Continuing Education Class Schedule
These classes may be taken as continuing education or as part of our 250- and 500-hour programs.
MAY CLASSES (ALL CLASSES HELD AT 424 F ST. #B DAVIS, 95616)
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 1: Blending East with West TM (22 hrs) Tue, May 15 (10 am - 5 pm), and Wed & Thu, May 16 & 17 (9 am - 6 pm). Class 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. Materials fee $16 to be paid to instructor. This class also requires focused, comfortable sitting. We provide floor chairs and if you need something more comfortable, please bring your own chair, pillow, etc. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training plus "Massage for People Living with Cancer" or equivalent Society for Oncology Massage approved class, OR with instructor's permission. Instructor: Isabel Adkins. Cost: $396, 3-Wk Prepay $376 (plus materials fee $16 to be paid to instructor)
SWEDISH HOT STONE MASSAGE (8 hrs) Fri, May 18 (9 am - 6 pm) Using hot stones in a full body Swedish massage takes clients to a deeply relaxed state and induces a profound level of stress release that is greater than massage alone. Using Hot Stones provides relief for the therapist’s hand, decreasing the possibility of injury. In this class, we will apply Swedish massage techniques with hot stones to give a deeply relaxing, soothing full body treatment. Therapist can use this method as a standalone one hour treatment or to warm up muscles for deeper work. Equipment, set up, safety, and proper body mechanics will be covered. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training. Instructor: Leah Wildflower. Cost: $120 Prepay: 2-Wk $115, 4-Wk $110.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CLINIC (32 hrs) Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue, May 19, 20, 21 & 22 (9 am – 6 pm) 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. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage 1. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $576, 3-Wk Prepay: $556.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 3 - Understanding Trauma (40 hrs). Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun, May 24, 25, 26 & 27 (9 am - 6 pm), and Mon, May 28 (9 am - 5:45 pm). 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. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the certification program or significant experience in Oncology massage with consent of instructor. Must have taken Oncology Massage I and 2, Oncology Massage Clinic, and 30-40 supervised internship massage sessions (number to be determined between student and instructor) Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $720 Prepay: 3-Wk $699 (plus materials fee: $25 to be paid to instructor).
BODYWORK & EMOTIONAL RELEASE (6 hrs) Tues, May 29 (9 am - 4 pm) With an understanding of how emotions are stored in the physical body, we can understand why bodywork helps release them. By simply maintaining a grounding touch and listening, massage therapists can support a client as they release a feeling that no longer serves them. When a client feels supported and safe, they're able to let go of the emotion. Many times the release takes both therapist and client by surprise, but if we're prepared for the possibility, it can be a freeing, learning experience. The body becomes the teacher for the mind and if we stay open, we gain the power to make new choices, learn new patterns, and create a healthier, more conscious, life. In this class, we will explore how bodies hold and release emotions, what massage therapists can do within our scope of practice to support our clients, and how to feel comfortable in a variety of situations. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training. Instructor: Emily Bay. Cost: $90 Prepay: 2-Wk $85, 3-Wk $80.
CANCER BASICS - East and West Meeting ™ (24 hrs) Wed, May 30 (9 am - 5:45 pm), Thu & Fri, May 31 & June 1 (9 am - 6 pm). 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. 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, and Identify oncologic emergencies and know the action to be taken. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage I (Oncology Massage 2 Recommended). We provide floor chairs. Please bring comfortable sitting stuff. Please also bring a set of sheets and a pillowcase. Instructor: Connie Kishbaugh.
Cost: $490, 3-Wk Prepay $480.
JUNE CLASSES (ALL CLASSES HELD AT 424 F ST. #B DAVIS, 95616)
MASSAGE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY (6 hrs) Thu (Evenings), May 31 + June 7 (6:30 pm – 9:30 pm). This one-day massage class will teach you basic massage techniques that are enjoyable and easy for you to use. At the end of the day, you will be able to give a wonderful massage. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Sarah Simmons Cost: 2 People $180 Prepay: 3-Wk $160.
NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY – TMJ (8 hrs) Sat, June 2 (9 am – 6 pm). Learn to unravel TMJ problems. Understand the correlation between TMJ and the pelvis. Learn to identify and to palpate all muscles affecting TMJ, and how to address TMJ pain. Prerequisite: 40 hrs Neuromuscular Therapy at MTI or with instructor’s permission. Instructor: Venice Sullivan Cost: $120 Prepay: 2-Wk $115, 4-Wk $110.
VISCERAL & NEURAL PALPATION-BODYWORK (24 hrs) Fri, Sat, & Sun, June 8, 9 & 10 (9 am – 6 pm). This three day class will introduce the massage therapist to the bodywork revolving viscera and nerve tissue. You will learn to palpate various organs and understand what role they play in the client's possible structural restrictions. You will also be learning how to palpate and feel nerve sheaths and tissue and learn how they relate to acute and chronic injuries. Instructor: Marty Morales. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage therapy training. Cost: $330, Prepay: 2-Wk $320, 4-Wk $310.
SHIATSU FOR THE MASSAGE TABLE (24 hrs) Wed & Thu, June 13, 14, 20 & 21 (9 am – 4 pm). This class will adapt the Shiatsu sequence for the body mechanics of the massage table. We will work through clothing, but Shiatsu is easy to integrate into other forms of table massage, working through the drape. Shiatsu will deepen the therapeutic value of any bodywork treatment. In this class, you will learn a 60-minute Shiatsu treatment. What you need to bring: Sheets, face cradle cover, and a pillow, note-taking materials, comfortable loose clothing. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Tim Holt Cost: $330 Prepay: 2-Wk $320, 4-Wk $310.
ACUPRESSURE- A Practice in Harmony (30 hrs). June 15, 16, 17 & 18 (Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon) (9 am – 5:30 pm). This class 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 learn how to work with the meridians to affect specific conditions of imbalance. We will use a quiet form of energy work which allows the development of a subtle touch and the ability to read subtle energy. The understanding of the meridians will enrich any forms that you practice. You will be able to offer a full session and you will find that the style blends well with a wide variety of body work. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Kathleen Davis Cost: $430 Prepay: 2-Wk $410, 4-Wk $399. $11 text required (please pay instructor).
DYNAMIC DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE (20 hrs) Tues, June 19 (9 am – 5 pm) and Mon, June 25 (9 am – 5 pm), Tue, June 26 (9 am – 4 pm). Dynamic Deep Tissue Massage 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. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training Instructor: Brad Wathen Cost: $280 Prepay: 2-Wk $270, 4-Wk $260.
PHARMACOLOGY FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS (6 hrs). Fri, June 22 (9 am – 4 pm). 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 discussions 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, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications (as these are some of the most commonly prescribed) and their side effects can greatly alter your approach to massage. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Emily Bay Cost: $110 Prepay: 2-Wk $104, 4-Wk $99.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) FOR BODYWORKERS (16 hrs) Sat & Sun, Jun 23 & 24 (9 am – 6 pm). Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Sarah Stewart Cost: $224 Prepay: 2-Wk: $215, 4-Wk: $205.
ANATOMY PALPATION & ASSESSMENT (50 hrs). Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue, June 30, July 1, 2 & 3 (9 am – 6 pm). This class is designed to teach you to recognize which structural elements are contributing to muscular imbalances causing neurological pain and dysfunction. We will use palpation, various range of motion techniques, and visual observation to assess muscular patterns and structural misalignments. Students are encouraged to purchase “Trail Guide to the Body” by Andrew Biel, or have access to another anatomy reference book. Prerequisite: Palpation Anatomy or other anatomy background is highly recommended. Instructor: Larry Munn. Cost: $470 Prepay: 2-Wk $450, 4-Wk $425.
JULY CLASSES (ALL CLASSES HELD AT 424 F ST. #B DAVIS, 95616)
REIKI I (14 hrs) Thu & Fri, July 5 & 6 (9am – 5pm). This workshop will introduce students to Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Key”) and the human energy system. Reiki is a universal life energy that can be used to balance the chakras and smooth the aura. Learn about this unique energy, see how to channel and focus this energy for healing on many different levels for yourself and your clients. Receive the first level attunement allowing you to channel the Reiki energy. Explore the history and uses of Reiki in the East and West. Learn to balance the chakras using this energy. Explore the Mind-Body connections as they relate to Reiki. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Ellen Asherah Cost: $210. Prepay: 2-Wk $115, 4-Wk $110.
FACE, NECK & SHOULDER MASSAGE (7 hrs) Sun, July 8 (10 am - 6 pm). Learn a great face, neck & shoulder sequence to add to your massage. Bring your own favorite crème or lotion, and a clean face (no makeup please). You will be learning Sarah’s secrets from many years of giving and receiving facials and bodywork of every kind. Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Sarah Stewart Cost: $105 Prepay: 2-Wk: $99, 4-Wk: $95.
MASSAGE THERAPIST PROGRAM (Massage Fundamentals)(100 hr) Day Program. Mon, Tues, Wed & Thu (9 am – 6:00 pm), July 9 through July 26. Instructors: Keesha Standley, Tim Holt, Brad Wathen, Lucy Rush, Emily Bay. Total Cost: $1,025.
OPENING TO THE MYSTERY: Caring for Clients at the End of Life (21 hrs) Fri, Sat & Sun, July 13, 14 & 15 (9am – 5pm) I have created this class expressly to support experienced oncology massage therapists who want to be of greater service to their clients living with cancer and particularly to those clients who are facing the end of their lives. The class will be a combination of scientific and factual information, interpersonal exercises, self-exploration and a variety of work that will combine all of these. This class will not include traditional “hands-on” practice with massage techniques, but rather it will focus on what we can do (and be, for that matter) with our hearts and minds and souls that can make the work of our hands infinitely more valuable and connected as we work with our clients through the last parts of their lives. Prerequisite: Open to all humans who will someday die. Guest Instructor: Lauren Cates Cost: $480 Prepay: $450 (if paid before May 18th).
HYPNOTHERAPY FOR BODYWORKERS (16 hrs) Sat & Sun, July 21 & 22 (9 am - 6 pm). Prerequisite: None. Instructor: Sarah Stewart Cost: $224 Prepay: 2-Wk: $215, 4-Wk: $205.
SOUND HEALING (8 hrs) Fri, July 27, 29 (9 am – 6 pm). None. Instructor: Ellen Asherah Cost: $120 Prepay: 2-Wk $115, 4-Wk $110.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY (16 hrs) Fri & Sat, July 28, 29 (9 am – 6 pm).Trigger points are areas of contracted muscle tissue that can be tender to the touch and are often involved in chronic pain. This class is designed for the massage therapist who desires to take their skills to another level of precision. You will learn to assess, identify and assist the client in releasing long-held patterns in the body. Increase your effectiveness by working smart, not harder. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training Instructor: Marty Morales Cost: $224 Prepay: 2-Wk $215, 4-Wk $205.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE (24 hrs). Mon, Tue & Wed, July 30, 31 & Aug 1 (9 am – 6 pm). This class will prepare you for working with pregnant and postpartum women. You will learn safe, comfortable prenatal positioning, for all stages of pregnancy, technique contraindications and general 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 firm pillows (including one King if possible) to class. If you wish, you may bring a pregnant woman to work on in the middle of the day on the third day of class. Textbook required (Instructor will have a few copies at the class, $28): Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy by Carol Osborne-Sheets. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training Instructor: Bridget Scadeng Cost: $330 Prepay: 2-Wk $320, 4-Wk $310.
For classes scheduled beyond these classes please click here or see current class schedule link on home page.