoyed and won’t soon forget.
One of the classes hosting a “Public Day” this January was Shiatsu, taught by Staff Instructor, Harmony Curtiss. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu had been used throughout Asia for thousands of years before gaining popularity in the US. Designed to improve the flow of qi (energy) in the body, Shiatsu helps restore balance in mind and body while activating the body’s innate healing system. Rather than fluid strokes, Shiatsu Practitioners will use a variety of compression techniques and manipulations to effect the 12 energetic pathways of the body called “Meridians”.
Shiatsu is performed on a floor mat with the patient dressed in loose work-out clothing so his/her body can be moved and manipulated by the Therapist. Many students start a Shiatsu massage by “crawling the body” before applying finger and palm pressure along the different Meridians. Meridians can be found on their patient’s back, neck and shoulders, torso, arms, legs and feet, so it is also a therapeutic full-body massage.
While working, students reflected on Harmony’s pre-event words. She reinforced that Holistic Health is all about creating a space for the ‘letting-go’ experience that facilitates all healing. The therapeutic and holistic effects of Shiatsu include: a reduction in muscle stiffness, anxiety, and stress; improved circulation and range of motion; plus an enhanced sense of well-being.
A career as a Professional Massage Therapist offers financial independence, a strong job outlook, flexible hours, a variety of work environments and opportunity to make a positive difference. The educational experience offered at Healing Hands exposes one to both Eastern and Western modalities and dozens of Holistic Health practices, often serving as a catalyst for the students own personal growth, healing, enhanced self-confidence and sense of purpose. To learn more visit us on-line at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, or (760) 746-9364 in Escondido, or (858) 505-1100 in San Diego.