Course Listing

The most commonly requested massage in the Spa, a Swedish massage involves lubricating the skin with massage oil and performing a variety of strokes to increase circulation and smooth muscle knots. Through lecture, group discussion, and supervised hands-on practice this course teaches students how to give a full-body Swedish-style massage. Techniques learned include gliding (Effleurage), kneading (Petrissage), and cross-fiber friction (Fanning). Special focus is given to the body’s anatomy, and proper body mechanics used by professionals. In addition students will learn “draping” techniques for assuring their client’s privacy. By the end of this course the student will be able to deliver a full-body Swedish massage that promotes relaxation, lowers blood pressure, detoxifies the system, relieves pain and facilitates many other health benefits. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program

The most commonly requested massage in the Spa, a Swedish massage involves lubricating the skin with massage oil and performing a variety of strokes to increase circulation and smooth muscle knots. Through lecture, group discussion, and supervised hands-on practice this course teaches students how to give a full-body Swedish-style massage. Techniques learned include gliding (Effleurage), kneading (Petrissage), and cross-fiber friction (Fanning). Special focus is given to the body’s anatomy, and proper body mechanics used by professionals. In addition students will learn “draping” techniques for assuring their client’s privacy. By the end of this course the student will be able to deliver a full-body Swedish massage that promotes relaxation, lowers blood pressure, detoxifies the system, relieves pain and facilitates many other health benefits. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program

Shiatsu is form of therapeutic bodywork that comes from Japan, and is based on the ChineseFive Element Theory. The intent of Shiatsu is to enhance overall health, increase blood and lymph circulation, heal injuries and balance the energies of the body, mind, and Spirit. Treatments are given on a mat with the client fully clothed and without the use of oil. In this course students learn about the energy channels (meridians) that flow through the body and examine how the body’s organs correlate to the Five Elements. Through demonstration and guided, hands-on practice they will learn how to access “Acu-points” along these meridians and practice applying finger pressure, palm pressure, stretches, and other Massage techniques balance the “life-force energy” or (Chi) these meridians carry. By the end of the course, students will be empowered to give a full body Shiatsu massage to facilitate healing are restore vitality for their clients.

In this course students will discover the Deep Tissue techniques of Muscle Sculpting and Structural Organization as pioneered by Ida Rolf. Students learn how to manipulate “fascia” (the web-like network that permeates the entire body) to create more balance (as it relates to gravity) and ease of movement in the body. This work requires client participation, and special emphasis is given to the mind-body connection. Students are taught effective communication skills to facilitate the emotional awareness associated with this kind of deep bodywork. Benefit of Deep Tissue include dramatic improvement in their client’s posture, flexibility, range of motion, and energy level, while at the same time providing relief from tension, aches, pains and stiffness.

In this course students will discover the Deep Tissue techniques of Muscle Sculpting and Structural Organization as pioneered by Ida Rolf. Students learn how to manipulate “fascia” (the web-like network that permeates the entire body) to create more balance (as it relates to gravity) and ease of movement in the body. This work requires client participation, and special emphasis is given to the mind-body connection. Students are taught effective communication skills to facilitate the emotional awareness associated with this kind of deep bodywork. Benefit of Deep Tissue include dramatic improvement in their client’s posture, flexibility, range of motion, and energy level, while at the same time providing relief from tension, aches, pains and stiffness.

Tui Na, is a massage modality based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow and balance of “chi”, (life energy) through “meridians” or channels in the body. In this course students learn manipulation techniques to move chi through ill and injured areas of the body where blockages tend to occur. They will practice specific treatments to address chronic pain, common illnesses, and disorders of the spine and joints, such as, Sciatica and rotator cuff problems. Through demonstration and hands-on practice students will master both oscillating techniques to increase energy, as well as the traditional presses and pulls characteristic of Tui Na.

Shiatsu is form of therapeutic bodywork that comes from Japan, and is based on the ChineseFive Element Theory. The intent of Shiatsu is to enhance overall health, increase blood and lymph circulation, heal injuries and balance the energies of the body, mind, and Spirit. Treatments are given on a mat with the client fully clothed and without the use of oil. In this course students learn about the energy channels (meridians) that flow through the body and examine how the body’s organs correlate to the Five Elements. Through demonstration and guided, hands-on practice they will learn how to access “Acu-points” along these meridians and practice applying finger pressure, palm pressure, stretches, and other Massage techniques balance the “life-force energy” or (Chi) these meridians carry. By the end of the course, students will be empowered to give a full body Shiatsu massage to facilitate healing are restore vitality for their clients.

Advanced Circulatory Massage introduces students to new ways of using their thumbs, fingers and palms as well as new tools such as elbows and knuckles, to take the Circulatory Massage to new healing heights. The Sports Massage portion of the class teaches techniques to treat a variety of clients ranging from the moderately active to the serious, competitive athlete. Also presented are deep, invigorating Massage techniques enhance the performance of athletes at athletic events or prior to weight training. Special focus is given to cross-fiber techniques that release old adhesions and scar tissue thereby promoting better performance and faster healing. This class equips the student with a whole new range of Massage techniques to enhance their body-work and its impact on their clients.

Advanced Circulatory Massage introduces students to new ways of using their thumbs, fingers and palms as well as new tools such as elbows and knuckles, to take the Circulatory Massage to new healing heights. The Sports Massage portion of the class teaches techniques to treat a variety of clients ranging from the moderately active to the serious, competitive athlete. Also presented are deep, invigorating Massage techniques enhance the performance of athletes at athletic events or prior to weight training. Special focus is given to cross-fiber techniques that release old adhesions and scar tissue thereby promoting better performance and faster healing. This class equips the student with a whole new range of Massage techniques to enhance their body-work and its impact on their clients.

Tui Na, is a massage modality based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow and balance of “chi”, (life energy) through “meridians” or channels in the body. In this course students learn manipulation techniques to move chi through ill and injured areas of the body where blockages tend to occur. They will practice specific treatments to address chronic pain, common illnesses, and disorders of the spine and joints, such as, Sciatica and rotator cuff problems. Through demonstration and hands-on practice students will master both oscillating techniques to increase energy, as well as the traditional presses and pulls characteristic of Tui Na.

This course takes a deeper look into the fascinating world of the human body. The instructor presents a detailed exploration of its many systems including: Muscular, Circulatory, Skeletal, Immune, etc. Students learn how these systems serve the whole body while performing their individual functions. Through a greater understanding of the body’s systems and how they interact, the student becomes aware of the many ways it responds to and benefits from massage therapies. Anatomy for Body-workers greatly increases the student’s knowledge of anatomical terms and concepts, and improves their ability to communicate with the medical community, such as Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, and Fitness Managers. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program. This course is available in both Distance Education and In-Person.

This course takes a deeper look into the fascinating world of the human body. The instructor presents a detailed exploration of its many systems including: Muscular, Circulatory, Skeletal, Immune, etc. Students learn how these systems serve the whole body while performing their individual functions. Through a greater understanding of the body’s systems and how they interact, the student becomes aware of the many ways it responds to and benefits from massage therapies. Anatomy for Body-workers greatly increases the student’s knowledge of anatomical terms and concepts, and improves their ability to communicate with the medical community, such as Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, and Fitness Managers. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program. This course is available in both Distance Education and In-Person.

Professional Practices covers skills students need to pass their licensing state exam [MBLEx], and supports the professional and business decisions graduates will make upon entering the field. This is a homework intensive course. Students should be prepared to talk about test anxiety, testing skills, learning habits and tools, and develop a rigorous study habit in preparation for the exam. Professional Practices will include benefits and contraindications of massage, ethics, boundaries and laws, compassionate but firm communication skills. Business practices will include: Career development, simple budgeting and financing skills, business operations, records and security. This course includes clinical terminology for a review of Anatomy, Kinesiology and Pathology. The ABMP Exam Coach is required. Students are highly encouraged to plan on paying for and taking the MBLEx at the end of this course. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program. This course is available in both Distance Education and In-Person.

Professional Practices covers skills students need to pass their licensing state exam [MBLEx], and supports the professional and business decisions graduates will make upon entering the field. This is a homework intensive course. Students should be prepared to talk about test anxiety, testing skills, learning habits and tools, and develop a rigorous study habit in preparation for the exam. Professional Practices will include benefits and contraindications of massage, ethics, boundaries and laws, compassionate but firm communication skills. Business practices will include: Career development, simple budgeting and financing skills, business operations, records and security. This course includes clinical terminology for a review of Anatomy, Kinesiology and Pathology. The ABMP Exam Coach is required. Students are highly encouraged to plan on paying for and taking the MBLEx at the end of this course. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program. This course is available in both Distance Education and In-Person.

In this class we will learn a modified version of the structural integration series. Originally developed by Ida Rolf to be a ten session series, this class takes that framework and expands it into a twelve session series based on the work of Ida Rolf, Ed Maupin and Tom Meyers. Students will learn postural analysis and session planning based on individual postural compensation patterns within the framework of the twelve sessions, going from differentiation to integration and beyond. This introduction to structural integration is composed around the idea that the body is one holistic system, and the balance of that system is predicated on the alignment of the three and two half diaphragms of the body.

Working in the massage therapy industry, we will often come across many clients who have special needs, disabilities, impairments, or diseases. In massage therapy, these people are referred to as Special Populations. Often there is no heads up from the time the client books their treatment with you, until the time you first meet them to begin your session, that they do in fact have a disability, impairment, or disease. What accommodations can we as massage therapists make to serve these unique populations? What is the best way to proceed if you client is geriatric, obese, or even in a wheelchair? Through lecture, discussion, and hands on practice, you will learn a verity of Soft Tissue Techniques, client positioning, and ethical boundaries to observe when working with Special Population clients. Some of the people with disabilities, impairments and diseases we will learn to work with, and how to adapt to, include people with: obesity, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, nerve damage, fibromatosis, scar tissue and skin graphs, uses wheelchair, children, geriatric, celebrities, people with autism, people with mental illness and more. By the end of this course the student will be able to more confidently and accurately massage our Special Population clientele, that we so often see throughout our career.

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. This class focuses on how to work with the rapidly changing female body during the nine months of pregnancy. In this course students will be given guidelines for positioning the pregnant client, and learn how to address contraindicated areas. Through lecture, demonstration and lots of hands-on practice, the student will gain the knowledge to facilitate a completely safe and deeply therapeutic pregnancy massage.

This class introduces the student to the subtle but powerful use of rocking, oscillations and mobilizations pioneered by Milton Trager, M.D. through his Psycho-Physical Integration techniques, picking up along the way the osteopathic joint manipulations, and facilitation protocols designed to reset the proprioceptive system to a more deeply parasympathetic self-regulating and thus self-healing state. This is effected on one level by providing a novel sensation or “feeling” of through-ness, resonance and rebound of the connective tissue, a reset of the Gamma Gain levels of the joint and tissue receptors providing the recipient with a new and deep sense of ease, lightness and pleasure, and on another deeply profound level, through what Trager called “hook-up”, the linking of the nervous systems of the client and practitioner (in this Trager borrowed from the ancient Ayurvedic tradition ) Since modeling is an important communication tool, exercise to improve the practitioner’s sensation sensitivity will be provided and practiced along with detailed hands-on session protocols.

In this class students will learn the basics of Craniosacral Therapy (CST); which is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on technique that can be used to address not only the structure and fascia of the body, but also affects every system and function in the human body. History of the development of CST, research studies for evidenced based practice for a variety of conditions and basic knowledge and understanding of CST I anatomy, including the: bones of the skull, cranial membranes, intracranial membranes, Dural tube, CS fluid and rhythm will be presented. Practices to develop and deepen the practitioners’ awareness, perception and subtle listening skills enhancing their ability to “listen” to the body from 'Neutral'. Techniques learned will include: CS Rhythm palpation, Still Point induction; Diaphragm Releases for the fascia of the Sacral Complex; Respiratory Diaphragm, Thoracic Outlet; Hyoid Bone, and Cranial Base. Gentle assessment and movement of the Cranial bones, Dural Tube and the holding Sacred Space will be explored.

In this introductory class, we go over a wide variety of techniques that include different styles of Breathwork, a brief discussion of the chakra system and meditation. It will include a variety of breathing techniques and exercises the students can use to complement their massage practice once integrated into their well-being. The chakra system and meditation will be briefly discussed in a traditional and non-traditional sense allowing the student to decide for themselves how they may fit them into their healing practice. Learning about energy, intention, grounding, clearing methods & how to also work with crystals to complement your massage.

A holistic approach to life, health and healing means seeing the body and mind as an integrated whole. This two-day holistic living retreat reminds the student that living a balanced and health-conscious life can foster a powerful state of well-being. By modeling a more holistic approach to life, students help their clients re-discover their own innate power and ability for self-healing. This retreat gives students the opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature and a community of like-minded Healers. Students will sleep under the stars, and enjoy nutritious, simple meals and a variety of fun activities like yoga, T’ai Chi, breath therapy, and meditation. This popular, Spring-time retreat takes place in a beautiful, natural setting located in the heart of an undeveloped canyon complete with fresh- water creek. With no modern conveniences to distract them, students are immersed in outdoor, holistic living. All Healing Hands students and graduates are invited to attend and experience two days of personal growth, learning, healing and love.

Within each of us is a silent healing partner, the Lymph System, which works in conjunction with the Immune System to keep us healthy, vibrant and strong. Without it our bodies would swell up like balloons, swamping our cells with stagnant, toxic fluid. The Lymph System’s impact on the body is so far reaching that we often don’t realize that our minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to its dysfunction. In this class students will discuss the anatomy of the System, contraindications for lymphatic massage, and specific techniques for draining lymph fluid from the legs, arms, torso and face. A great addition to any Practitioner’s “tool kit”, by learning how to stimulate the Lymph System through massage, students can significantly increase their client’s Immune System function and ultimately, their health and well-being.

This course introduces students to the teachings of Ida P. Rolf, which uses touch to provoke awareness and balance in the human frame. Students will learn how human adaptation of gravity can be a negative or positive force, and how to apply geometry to balance structure and improve posture. They will gain a clear understanding of the role connective tissue plays in our bodies and how introducing client movement can achieve longer lasting results. This course teaches students how to touch our clients’ awareness, not just their bodies, and to use these principals to design tailor-made sessions for many common ailments.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Traditional Oriental Medicine, and their application to massage therapy and holistic health. Students will examine the principle concepts of yin, yang, and qi as well as the 12 primary meridians and functions of their associated organs. Through instruction, demonstration and guided, hands-on practice, the student learns traditional healing techniques such as: Fire Cupping, Gua Sha, Mixibustion, Castor Oil Packs and the use of liniments.

In this class we will learn a modified version of the structural integration series. Originally developed by Ida Rolf to be a ten session series, this class takes that framework and expands it into a twelve session series based on the work of Ida Rolf, Ed Maupin and Tom Meyers. Students will learn postural analysis and session planning based on individual postural compensation patterns within the framework of the twelve sessions, going from differentiation to integration and beyond. This introduction to structural integration is composed around the idea that the body is one holistic system, and the balance of that system is predicated on the alignment of the three and two half diaphragms of the body.

Working in the massage therapy industry, we will often come across many clients who have special needs, disabilities, impairments, or diseases. In massage therapy, these people are referred to as Special Populations. Often there is no heads up from the time the client books their treatment with you, until the time you first meet them to begin your session, that they do in fact have a disability, impairment, or disease. What accommodations can we as massage therapists make to serve these unique populations? What is the best way to proceed if you client is geriatric, obese, or even in a wheelchair? Through lecture, discussion, and hands on practice, you will learn a verity of Soft Tissue Techniques, client positioning, and ethical boundaries to observe when working with Special Population clients. Some of the people with disabilities, impairments and diseases we will learn to work with, and how to adapt to, include people with: obesity, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, nerve damage, fibromatosis, scar tissue and skin graphs, uses wheelchair, children, geriatric, celebrities, people with autism, people with mental illness and more. By the end of this course the student will be able to more confidently and accurately massage our Special Population clientele, that we so often see throughout our career.

Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a philosophy and practice based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself. Founded in Germany during the late 1700s, Homeopathy has been widely practiced throughout India and Europe for centuries. This course educates the student about safe and effective Homeopathic remedies they can use to deal with the shock and trauma of many medical emergencies. They’ll learn how to stimulate their client’s innate healing abilities, and develop a tool-kit of Homeopathic remedies to address emergencies requiring first aid. Homeopathy is an information-packed course that will enable the student to treat nosebleeds, bruises, cuts, abrasions, sports injuries, muscle aches, cramps, fevers, insect bites, sunburn, food poisoning and other common medical emergencies.

In this class students will learn the basics of Craniosacral Therapy (CST); which is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on technique that can be used to address not only the structure and fascia of the body, but also affects every system and function in the human body. History of the development of CST, research studies for evidenced based practice for a variety of conditions and basic knowledge and understanding of CST I anatomy, including the: bones of the skull, cranial membranes, intracranial membranes, Dural tube, CS fluid and rhythm will be presented. Practices to develop and deepen the practitioners’ awareness, perception and subtle listening skills enhancing their ability to “listen” to the body from 'Neutral'. Techniques learned will include: CS Rhythm palpation, Still Point induction; Diaphragm Releases for the fascia of the Sacral Complex; Respiratory Diaphragm, Thoracic Outlet; Hyoid Bone, and Cranial Base. Gentle assessment and movement of the Cranial bones, Dural Tube and the holding Sacred Space will be explored.

Lomi Ka’ala Hoku or Lomi Lomi massage, is an energetic healing modality based on the ancient Hawaiian concept of working with the life force of an individual to promote health and well-being. Lomi Ka’ala Hoku translates to “Massage Journey to the Stars” which reflects the intention of this massage, which is to calm the mind in order to heal the body. In this course students learn how to give the traditional, full-body Lomi Lomi massage as well as advanced strokes. They also practice releasing all prejudice and ego so they can come from a place of total acceptance of their client’s uniqueness, and where they are in their life’s journey. The energy work behind this style of bodywork comes from ancient Hawaiian teachings of personal empowerment, and was taught in the Hawaiian Temple for generations. Known as “Temple bodywork” Lomi Lomi is the most common form of “Hawaiian Massage” being done outside The Hawaiian Islands.

In this class, we will focus on repetitive use injuries that are common to the general populous. We will learn about pain patterns generated by habitually contracted muscle fibers called trigger points that are very specific in nature and cause myofascial pain and dysfunction. We will be successful in identifying and initiating the healing release of trigger points on ourselves, our partners and clients thus solving the pain problem. Common pain issues that we will address include: - Headache, Neck, Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMJ), Ear Issues - Carpal Tunnel, Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Upper Arm , Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Frozen Shoulder, Upper Back, Chest and Side - Mid and Low Back, Buttock, Diaphragm, Abdominal, Hip Flexor - Lateral Hip and Thigh, Anterior Hip and Groin - Lateral/Anterior/Medial Knee, Hamstring and Posterior Knee - Shin Splints, Ankle, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Morton’s Foot Syndrome.

In this class, you will explore the anatomy of the face while mastering massage techniques. Learn how to release excess tension in the face, scalp, and jaw, and discover methods to move fluid that naturally enhances beauty. Perfect for those looking to elevate their face massage, skincare routine and achieve a rejuvenated, radiant complexion.