Continuing Education Hands-On

Deep Tissue Therapy – Upper Body

Information includes an overview of the fundamentals of deep tissue therapy including assessment; biomechanics; proper use of fingers, knuckles, fist, forearm, elbow and thumbs; and specific massage strokes and techniques for the upper body including the back, abdomen, shoulder girdle, chest, arms, neck and face. This course is designed to supplement basic massage skills to work effectively with localized tensions, injury and emotional holding patterns. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Deep Tissue (Upper Body) as you are guided by individualized tableside assistance.

Deep Tissue Therapy – Lower Body

Information includes an overview of the fundamentals of deep tissue therapy including assessment; biomechanics; proper use of fingers, knuckles, fist, forearm, elbow and thumbs; and specific massage strokes and techniques for the lower body including the legs, feet, and gluteals. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Deep Tissue (Lower Body) as you are guided with individualized tableside assistance.

Chair Massage

Information is provided regarding the benefits of chair massage; the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders; a chair massage sign-in sheet; how to buy a massage chair; location tips for chair massage; practice building tips and resources. Easy-to-follow, step–by–step instructions will be provided. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to give and receive chair massage as you are guided by individualized assistance.

Soothing PTSD and Trauma: The Mind-Body Connection

This class is designed to increase your knowledge regarding working compassionately and effectively with the effects of trauma in your practice. Topics addressed include the implementation of touch without re-traumatization, finding your personal comfort zone, self care, recognizing the somatic effects of trauma, boundaries, centering and grounding skills, effective communication skills, and honoring your scope of practice. Information will be provided regarding techniques designed to address the needs of a person whose life has been touched by trauma.

Reiki in a Therapeutic Setting

Reiki (pronounced ‘Ray Key’) is a Japanese healing art that was synthesized into being by Mikao Usui in the late 1800’s in Japan. “Reiki” is a Japanese word for the concept: “Universal Life Energy.” Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit. In this experiential class, participants will be guided in a system of simple hand positions for Reiki treatment sessions. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Reiki.

Reiki Level One

This course teaches the basic theories of how to work with Reiki energy. Class participants are guided through a system of simple hand positions for Reiki treatment sessions. Information is also shared regarding the use of the Reiki symbol as a technique for centering, clearing and balancing. Participants will have opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Reiki as they give and receive a Reiki session.

Reiki Level Two

In the Reiki Level Two course, three additional Reiki symbols are introduced and another level of initiation is offered. The Reiki Level Two class begins with a brief review of Reiki Level One. Participants receive instructions regarding directing Reiki energy to a certain point in time, to a specific person or place, or to a specific issue. There will be opportunities to experience hands-on Reiki treatments.

Reiki Level Three (Master/Teacher Level)

In the Reiki Level Three (Master) course participants achieve the level of Reiki Master. The course begins with a review of Reiki Levels One and Two and a review of the symbols. Two master level symbols are introduced in Reiki Level Three. There will be opportunities to experience hands-on Reiki treatments and time to enjoy Reiki meditations during the class. The Third Level Reiki initiation allows the Reiki practitioner to become a Reiki teacher if they so choose.

Facial and Scalp Massage

Participants will learn how to relax, rejuvenate and refresh the facial muscles and the scalp and incorporate a variety of effective massage strokes into a facial massage routine. The course includes easy–to–follow, step–by–step protocols. Working in pairs, there will be ample opportunity to enjoy the benefits of stress relief facial massage and scalp massage.

Reflexology for the Hands, Feet and Ears

Information is provided regarding giving relaxing and effective hand, foot and ear Reflexology treatments. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Reflexology. Students will give and receive a Reflexology treatment as each participant is guided with individualized tableside assistance.

Neck, Hand and Foot Massage

This Neck, Hand and Foot Massage class is designed to increase your knowledge about how to give a memorable and effective neck, hand and foot massage. Information is provided regarding the location of Reflexology points on the feet and hands. Working in pairs, there will be an opportunity to experience practical applications of the benefits of hand, foot and neck massage while receiving individualized tableside assistance.

Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage

Participants will learn an effective series of myofascial massage techniques focusing on the sacral, lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions. Emphasis is placed on assessment, mindfulness, technique protocol and proper body mechanics. Working in pairs, you will have the opportunity to give and receive a back, neck and shoulder massage.

Practice Building and Marketing

This course offers a supportive environment in which you can enhance your knowledge related to practice building and marketing. Topics include networking and relationship-building, effective use of e–mail, emphasizing your uniqueness, creating a successful open house, nurturing the clients you have, and utilizing mentors.

Ethics

This class offers the professional massage therapist an opportunity to focus on perspectives on ethics, boundaries, informed consent and intake forms, codes of ethics and the National Certification Board (NCBTMB) Standards Of Practice V.

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. Information contained in this course includes: geriatric massage techniques, benefits of geriatric massage, precautions and contraindications, dementia, hospice massage, geriatric massage in a home environment, oncology massage, geriatric massage for wheelchair bound clients and practice building tips.

Headache and Allergy Relief Techniques

Information provided in this course includes easy–to–follow, step–by–step protocols derived from the following modalities for headache and allergy relief: CranioSacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Pressure Point Therapy and Myofascial Manipulation. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Headache and Allergy Relief Massage. 6 hours of CE credit for Licensed Massage Therapists.

Lymphatic Massage for the Face and Neck

The sequence is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, promote cellular detoxification, reduce edema, and strengthen the immune system. The course notebook includes an easy-to-follow, step-by-step lymphatic drainage protocol for the face and neck; a list of contraindications, indications and benefits; information related to sinus infections, allergies and hay fever; and marketing tips. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of lymphatic massage for the face and neck while receiving individualized tableside assistance.

Pain Management For Massage Clients

Deepak Chopra writes that, “when we stimulate the skin, we can cause, literally, a shower of healing chemicals to flow into our bloodstream.” Massage therapy offers a focus on pain management that includes a philosophy based on the concept of total care for the individual – body, mind and spirit. The focus is more than the absence of pain; it is based on developing and maintaining good health and wellness throughout a lifetime.

Prenatal Massage and Postnatal Massage

Explore techniques specifically developed to enhance prenatal comfort, health and enjoyment. Study techniques modified for emotional, structural, and physiological challenges of the childbearing year. Focus on relieving common pregnancy pain and dysfunctions; alleviating musculoskeletal strain and pain; recognizing benefits as well as contraindications and precautions; and providing nurturing support and stress reduction. Working in pairs, there will be an opportunity to experience giving and receiving prenatal massage with individualized tableside assistance.

Stretching and Breathing: Body-Mind Integration

This class offers participants experiential information as well as cognitive information regarding wonderfully simple processes (stretching and breathing) designed to make life more enjoyable through a coordinated integration of body and mind. Students will experience the benefits of stretching and breathing techniques designed for use during a massage therapy session. The techniques offered combine deep, relaxed stretches with rejuvenating and restorative breathing techniques. Class content also includes stretching for the client on the table utilizing techniques designed to increase flexibility and fluidity. Students will have an opportunity to exchange stretching sessions on the massage table while receiving individualized tableside assistance. Participants are encouraged to slow down, breathe, move, and relax.

Self Care and Body Mechanics

Topics include body mechanics and movement skills, basic self care, nurturing yourself while nurturing others, communication skills, centering techniques, setting your intention for the session, ethics, and healthy boundaries. There will be opportunities to observe proper body mechanics and receive feedback regarding body mechanics.

Meditation As a Therapeutic Tool

Meditation is a universal practice that promotes spiritual and practical wisdom by disengaging the mind from conditioned patterns of reactivity and self–concerns. Participants are offered an opportunity to focus inward, deeply rejuvenate, and gain valuable knowledge about the art of meditation as it applies to your therapeutic practice and to your life. This class is designed to heighten your own well–being and expand the depth with which you connect inwardly and with your clients.

Mindfulness in a Therapeutic Setting

Mindfulness has been described as a process of bringing a certain quality of attention to moment-by-moment experience. The practice of mindfulness involves techniques to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain, change and illness. Participants in this interactive class will examine and experience mindfulness while developing calm and concentration through non-judgmental awareness. Classes include instruction in various mindfulness techniques as well as discussions focused on approaching the therapeutic relationship with compassion.

Aromatherapy for Massage and Bodywork

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Aromatherapy oils used in popular Aromatherapy treatments. Information will be presented regarding how essential oils work, the general benefits of aromatherapy, and the properties of essential oils. Participants will have an opportunity to experience the fragrance of many Aromatherapy oils. Working in pairs, participants will have the opportunity to give and receive an Aromatherapy massage session as they receive individualized tableside assistance.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda’s premise that mind, body, and spirit are intimately connected is revolutionizing the way Westerners understand their body and their health. Ayurveda is an age-old healing system that incorporates diet, exercise, herbs and body therapies to help meet life’s demands and embrace life’s opportunities. This course includes topics including the history of Ayurveda; descriptions of Ayurvedic treatments; information on the Ayurvedic dosha system; practice building tips; and a helpful list of resources for further study. Working in pairs, participants will experience Ayurvedic Head Massage and review the Shirodhara protocol.

Couples Massage

Participants will learn techniques for offering their clients couples massage. Proper draping techniques will be utilized. Easy-to-follow, step–by–step instructions will be provided. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to give and receive a couple’s massage session as you are guided by individualized tableside assistance. Specific hands–on massage techniques will be demonstrated and experienced.

Hot and Cold Stone Massage

Participants will receive instruction on techniques for a hot basalt and cold marble stone treatment, stone placement, contraindications and marketing. Aspects of Hot and Cold Stone will be presented: contact, duration, rhythm, pressure, and temperature. Working in pairs, there will be opportunities to experience practical applications of the benefits of Hot & Cold Stone Therapy while receiving individualized tableside assistance.

Spa Techniques, Exfoliations and Body Wraps

This class includes an overview of basic spa information, benefits of spa treatments, indications and contraindications, and various massage modalities offered in a spa. information is presented regarding treatment packages for day spas & destination spas as well as for private practice massage therapy. A detailed course notebook outlines protocols and provides step–by–step easy–to–follow instructions for a wide variety of spa treatments including body wraps. Working in pairs, there will be an opportunity to experience the practical application and benefits of a body wrap.