Course Descriptions

Ida P. Rolf had a concept of our “core-in-gravity”. Her vision was beyond fixing things and more about finding expansion in the human frame. If the body has more space and volume our aches and pains become less prevalent; we find a new way of “being” not just finding what hurts. Her technique is an amazing blend of human geometry, neuromuscular reprogramming and spiritual exploration that helps connect our body, mind and Spirit.

This class is designed to teach you Ida Rolf’s original 10 session series. You will learn her systematic approach for taking the human frame apart and reorganizing it with a newer, more efficient one. Each of her sessions is not a series of techniques, but a series of goals that you and your client work together to achieve. Every session builds upon the goals achieved in the previous session/s to reach the ultimate goal of structural integration in gravity and to find a dynamic relationship to gravity. Each week you will learn a new progression in the series with lecture/ dialogue, demonstration, movement class and give/receive each session. Come join me and find your Dynamic Relationship to Gravity.

Prerequisites: Principles of Structural Integration.

Advanced Circulatory Massage introduces students to new ways of using their thumbs, fingers and palms as well as tools such as elbows and knuckles, taking 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 to enhance the performance of athletes at athletic events or prior to weight training. Special focus is given to cross-fiber techniques that release old adhesion's and scar tissue thereby promoting better performance and faster healing. This class equips the student with a whole new range of Massage techniques that enhance their body-work and its impact on their clients.

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.

Herbal Studies & Applications is a prerequiste of this course.

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. Note: This class is required for therapists and Practitioners. Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program

The goal for this Aromatherapy course is to offer core information for you to begin utilizing essential oils for yourself, your family, and clients. This 40 hour packed, exploratory introduction into aromatherapy is filled with the history and facts of aromatics in the professional setting. We will examine the botany and chemistry of essential oils, methods of extraction, selecting authentic oils, and safety issues. We will take a close up, hands on look at many essential oil profiles, and put into practice formulations and methods of applying essential oils in a holistic massage practice. The course content and recipes will inspire your applications of essential oils for health and wellness.

This course will introduce different styles of Breathwork, and 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.

Chair Massage is a form of bodywork that addresses the needs of the desk-bound, working person. In this course student’s learn to deliver an effective and restorative massage to clients who are fully dressed and in a seated position. They’ll examine the structure of the shoulder girdle and how movement occurs in the upper body. Through lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice they’ll master techniques to provide relief in the high-tension areas of the neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back. In addition, the instructor will convey various marketing strategies, discuss practical applications, and identify licensure concerns. This fun and informative class also explores new ways to expand business opportunities while contributing to the greater health and well- being of those in our community.

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

The 50-hour Clinical Practicum the Massage Therapist is designed to give the Massage Therapy student extended experience in clinic. Students practice their hands-on massage therapy skills, their professional communication skills such as client intake and basic paperwork procedures, draping techniques, and on the job work ethics. This course prepares the massage therapist for hands-on job interview and job expectations.

Please note: This course is required for the Massage Therapy Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program

In this 50 hour practicum, Healing Hands Interns work in the student clinic, with specific population groups, and in facilities which partner with Healing Hands. We provide massage therapy to Veterans recovery from hospitalization, peri and pre-natal patients, with disabled adults, the elderly, in the spa industry, and at charity and community outreach events. Interns schedule 4 practical hours within approved placement facility and meet one hour each week to review progress. Our first class starts with a 2 hour orientation to explore the intern placement opportunities. This practicum gives students an opportunity to explore the many avenues massage therapy and holistic health can be implemented in our community.

This satisfies the 50 hour clinic requirement for the Massage Therapy and Holistic health Practitioner programs.

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.

This course teaches students how to use traditional Cranio-Sacral Therapy techniques to facilitate a non- traumatic realignment of the soft tissue component of the cranial-sacral mechanism. Although soft and gentle in its application, the effects of Cranio-Sacral Therapy on the internal dimension of mind-body are deep and profound. In this course, students will learn how cerebrospinal fluid protects the brain and spinal cord, as well as its role as the nervous system’s linkage and communication medium. In this hands-on experiential class, students develop the sense and feel of how the natural rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid influences and facilitates an integration process that helps the body self- correct and heal. By developing listening hands and understanding passive techniques, students help their clients restore natural balance and access the healing core inherent within each individual.

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 collagen 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. Benefits 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.

Dynamic Cupping’s use of vacuum therapy is centuries old, dating back to ancient Egyptian, African and Asian cultures. This form of therapy uses suction to increase circulation, and soften myo-facial and muscular structures. Traditional Asian cupping uses fire to provide suction, alternate cupping techniques use hand held pumps, rubber cups, and “Baguanfa” silicone cups. This course covers basic history of vacuum therapy including the benefits and contraindications of using cups. We will learn a basic and dynamic cupping protocol to add to existing body work sessions or develop a stand- alone treatment plan. We will learn the basic handling of silicone cups and be able to apply, remove, and incorporate cupping movement to achieve desired outcomes of circulation, adhesion/muscle knot breakdown, and relaxation.

Energy 101

Are you interested in energywork?  Find out what it's about!  In this  introductory class, we go over a wide variety of techniques that include breath work, learning about energy and intention, and grounding & clearing methods. Learn new perspectives working with crystals and hands on healing.

This course teaches how various herbs can affect the physical/emotional body and how students can use them to enhance their massage practice. Students are taught the specific healing effects of different herbs and how to incorporate them into a collection of advanced therapeutic practices. In addition to covering herbal functions and their applications, students learn to create herbal massage products that they will take home, including an herb-infused massage oil and salve. Other areas covered include herbal medicine and nutrition to reduce inflammation relax muscles, reduce spasms, and more.

This is an herbal craft class where we make a variety of preparations. Class includes recipes and leaving with samples of everything we make it class. Products may include syrups, bath salts, lip balms, room deodorizers, personal deodorant, hand sanitizers and more! It’s empowering and cost effective to make your own products and share them with your family. Material fee pays for all the products made in class.

Herbal Medicine is the study and use of plants for food and medicine. As one of the oldest forms of medicine on the planet, people around the world have been using herbs for thousands of years. This 100 hour course is an introduction and offers a strong foundation of the western energetic model discussing herbal concepts and organ system physiology including Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Skin, Immune, Lymphatic, Nervous and Endocrine systems. The class is divided into segments that include lecture, the production of herbal preparations, and ecologically-based field work with special focus on native medicinal plants. Students visit a natural preserve where they explore the diverse eco-systems and native plants of Southern California. By the end of this course students will be familiar with many traditional uses for medicinal plants, understand how to work with herbal medicine in a safe and effective manner and will develop their own herbal apothecary (medicine cabinet). This class is the prerequisite for the Advanced Formulations class.

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.

The goal of holistic nutrition is to facilitate a healthy nutrition plan as well as build a strong foundation for long term health and wellbeing. In this course, students examine the basic nutrients in food including: carbohydrates, vitamins, enzymes, fatty acids, and amino acids and how food affects the mind/body connection. Discussions include how food choices impact our health and how the energy of food ingested affects our own energy. Students also explore the process of digestion to gain a better understanding of the breakdown and utilization of our food. A portion of this class includes demonstration, preparation and sharing of delicious and healthy recipes the student can incorporate into their own unique nutrition program.

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 fi 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.

This course teaches students how to perform a specialty massage in which smooth, heated stones are used to relieve stress, increase energy flow, deeply relax muscles and purify the body. Students learn how to use hot-stones as an extension of their own hands, plus various techniques to soothe and heal sore muscles. Coupled with cold stone techniques, this contrast therapy flushes the body's fluids and gives a look into basic hydrotherapy principals. The course also teaches students the protocol for heating, sanitizing and clearing the stones for repeated use. Note: Due to the liability of heated stones, many Massage Insurance companies will not insure this practice unless modality is learned at a school, like Healing Hands.

Water has provided for all life on this planet a means of existence. It is one of the most miraculous substances on earth. In this course the student will discover the power of water, both from the land and from the sea, and the vital roll it plays in the body's healing process. Discussion includes the principles and practices of hydrotherapy from antiquity to modern day in achieving a state of health, vitality and well being in the body and the mind. A variety of techniques will be presented that can be used in a spa environment or less formal setting. Class consists of lecture presentation and hands-on practices that include contract hand baths with additives, cryotherapy / ice massage, and herbal hot compress / fomentation.

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 Hawaiin 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.

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’s 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 focus’s on a technique of deep inner work, through guided meditation, that brings our awareness to our energetic system and the guidance and information that is offered there. This teaches grounding and balancing, available through oneness with our spiritual source (ie: God). It includes techniques for profoundly expanding awareness and healing, is spiritually based, and doesn’t conflict with any religion. Through Spiritual Healing we can release negative patterns that can cause stress and disease, and harmonize our system as a whole for optimal health, peace, ease and grace.

    Some of the systems we will be working with are: the chakras, kundalini, our internal organs, our subconscious, consciousness, higher self and spirit that is our multidimensional awareness system.

In this course students will learn how to address myofascial dysfunction in the body by understanding the lines of tension that run through the myofascial system, otherwise known as myofascial meridians. Students will also be guided in postural and gait analysis in order to create session plans for working with patients to create impactful change in the body with lasting results through myofascial release of both adhesions and trigger points. Students will learn the tracks and stations of the meridians as well as their relation to TCM meridians and their interactions with each other via fascial walls and inside/outside front to back balance.

The NeuroMuscular Therapy class is designed to introduce entry-level massage students to accessible and readily usable protocols for assessing and treating a wide variety of soft tissue disorders. Generally, musculo-skeletal disorders involving repetitive stress or cumulative traumas are endemic to recreation and work, a large territory involving our locomotor structures and their function/dysfunction, use and abuse. Special attention will; be paid to matching treatment to injury, treatment adaptability and the appropriate use of rehabilitation/prevention protocols (within the scope of practice of massage therapy). A deepening of anatomical, biological, and kinesiological knowledge will be foundational for accurate, evidence based clinical reasoning.

Please note students need to purchase required book: Orthopedic Massage Theory and Technique, Whitney W. Lowe 2nd edition, Mosby 2009. Can be purchased through: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0443068127/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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.

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 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.

Note: This is a prerequisite of 10 Session Structural Integration Course.

Professional Practices gives students the skills they need to pass a licensing state exam [MBLEx], and supports the professional decisions graduates will make upon entering the field.  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 for homework. 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

Reflexology is a form of body work that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears to promote optimal health. This course covers “reflex zones” and techniques used in Reflexology. Through instruction, demonstration and hands-on practice the student will learn exact locations of “reflex points” that relate to organs, glands and other body systems. They’ll practice touching points that promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, improve circulation, facilitate detox, and revitalize the body. By including Reflexology in their massage practice, students can positively affect their clients’ circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems.

Reiki is a gentle, spiritual, healing practice that promotes balance throughout the mind/body system. It does not involve physical manipulation; instead, it works with the subtle vibrational fi that surrounds and penetrates the body. In this course students learn to awaken the innate healing power within and are encouraged to “open” to their own spiritual insights and wisdom. Through instruction, demonstration and practice they learn to “flow” loving energy through their hands and hearts to heal themselves and their clients. A simple yet powerful treatment, Reiki can relieve pain, alleviate chronic illness, and accelerate the healing process after any type of medical or holistic treatment.

Reiki II takes Reiki I principles and practices to a higher level. As this modality does not involve physical manipulation, but instead works on the vibrational field surrounding and penetrating its subject, its reach is virtually unlimited. In this course, students already familiar with this spiritual, healing practice will focus on techniques to “flow” loving energy through their hands and hearts out to their client, even at a distance! A simple to perform, yet powerful treatment, Reiki can relieve pain, alleviate chronic illness, and accelerate the healing process after any type of medical or holistic treatment.

Shiatsu is form of therapeutic bodywork that comes from Japan, and is based on the Chinese Five 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.

This class will provide an introduction to the work of Thomas Hanna, founder of Hanna Somatics, student of Moshe Feldenkrais and person who first coined and defined the terms “Somatics” and be extended to include the many and varied modalities under the rubrics of Somatic Education, Somatic Repatterning and others contained in Mary Ann Foster’s book Somatic Patterning. Following that text we will consider, among others, developmental, neuromuscular, postural patterning techniques, integrative movement modalities such as Labanalysis, Bartenieff Fundamentals, The Alexander Technique, The Feldenkrais Method, and integrative manual therapies such as Rolfing and Aston Patterning, PNF, and Cranial Sacral Therapy. There will be an emphasis on postural, movement and pain easement exercises for both clients and practitioners.

Spa Techniques is a course that introduces the student to a variety of commonly offered spa treatments that promote optimal health while helping the client unwind. Through lecture, discussion and hands-on practice, students learn about a variety of treatments to detoxify and exfoliate the body. Treatments explored in the course include body-wraps infused with herbal preparations, seaweed or essential oils. In addition students learn how to deliver salt scrubs and understand the benefits. A must-take course for any massage practitioner considering work in a Spa environment, Spa Techniques adds new dimensions to your collection of body-work modalities.

The term “Super-foods” is used to describe a food considered especially nutritious and beneficial to health and well-being. Known health benefits of Super-foods include preventing or reducing inflammation helping to regulate metabolism and burn body fat, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, helping protect against heart disease and cancer, among others. In this course, students are introduced to a variety of easy to prepare Super-foods and explore how these foods fight disease and promote wellness.

Have you been confused about the many different dietary practices? There are diets based on cultural background, season and location, ethical treatment of animals, nutritional components, environmental concerns, weight loss, cleansing and ultimate health; but what is right for you?

Come join us for this informative course and learn how different super-foods and dietary practices can increase nutrition and health. Students gain valuable nutritional knowledge they can use to facilitate optimal health for themselves, their families, and clients.

This ancient massage modality was developed in Thailand and influenced by traditional medicine systems of India, China and Southeast Asia. Thai Massage works on both the physical and energetic systems of the body. It is performed on a floor-mat with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows for full movement.

In this course, students are introduced to the basic flow of Traditional Thai Massage, and will study Thai Massage Theory (which operates on the premise that our body is permeated with “lom” (air) that travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways or energy lines called “sen”. Through lecture, demonstration and guided hands-on practice, students will learn the locations of the body’s 10 major “sen” lines and how to touch points along these energy lines to clear blockages and affect the entire body. With Thai massage, you learn a flow of movements that gently guide the client through a sequence of yoga-like motions. Combining rhythmic rocking and progressively deeper stretches, both client and therapist move into a state of meditative relaxation. Benefits include enhanced flexibility, a balanced and increased energy, better posture, and a lasting feeling of well being. Come and experience how this unique and dynamic method will benefit both you and your clients. The class goal is a complete 90-minute Thai Massage treatment for the entire body.

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) has its beginnings with the Physical Therapists Kabat, Voss and Knott’s Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and has been applied extensively in recent Osteopathic practices. Because MET/PNF uses voluntary/intentional effort to engage muscles, higher brain functions can be used to reset neurologic patterns of habitual (and largely involuntary) muscle tension or inhibition and weakness, helping to restore normal muscle function and lower resting tone. MET/PNF transforms the role of the Massage Therapist from that of treating the client to working with the client. Active participation can change chronic pain patterns dramatically and provide the client with substantial self-care techniques. MET/PNF also stimulates the synthesis of new cells to repair insured tissue, realign and strengthen connective tissue fibers, lengthen shortened and fibrotic tissue, increase functional range of motion and balance the activity of muscles crossing joints to increase the efficiency of joint movement. Active contraction/relaxation of soft tissue (through winding and unwinding) promotes the movement of cells and fluids deep in the body to break up stagnation and promote reoxygenation and eliminate waste. This class will provide students with the fundamentals and basic techniques for successfully and legitimately addressing a wide range of typical problems presented to Massage Therapists.

Therapeutic Stretching is an interactive massage modality, with the goal to improve flexibility, enhance grace of movement, improve range of motion and facilitate balance in the musculoskeletal system of the body. This course is a dynamic combination of passive joint movement and deep, powerful assisted passive stretches with the focus on the individual parts of the body and the body as a whole. Students will learn to combine stretches and rhythmic massage techniques with gentle joint mobilization as an integrated, adaptive and assisted flow.

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

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.