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Continuing Education/ Elective Classes
The classes listed below may be
taken as electives in the 250, 500, or 720 Hour Programs, or can be
taken as Continuing Education Classes
for those not registered in our Certification
Programs. Most classes will be offered at least once each
calendar year. Our
Class Schedule
provides dates and times for upcoming classes. [Download Continuing Education Class Registration Form] You may select from our Menu of Classes below to view details about the class or scroll through all classes by clicking here. [click here] for current schedule of classes!
This course introduces students to
the ancient Chinese healing art of Acupressure, a quiet form of energy
work which emphasizes a listening touch. Students will learn key points
with which to balance energy in the body through the meridians and
extraordinary vessels of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will use a
quiet form of energy work which allows the development of a subtle touch
and the ability to read subtle energy. You will be able to offer [Download Class Registration Form] Learn the ancient art of Chinese
meridian massage. This is an active style that includes moving muscles,
joints, and bones. Excellent for adding to your sports massage and
increasingly popular in spas. Tui Na is an adaptable style, appropriate
for a full range of clients. You will learn the pathways of Chi and
variety of hand movements (sho fa) with which to work the meridians.
Additionally, we will work through a full session pattern allowing ample
time to get comfortable with the techniques. The class will include some
Tai Chi which is useful for both client and practitioner in developing a
state of relaxed balance. [Download Class Registration Form]
Participants learn to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Plus learn and practice Adult
CPR, rescue breathing, and choking rescue. Students will receive an
Adult CPR Card upon successful completion of the course. You may take
this class at MTI as part of any program or at an outside facility. [Download Class Registration Form]
This workshop will focus on accessing the deeper muscle
layers. There are many clients who are unable to lie in the
prone or supine position due to chronic lumbar pain, pregnancy,
respiratory problems, or chronic sinus congestion. The easy access to
deeper musculature which the side lying position affords also makes this
position a first choice for orthopedic massage and sports massage.
Having confidence working with this position is essential for more
therapeutic bodywork. It will allow access to musculature not possible
any other way. We will teach proper bolstering and draping. We will
teach massage techniques for the neck, shoulder, lumbar region, and the
extremities. Some of these will be with oil/lotion and some will be dry
techniques. [Download Class Registration Form] The student will gain
an experiential understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and the
fundamentals of human kinesiology. Emphasis will be on the skeletal
system, bony landmarks, joint structure, muscles and muscle groups, and
correct anatomical language. We will use a multi-sensory approach to
learning that includes cadaver videos, palpating landmarks & muscles,
drawing the muscles on each other, and massage. Using postural
assessment, we will recognize muscles that are shortened & tight from
those these muscles imbalances. We will also examine the musculoskeletal
conditions associated with each muscle group. We will cover the Upper
body: Spine, Ribcage, Shoulder girdle, Upper limbs. Anatomical language
and terms joint structures and muscles structure and kinesiology will be
covered. [Download Class Registration Form] This class offers an in-depth
study of the organ systems of the body and their specific functions. The
class will help you learn to “see” into the body and be more effective
as a therapeutic practitioner. The class is taught system by system, and
covers the chemical and structural processes of the body and the
physiological effects of your massage strokes. It matches the
physiological effects of your massage strokes to the changes needed in
the organ systems. Your understanding of the functioning of the human
body will be enhanced. This is an important class for massage therapists
looking to take the national certification exam. This class may be taken
as an anatomy requirement for the 250, 500 or 720 hr CMT programs. [Download Class Registration Form]
The student will gain
an experiential understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and the
fundamentals of human kinesiology. Emphasis will be on the skeletal
system, bony landmarks, joint structure, muscles and muscle groups, and
correct anatomical language. We will use a multi-sensory approach to
learning that includes cadaver videos, palpating bony landmarks &
muscles, drawing the muscles on each other, and massage. Using postural
assessment, we will recognize muscles that are shortened & tight from
those which are long and inhibited. We will also examine the
musculoskeletal conditions associated with each muscle group. We will
cover the Lower body: Spine, Ribcage, Pelvic girdle, Lower limbs.
Anatomical language and terms joint structures and muscles structure and
kinesiology will be covered. [Download Class Registration Form]
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, volatile and aromatic liquids obtained from plants, to bring about positive effects on body, mind and spirit. Although aromatherapy has gained great popularity in the United States and Western Europe in recent years, it is an age-old practice that spans societies, cultures and centuries. Combined with massage, aromatherapy is an ideal treatment. Workshop participants will learn how to buy essential oils and how to blend and prepare various products for their clients based on the properties of individual essential oils. Prerequisite: None. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class takes some of the best
Asian spa foot care treatments and creates a signature treatment that
will be deeply therapeutic and relaxing for your clients. This class
will feature a soak for the feet to relax and clean, a light lotion
massage sequence, followed by more deeply therapeutic massage applied
with an Asian Reflexology tool. The legs and back may be included
depending on whether you apply the treatment on the bodywork floor mat
or a reflexology chair. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class will explore the
concepts developed by Elizabeth Dicke in the 1930s. Bindegewebs Massage
is perhaps best described as a type of “reflexive” bodywork that can
allow a massage therapist to effect change in viscera and connective
tissue. This technique is one of the most prescribed therapies in
Germany and is used in many hospitals and clinics as part of standard
rehabilitation protocols. Sessions generally take about 30 minutes and
can be done with your client in a massage chair or on the massage table.
You will learn the A & P of the nervous system, as it applies to
Bindegewebs Massage, and the protocols for addressing a wide array of
pathologies. This technique is non-invasive and easy to use by the
therapist. It requires only a light pressure and easily adopted body
mechanics. [Download Class Registration Form]
This one-day class will deepen the relationship with yourself and your
clients. We will use our eyes, ears, hands, and intuition to gather
information and “read” our client’s bodies. We will then create a
therapeutic massage strategy based upon that information and do bodywork
sessions with partners in class. This is a less technical approach than
postural analysis. We will learn to see basic postural distortions,
listen for energetic and emotional quality of our client’s voice, and
palpate subluxations, fascial restrictions, and hypertonic muscles. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class is designed to give the oncology massage therapist an in depth understanding of the cancer process, from the malignant cell and how it becomes so, to the effect of the disease process on each individual organ and the body as a whole. This information will be presented as a dialogue between Western and Eastern medicine perspectives. Students will learn to: Identify the body systems affected by cancer in each organ discussed, Define the most likely sites of metastasis from the original tumor site, Identify side effects of standard chemotherapy agents, correlate the Eastern and Western medicine components of information in developing a massage plan, and identify oncologic emergencies and know the action to be taken. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage I (Oncology Massage 2 recommended). [Download Class Registration Form]
This workshop prepares the massage
therapist to utilize seated massage as an integral part of their
practice. We focus on practice building, marketing, and the use of chair
massage for community service. The class will discuss the use of seated
massage in such environments as corporate offices, retail stores,
sporting events, community centers, and festivals. Students will learn
hands-on techniques that are effective through clothing. Asian bodywork
modalities such as Shiatsu and Thai Massage are integrated. We examine
the current models of massage chairs available. Students choreograph a
15 minute chair massage session that becomes the basis of their form.
Indications and contraindications will be discussed. [Download Class Registration Form] In this course you will learn to address common shoulder and arm conditions. The keys to many shoulder problems are the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon and coracobrachialis, all of which are often missed. We will learn how to work them, the shoulder joint muscles, and the scapular stabilizers, and discuss exercise programs for healthy shoulders. This work is relevant to common conditions, such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tendinosis. We will also work the forearm and hand addressing common conditions such as: carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, pronator teres syndrome. The routines for the upper limbs integrate deep tisue, trigger point work, pin-and-stretch and cross-fiber friction. We will incorporate active movements by the client along with elbow, first and knuckle techniques. [Download Class Registration Form]
Learn Elective
techniques to normalize the soft-tissue components of structural
imbalances in the cranium. Analyze cranial distortions that cause
structural changes down the entire body. Look at scoliosis as an
adaptation process designed by the body to maintain structural
imbalances in the cranium, jaw, shoulders, pelvis and feet
contribute to these patterns. [Download Class Registration Form]
The cranial sacral system is
primarily the fibrous covering around the brain and spine, and the fluid
within this covering. This system is where our human intellectual,
physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies interconnect most closely. The
purpose of Cranial Sacral Balancing (a system of bodywork pioneered by
Dr. John Upledger over the past 26 years) is to restore optimal balance
to these four bodies. The method of Cranial Sacral Balancing is subtle,
gentle, and completely pain-free: freeing the movement of cranial sacral
fluid by feeling for and releasing areas of holding in the cranial
sacral sheath and in the bones of the skull. In this course, you’ll
learn to feel the cranial sacral rhythm (distinct from the rhythms of
pulse and breath), to induce a "still point", experience distinct
movement in the individuals parts of the cranium, and release tension
from the entire system. The benefits of this work include the
disappearance of headaches, spontaneous deep relaxation, release of old
injuries, and significant lightening of moods and emotions. It is subtle
work with amazing results. [Download Class Registration Form] This course adds to the foundation
built in Cranial Sacral Balancing 1. The work includes expanded
techniques for the sphenoid and temporal bones, mouth, and eyes. The
focus is on learning to move with the flow of the receivers body,
allowing release to take place with remarkable ease. In this non-doing
space, doors to inner dimensions open, expansion becomes effortless, and
the body can heal itself. [Download Class Registration Form]
In this course, you will have an opportunity to review and solidify the techniques you learned in courses I and II and also to move into new territory as a bodywork therapist. We will explore release techniques like unwinding and the location and release of energetic cysts. Moreover, you will become more comfortable with gentle, non-forcing but highly effective bodywork. [Download Class Registration Form]
In this class, we will continue the work introduced in class 3 in a setting designed to deepen your own healing process. You will have the opportunity to further develop your skills in unwinding, energy cyst detection and release and in focusing a session for maximum benefit. In addition, we will explore ways of blending craniosacral work with other bodywork modalities. [Download Class Registration Form]
These two techniques are great to
add to your toolkit. Cupping works to clear deep tension easily and
quickly. Moxibustion is an effective way to build qi, allowing you to
offer a truly nurturing session. Both are time-honored practices of
traditional Chinese medicine. We will utilize lecture, demonstration,
discussion, and practicum. You will learn to apply cups in a variety of
techniques, remove them safely, and clean them. We will discuss
appropriate uses of cups and contraindications for their use. Students
will also learn about yang meridian pathways, as well as benefits and
contraindications, safety procedures, and several techniques of
moxibustion. [Download Class Registration Form]
This workshop introduces the
basics of deep tissue massage therapy. The class will focus on three
general areas: the neck and occipital area, the shoulder, and the hip
and lumbar region. Muscular and skeletal anatomy will be taught with
emphasis on the origin, insertion, and the musculotendinous attachments
for each major muscle. Nerve pathways will also be taught with
particular emphasis placed on impingement syndromes within each area.
“Deep Tissue Massage” will teach you how to access deeper structures and
begin to make structural changes. We will use basic swedish massage
techniques to soften superficial tissues. The deeper techniques
presented will be an eclectic mix of muscle stripping, bone cleaning,
friction (circular, longitudinal and transverse), trigger point release,
and rudimentary stretching. Upon completion, students will be able to
effectively treat such muscular problems as releasing hypertonic
muscles, trigger points, impingement syndromes, scar tissue reduction,
muscle strains, and chronic muscular spasms. [Download Class Registration Form]
Dynamic Deep Tissue is a fluid
interplay between direct pressure, movement and breath. These components
are coupled with the intention of enlivening the body and reorganizing
holding tendencies. This class is designed to give participants tools
for working with deep levels of contact. Students develop sensitivity
and perception as they learn to work with greater precision and
effectiveness. There is a strong emphasis on body mechanics and
appropriate technique as well as the dynamics of working more deeply
with clients. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class will
explore the concepts developed by Vodder, Roldi and Casey-Smith to
facilitate the lymphatic system. Although lymphatic is most commonly
used today for the treatment of Lymph edema, we will explore how to
adapt these techniques for assisting your clients in surgical recovery
and improving the quality of their skin. This work will improve skin
tone and the nutrition to the skin on the face and neck which will
result in improved muscle tone necessary for optimum support of
the face and neck. This may be used instead of more invasive types of
therapies, such as surgery. You will learn the A and P of the lymph
system, as it applies to transport, and the protocols for addressing the
wide array of pathologies. This technique is non-invasive and easy to
use by the therapist. It requires only a light pressure and easily
adopted body mechanics. Lymphatic facilitation can be used to assist
improving the healing rate and and reduction of pain. It can also
address skin cleansing and detoxification of the tissue. We have many
clients who have experienced relief from earaches, tinnitus, frostbite,
headaches, TMJ, post-surgical swelling and various non-specific pain.
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn a unique, fun, and effective
therapy to expand your practice and set you apart from the rest. [Download Class Registration Form]
Refine your assessment skills and expand your
understanding of acupressure meridians and their ability to bring
vitality, joy and health. The Five Element approach to acupressure
allows you to create powerful sessions through which you can help your
clients to harmonize imbalances in their health and energy. As you learn
the associations of each element and how the elements interrelate, you
will begin to see patterns that can help your clients understand how
their choices are influencing their meridian flow and their sense of
well-being. In class we will look at how color, smell, posture, voice
and attitude reflect the balance of a person’s elements. We will learn
12 points that help with assessment of the meridian balance and palpate
meridian pathways to sense which textures reflect the elements in
stress. [Download Class Registration Form]
Stone Massage is becoming increasingly popular in spas
and resorts, as well as in private practice. It provides the deep
therapeutic benefits of heat therapy. It is an excellent modality for
work with injury recovery as well as offering deeper stress-relieving
benefits, bringing relaxation massage to new levels. Stone Massage
provides a rest for the therapist’s hands while delivering the full
benefits of deeper massage to the client with minimal discomfort. This
class will cover methods of heating, using and caring for your stones.
Contraindications, benefits, prone and supine applications, for a one
hour and one and a half hour session will be taught. [Download Class Registration Form]
Reflexology uses specific touch techniques on the feet
which serve as miniature maps of the whole body, allowing the
corresponding organs, glands, and body parts to be affected. Reflexology
has been known to improve circulation, ease pain, and increase
relaxation. A complete foot reflexology sequence will be taught. This
class will also emphasize an understanding of the meridians and points
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its relationship to Reflexology.
Modern Reflexology acknowledges TMC as a complementary modality and an
integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of the work. Benefits and
contraindications will be addressed. Reflexology and contraindications
will be addressed. Reflexology complements all modalities and you will
learn how to integrate this work into your practice. Hand and ear
reflexology will also we addressed. This is a very practical class –
teaching through reflexology sequences. [Download Class Registration Form]
Medical massage is a rapidly growing industry. If you
already have the training and experience for this facet of massage but
are unsure of how to do the billing, then this class is for you! This
workshop will cover a step-by-step process for completing and filing all
the necessary paperwork to ensure that you get compensated properly and
in a timely manner. Learn how to bill for the two most common types of
insurance: Workers’ Compensation and Med-Pay (Auto Insurance). Students
attending this class should already have experience in myofascial, deep
tissue, clinical or similar areas of massage as this is not a techniques
course. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class is designed to sharpen palpation skills for
massage therapists. We will focus on increasing “palpatory literacy” so
that therapists can be more effective with their assessment and
treatment outcomes. We will explore the location of bony landmarks,
joints, muscle origins and insertions, and musculotendinous junctions.
We will palpate and learn to read hypotonic and hypertonic tissues in
the fascia and underlying muscles. We will also palpate ischemic muscle
tissue and chronic fibrous injury sites. The class will be organized
with palpation sessions followed by massage sessions so that we may
apply appropriate techniques for each quadrant of the body. [Download Class Registration Form]
For centuries, the ancient art of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
massage has been used as a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy way
of life. The strokes are long and flowing, using forearms and elbows,
and giving the feeling of many hands on the body at once. This massage
is especially good for reducing stress, increasing circulation, helping
speed up recovery from illness and cleansing the muscle toxins that
build up as a result of stressful living. This is a hands-on workshop;
you will be giving and receiving massage as well as learning proper
breath and movement exercises. This massage is wonderful by itself or as
an additional tool for anyone who already practices bodywork. The
practitioner uses their whole body to do the work, thus avoiding strain
on the hands. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to perform a
full Lomi Lomi massage. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing,
preferably something sleeveless or that you don’t mind getting oil on.
[Download Class Registration Form] Many of our clients are interested in a healthier diet, healthier lifestyle and a healthier body. Your ability to assist with detoxification will be invaluable to them. This class will enable you to integrate lymphatic techniques into your current massage. It is a fantastic service to offer in a spa setting or in your private practice to enhance injury rehabilitation. This class is a must for therapists who work with clients that experience headaches, TMJ, sinusitis, reconstructive surgery, dental surgery, frostbite, etc. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the lymph system specific to the head/neck/face and how to experience results you can not accomplish with any other technique. Don’t work harder, work smarter. [Download Class Registration Form] This class will explore the application of lymphatic techniques for the acute and sub acute stage of injury rehabilitations for hip and knee replacement, groin st/sp, shin splints, anterior compartment syndrome, ankle st/sp, lumbar surgeries. If you are involved in sports, no fault, want to improve the results you get with your clients then this class is a must. It is fully integreatable with your other modalities and will make all or your work more effective. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training. [Download Class Registration Form]
This 6-day MLD certification course is based on the
techniques developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, Ph.D. When skillfully applied,
this therapeutic form of soft tissue mobilization dramatically enhances
lymph formation and promotes drainage within the superficial and deep
systems of the lymph vascular network. During this course, students will
be instructed in anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. Basic MLD treatment sequences as well as MLD treatment sequences for mild,
medically uncomplicated upper and lower extremity lymphedema will be
demonstrated and practiced. Each day will be divided into two sections,
one theoretical and the second, hands-on application. Topics covered in
this class are relevant anatomy and scientific technology to the
lymphatic system. Students will learns to: differentiate between the
normal and diseased states of the lymphatic system (physiology and
pathophysiology of the lymphatic system); understand the indications and
contraindications related to the use of MLD; be able to perform the
techniques of MLD for all body areas; develop appropriate treatment
strategies for indications such as post-surgical edema, post-traumatic
edema, fibromyalgia, general detoxification and other conditions;
perform MKD on clients after breast surgery for cancer (clients at risk
to develop lymphedema); and competently perform MLD on clients with
mild, medically uncomplicated primary or secondary lymphedema. Please
note: this course will not prepare the participant for the Complete
Decongestive Therapy treatment of lymphedema. [Download Class Registration Form]
This anatomy course will investigate the muscular and
skeletal structures of the body. The course is divided into four all-day
sections, each of which may be taken separately. Each day covers a
portion of the body as follows: (1) neck and trunk; (2) scapula,
shoulder, and upper extremity; (3) pelvis and low back; (4) hip and
lower extremity. This class will be taught using the Maniken™ system of
learning by building clay muscles onto a skeleton. [Download Class Registration Form]
This workshop will give you the competence and confidence
to work with the elderly client in a meaningful way. It will cover the
physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging, as well
as client assessment. Cautions relevant to the older client and
contraindications will be discussed. Modifications of standard massage
techniques and development of special methods to suit each client’s
individual needs will be taught. You will also learn how to establish a
massage practice for seniors. [Download Class Registration Form]
Massage tools are a great way to save your hands, gain deep access to chronic tension, and provide new and interesting treatment for your practice. In this class we will use a variety and powerful and effective massage tools, such as The Massage Stone, Chinese Gua Sha Sticks, and Asian Reflexology Sticks. We will explore the sensitive touch of the hand and learn to apply appropriate treatment with a tool. We will learn applications through clothing as well as on the skin with lubricants. Some of the tools will also be for sale. Prerequisite: None [Download Class Registration Form]
Medical Massage includes 10 classes on techniques to
address specific medical conditions. Students will learn to use various
modalities such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, deep
Swedish and orthopedic testing to work with specific debilitating
problems in their clients.
Medical Massage – Assessment Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training. [Download Class Registration Form]
Each meridian contributes to overall harmony in specific
ways. The acu-points along the meridians each have their own spirit and
personality. As we work with the points and flows, we can engage in
tactile conversations with those points in ways to help unlock tension
and distress and promote a coordinated rebalancing of qi flow. This
class will allow time for learning point location more fully and for
exploring the deeper uses of the points. Instructor: Kathleen Davis. [Download Class Registration Form]
Learn how to palpate and treat the fascia using gentle,
non-intrusive technique. Sustained stretches will release patterns of
strain and limitation. The technique is easy to learn and [Download Class Registration Form]
Muscle energy techniques is a blanket term describing an
approach to muscle/fascial work that uses the client’s “muscle energy”
to make changes in ROM and reduction of pain. This technique is very
easy to learn and integrate into any massage session. We will explore
the physiology of muscles and their relationship with fascia. The
connection of the nervous system and proprioceptors imbedded in the
muscle is a component we will spend time learning. This type of work
will make all of your other techniques more effective and you will not
have to work as hard. Be a therapist that works smart, not hard. [Download Class Registration Form] NMT is a system of specific soft tissue manipulation that balances the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It addresses chronic pain patterns, stress and postural distortions that debilitate and greatly reduce the quality of our lives. Students will learn an evaluation protocol based on the physiological principles of ischemia, trigger points, nerve compression, postural distortion, and dysfunctional biomechanics, and then will learn effective treatment "strategies" to unravel pain patterns.
An in-depth look at the pelvis and its mechanisms.
Discover why it is often the center of other body pain and dysfunction.
Learn the secrets of unlocking it and assist your clients to improved
function. Understand the stages of Rehabilitation and how to enforce
them. This is the first in a series of NMT classes that will allow you
to offer very effective structural bodywork to your clients. [Download Class Registration Form]
Structural evaluation and neuromuscular technique to
release the Upper Torso and Cervical area will be taught. Assess how one
part of the body will continue to cause problems in the other areas.
Highly specific work to fully release each area worked on. Spine,
intercostals, abdominal and chest and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, will be
addressed. [Download Class Registration Form]
Structural evaluation and neuromuscular technique will be
taught to release such conditions as thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen
shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, planter fasciaitis, and shin splints.
You will learn to release all of the muscles involved and their pain
patterns and begin rehabilitation. Also covered will be the forearms,
hands, legs and feet. [Download Class Registration Form]
Why do the problems of the neck not resolve, no matter
what you do? Learn the well-known and seldom practiced techniques that
can truly relieve the pain of injuries of the cervical region.
[Download Class Registration Form]
Learn what the body’s position in space can tell you. Use your eyes to truly understand where the body pain is coming from so you can treat the cause and not the symptom. You will not only learn how to see the position, but also to determine which muscles are being utilized. This class is a “must” for anyone doing clinical massage or any kind of structural bodywork. Prerequisite: none. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class will include the basics about nutrition and
how it relates to common pathologies encountered by massage therapists
such as joint and muscle pain, adrenal fatigue, thyroid conditions,
diabetes, etc. Learn the basics of an ideal diet and ways anyone can
realistically implement them into everyday life for better health.
Includes common sense approaches to shopping, cooking and eating better
without feeling deprived. We will also discuss when it is appropriate to
use supplements for specific pathologies. “Good” fats versus “bad” fats,
how do I know if the supplement I’m taking is any good? Making sense of
the nonsense-cholesterol. [Download Class Registration Form]
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 1 (44 hrs) Mon, Tues, Wed, Nov 3, 4, 5 (10 am - 5 pm), Thurs Nov 6 (9 am – 1 pm), Fri Nov 7, (12 pm – 6 pm) AND Sat & Sun Nov 8 & 9 (9 am – 6 pm). The first part of this class is “Massage for People Living with Cancer© ”(NCBTMB approved for CEU hours) (22 hrs) Comfort-oriented massage or touch can be administered to people with cancer regardless of the severity of their condition, and at any stage in the cancer experience. Topics covered include: understanding metastasis-- why is massage not contraindicated; adaptations that must be made for clients who have undergone or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery; massage protocol for patients at risk for lymphedema; exploration and processing of participants’ personal experience and relationship to cancer; intake procedures; and most importantly, opening the heart to those with serious illness. This class was originated by Gayle MacDonald. The second part of this class “Blending East with West TM ” will allow body therapists to enhance their work with cancer patients by integrating Reflexology and Acupressure skills with the Massage for People Living with Cancer© protocol in regard to pressure adjustments, sites that need to be avoided and client positioning. While looking at the body from an Eastern Medicine point of view, practitioners will learn: how to support the internal organs during disease, treatment and recovery; how to address symptoms more directly by understanding how the organs “network”; how to mitigate the side effects of treatment and symptoms of disease, such as low blood counts, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, weakness in the limbs, and GI tract disorders; how to strengthen the immune system; the importance of Ayurvedic oils for cancer cure; the psychological aspects of living with a potentially fatal disease and how that may impact the immune system. We will learn how to utilize these skills by providing massages to cancer patients under supervision of the instructor as the culminating activity of the class. Those who have already taken Massage for People living with Cancer© may register for the “Blending East with West TM” part only (cost will be adjusted for this). Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training. Instructor: Isabel Adkins. Cost: $660, Prepay: 3-Wk $630 (Materials fee: $37. To be paid to instructor).
[Download Class Registration Form]
In this class, we will enhance our protocol for cancer
patients, integrating the reflexology and back shu bladder points
learned in Oncology 1 with acupressure points along seven of the major
meridians: spleen, liver, stomach, kidney, lung, conception vessel,
large intestine and pericardium. Students will also learn how to use hot
stone therapy and specific oils on these acupressure points taking into
account side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and symptoms of
the disease. Materials fee $25. [Download Class Registration Form]
In this class we will be exploring how the cancer
experience may lead to trauma for the central nervous system. We will
look at: the physiology biochemistry and symptoms of trauma; situations
in which having cancer and treatments may be perceived as “danger” for
the body; useful forms of bodywork, including acupressure, to approach
symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and appropriate
communication to use when interacting with a client in a state of
trauma. [Download Class Registration Form]
In this class students will be able to work on cancer
patients under supervision, practicing the knowledge and skills acquired
in Oncology 1 or 2. Each day will end with a group discussion of cases
worked with. [Download Class Registration Form]
The final component of the certification is Oncology
Massage Externship & Project. The class is a combination of individual
practice sessions done with one on one consultation time as needed with
Isabel, and a relevant Oncology Massage project decided upon by you with
Isabel’s guidance, and then an appropriate final assessment of your
knowledge and skills. [Download Class Registration Form]
These classes cover all the major joints of the body and
the myofascia that affect them. You will have a greater understanding of
kinesiology, client assessments, and techniques that get results with a
litany of myoascia dysfunction. We will examine postural and structural
dysfunction, holistic possibilities for myalgia, active-assisted
techniques, blending Eastern & Western approaches (myofascial massage
with acupressure, amma with NMT, etc.) and more! Take this knowledge
into health clinics, sporting events, medical settings, or transform
your private practice! This class will offer the student the opportunity
to appreciate the benefits of clinical massage therapy. You will learn
many of the skills required to works in chiropractic, rehabilitative,
clinical, and related therapeutic environments, including myofascial
therapy, basic neuromuscular therapy for trigger points (a prime source
of myalgia for many) and effective assessment skills. The importance of
Muscle Energy Techniques and active-assisted stretching will also be
covered. This is a great class for the therapist who wants to take their
skills to the next level and make a difference in how a client moves and
feels. [Download Class Registration Form]
PATHOLOGY (and Physiology) (50 hrs) (40 in class hrs – 10 lab hrs). Fri eves, Jan 16 & 23 (6 am – 10 pm) AND Sat & Sun, Jan 17, 18, 24 &25 (9 am – 6 pm). This course is a system-by-system study of disease and how it effects the body as a whole. Included in this program will be bodywork modalities appropriate to addressing each pathology. There will be an overview of the structure and function of each system and the various pathologies pertaining to each system. Michelle Homer is a naturopathic doctor and brings to this class a holistic view and information very relevant to massage therapy. Prerequisite: none. Instructor: Michelle Homer. Cost: $470, Prepay: 2-Wk $450, 4-Wk $425. [Download Class Registration Form] This assessment of
the tongue and pulse is a primary tool of Chinese Medicine. This class
offers a practical introduction to techniques which will help you to
choose which meridians to address in your acupressure sessions. Mastery
of the esoteric aspects of pulse reading comes only with years of
practice, however, you can begin to use pulses to gain helpful
information immediately. [Download Class Registration Form]
The student will learn about most commonly prescribed and
over-the-counter pharmacological medications. Each physiological system
of the body will be discussed, along with the corresponding medication
used to treat the dysfunction. Students will learn how to complete a
pharmacological assessment to assure client safety, and use of
appropriate massage techniques. The discussion will include: how to
research medications, assess the medications’ implications on massage,
medication interaction, contraindications, side effects, and how the
medication produces its effects on the body. Special attention will be
focused on pain control, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medications
(as these are some of the most commonly prescribed) and their side
effects can greatly alter your approach to massage. [Download Class Registration Form]
Inspired by Osteopathic “Indirect Technique,” Positional
Release is a simple method. You will feel muscles melting under your
hand. We will begin by treating each muscle in a shortened position, and
as you feel comfortable, you will begin following the “cranial rhythm”
which acts to shorten and lengthen each muscle in a 30-second cycle. You
will learn key assessments and how to apply corrections, to provide an
effective therapeutic massage. You will also learn a full-body recipe
that allows each major muscle group to unlock years of guarding. On Day
3 we will work with Positional Release of the Atlas and Axis. The
Obliquus Capitis Inferior muscle controls 90% of head rotation at the
atlanto-axial joint. The head will rotate much more freely when this
muscle relaxes its guard. Using the Positional Release technique, we
will treat this and several other muscles in shortened positions and
cranially shortening phases. We will learn by doing, in simple steps of
increasing complexity. During the workshop you will be giving or
receiving this slow, gentle, profoundly relaxing method all day, leaving
you spiritually and emotionally balanced. [Download Class Registration Form]
This class will prepare you for working with pregnant and postpartum women. You will learn safe, comfortable prenatal positioning, technique contraindications and generals Swedish modifications for expectant women. You will understand the physiological and anatomical process of pregnancy and postpartum and learn a wide variety of techniques to enhance pregnant and postpartum women’s comfort, health and enjoyment. Please bring at least 3 pill | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||