Holistic Health Practitioner Program

This course introduces students to the energetic system of the body and its energy centers - referred to as “Chakras”.  Students learn various techniques for balancing their own chakras, as well as those of their clients’. Through lecture, demonstration, and guided hands-on practice, students will learn how to use crystals, sound therapy, visualization meditations, color therapy, and hands-on energy work to facilitate healthy energy flow. By understanding how to balance these energy centers so the “life-force energy” can flow unimpeded, students gain valuable new tools for keeping the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health of the body in balance.

This course offers the student an in-depth study of the 72 channels of the meridian matrix system, which is believed to circulate life-force energy throughout the body. The focus of this class will be on the 12 Primary Meridians used in Acupuncture and Acupressure. These include specific point locations and their functions. In addition to exploring Chinese Medicine’s “Organ Philosophy”, students will learn how to recognize imbalances in the meridian system and deliver appropriate treatments. By integrating the basic principles of Traditional Oriental Medicine and Acupressure with other massage practices, students learn new tools to facilitate optimal health in their clients.

Just a few of treatment options presented in this course include: emotional balancing, relief from insomnia, boosting the immune system, calming indigestion, reducing arthritic pain, and fighting colds and the flu.

Energetic Bodywork, previously known as Energywork for Bodyworkers, is a hands-on body/mind therapy that addresses healing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. In this course the student will learn how blockages at any of these levels can affect the human energy field. Discussions will include how the ‘health’ of this field relates to the potential for disease within the body. Students will learn energetic grounding techniques and discover their unique way of receiving information energetically. Through a deeper understanding of the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing, the student greatly enhances his/her perception skills – often differentiating themselves from less sensitive body-workers. The skills learned in Energetic Bodywork enable the student to create better health and balance for their clients as well as themselves.

Thai Herbal Massage (Luk Pra Kob) originated from Thailand’s ancient Herbal Medicinal Practices, which date back several centuries. In this course, students will learn how to prepare a Thai herbal ball, as well as the many therapeutic benefits of the essential oils released with the ball’s steam (after heating).

Through lecture, demonstrations, and guided hands-on practice, students will learn how to apply the herbal ball along the Sen Sib (Thai acupressure points) and joints of the body for maximum efficacy. In addition, they’ll learn how to integrate Thai oil massage and associated stretching into their Herbal Thai Massage practice. Benefits of this modality include: detoxification, deep muscle relaxation, increased circulation and lymph flow, relief from pain and stiffness, enhanced flexibility, improved range of motion, and a sense of over-all well-being.

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 to calm the mind and 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 he/she is in life’s journey. The energy-work behind this style of bodywork comes from ancient Hawaiian teachings of personal empowerment that were taught in the Hawaiian Temple for generations. Known as “Temple bodywork,” Lomi Lomi is the most common form of Hawaiian Massage being performed outside the Hawaiian Islands.

Reflexology is a form of bodywork 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 the exact locations of “reflex points” as they 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, this modality works on the vibrational field surrounding and penetrating its subject.  Its reach is virtually unlimited. In this course, students who are 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.

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 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, students learn a flow of movements to 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 wellbeing. 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.

In this course, students will learn about the Thai acupressure points found along “Sen Lines” or energy paths in the body, as well as the Chinese reflex points affected by techniques used in a Thai Foot massage. Through lecture, demonstration, and guided hands-on practice, the student will study the location of acu-points and how to touch them to produce relaxation, reduce stress, improve circulation, and detoxify and revitalize the body. In addition, students will learn how to incorporate the use of a Thai Massage-Stick and related techniques, such as two-handed palm movements, circular massage movements, and thumb pressure movements into their practice.

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 the associated organs. Through instruction, demonstration, and guided, hands-on practice, the student learns traditional healing techniques such as: Fire Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Castor Oil Packs, and the use of liniments.

The Yoga Massage course applies guided breathing, stretching, and postures of Thai Yoga, along with the rhythmic compressions, pulls, and stretches of Thai Massage.

In Yoga Massage, the therapist becomes a pure gentle energy – in that they are the facilitator of the gentle stretch, gentle movement of the breathing, and gentle pressure of gravity. Students will learn to combine massage and yoga-like stretches with gentle joint mobilization as an integrated, adaptive, and assisted flow.

On completion of the course, students should be able to incorporate, adapt, and apply different massage techniques with stretch. The course includes some massage fundamentals like draping. The Yoga Massage course teaches how to be a guide and assist through stretches, postures, and focused breathing towards a unique state of physical and inner balance – attaining whole body awareness.

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils from plants to positively affect an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. This course explores how 30 different essential oils can affect us on physical, emotional, and energetic levels. Class discussions will include the history of aromatherapy; intrinsic oil qualities; extraction and blending techniques; and safe and effective consulting practices that are in accordance with high ethical standards. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on experience students learn how to formulate and use essential oil blends to treat a variety of disorders and stress-related problems for their clients.

Chair Massage is a form of bodywork that addresses the needs of the desk-bound, working person. In this course, students 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.

This course teaches students how to use traditional CranioSacral 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 CranioSacral 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.

A growing population group, massage benefits for elderly individuals can be profound. However, bodywork performed on an aging body has as many special considerations as it does rewards.  In this course, students learn about age-related changes to the body and the impact on the individual. These include the fragile condition of skin, bones, and joints, as well as common clinical conditions. Students examine the causes and contraindications associated with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, digestive disorders, stroke, and the effects of immobility. They’ll learn a variety of bodywork styles and techniques to address geriatric-specific concerns, while also promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

Each week, students visit a local nursing home and practice giving a massage to residents. As students experience working with the elderly, many find it especially rewarding.

Please note: A TB test is required to do this work.

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. 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.

Within each of us is a silent healing partner: The Lymph System. It 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 how our minor aches and pains, low energy, or susceptibility to colds and the flu may be related to the Lymph System’s 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 toolkit. By learning how to stimulate the Lymph System through massage, students can significantly increase their clients’ immune system function and, ultimately, their health and wellbeing.

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 use touch to provoke awareness and balance in the human frame. Students will learn how a 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 movement can achieve long-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.

Somatics explores how the quality and awareness of our own movement has a direct influence on mind-body wellbeing and physical comfort. A fundamental principle of Somatics is that growth, change, and transformation are possible at any age. This course will teach students how the body responds to stress and its effect on neuromuscular dysfunction and chronic pain.

Somatics represents a new vision of human health by bringing to light the positive influence of self-awareness and active participation in your own wellbeing. By the end of this course, each student will understand and be able to identify the factors contributing to client pain and postural problems and to design and teach Somatic movement programs to individual clients and groups.

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 bodywork modalities.

This course explores an advanced therapeutic stretching modality called Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). It is an interactive massage modality that involves alternating both passive stretching and contraction of the muscle groups being targeted.  PNF’s goal is to improve flexibility, enhance grace of movement, improve range of motion (ROM), and facilitate balance in the musculoskeletal system of the body. Through demonstration and guided, hands-on practice, students will learn powerful techniques to stretch and open up muscles and connective tissues, while limiting pain or discomfort in the client. Special focus is given to effective body-mechanics, optimal breathing techniques, and clear communication.

PNF is especially beneficial to students interested in working with the competitive athlete, as it has been shown to greatly enhance performance. The course textbook includes an instructional DVD that reinforces the techniques learned.

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 students leave with samples of everything we make in 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. The 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 develop their own herbal apothecary (medicine cabinet). This class is the prerequisite for the Advanced Formulations class.

The goal of holistic nutrition is to facilitate a healthy nutrition plan and 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 that the student can incorporate into his/her own unique nutrition program.

The term “superfoods” is used to describe a food considered especially nutritious and beneficial to health and wellbeing. Known health benefits of superfoods include: preventing or reducing inflammation, helping to regulate metabolism and burn body fat, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and helping protect against heart disease and cancer (among others). In this course, students are introduced to a variety of easy to prepare superfoods 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 superfoods 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.