Elective courses

2-Second Upper-Body Stretching in Chair

A technique based on Tim Agnew’s Active Isolated Stretching that will enhance your seated massage practice and allow you to teach your clients how to do these stretches on their own.

Acupressure for Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and 90% of adults have experienced one at some point in their lives. Tension headache is also very responsive to massage. A review of the causes of tension headaches will be provided as well as the differences between tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. Specific acupressure points for tension headache relief will be taught, with a focus on the head, face, neck, shoulders, hands and feet.

Acupressure II

Students learn a brief history of Swedish massage, then students are given “hands-on” instruction of the basic strokes of effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Through individual instruction and practice with fellow students, the student learns to give a full Swedish massage. Students will be required to receive two professional massages treatments.
A technique based on Tim Agnew’s Active Isolated Stretching that will enhance your seated massage practice and allow you to teach your clients how to do these stretches on their own.

Advanced Foot Massage

Did you know that a great foot massage seals the deal in your bodywork session? Most people love having their feet rubbed yet some therapists just glaze over the feet. In this fun & hands on class you will learn so many things about the feet such as: Techniques to give an awesome foot massage while your client is supine & prone, stretches & ROM for the feet, foot anatomy and how to do a foot scrub within a full body massage. We will also briefly explore foot reflexology

Advanced Sports Massage for Bi-Athletes and Tri-Athletes

Due to body positioning in swimming, cycling and running, there is no need to learn shoulder and neck release with extensions to help these athletes in their recovery. Learn how to apply, feel and use Aaron Mattes Active Isolated Stretches on the upper body muscles that are used during these events to help prevent future injury. For hard to stretch muscles, you will learn to isolate specific muscles to perform PNF/ Stretches of the Latissimus dorsi, Teres, Q L, and TFL/IT Tract. Passive stretches of the Adductors and Abductors in the lower body and upper legs will be covered as well.

Anatomy and Physiology Review

This review is designed for students who have completed or are well into a formal human biology/A&P class. Topics presented will include skin, skeletal & muscular systems, special senses, cardiovascular & lymphatic systems, respiration, endocrine glands, and urinary system. Recommended text:: Frederic H. Martini, Anatomy and Physiology, 6th Edition (Pearson Education).

Aromatherapy in Practice

Course Length: 8 hours
Prerequisite: Basic Aromatherapy

This class focuses on refining and advancing your use of aromatherapy with your clients. This class provides hands on experiences and teaching about the many ways to use aromatherapy and essential oils in your practice. This class will further your understanding of aromatherapy and energetic healing.

Aromatherapy, Introduction to

Course Length: 8 hours
Prerequisite: none

We will present the history of Aromatherapy and several essential oils. A good portion of the class will be devoted to blending oils. Students will get to prepare one blend of oils and take it home. The instructor will stress matching personalities with scents in this creative, hands-on course.

Arthritis, Introduction to

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of arthritis, with particular attention to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. In addition, bursitis and tendonitis will be discussed.

Arthritis, Understanding

The course will begin with a review of synovial joint and spine anatomy. An overview of arthritis, including bursitis and tendinitis, will be presented, with particular attention to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. Selected X-rays will be presented, and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

Asian Bodywork Techniques for Chronic Pain

Course Length: 8 hours
Prerequisite: None

This introduction to Asian Bodywork focuses on simple, effective treatments for common chronic illnesses. Techniques from Acupressure, Tui-na, Joint Manipulation, Fire-Cupping and Moxibustion will be demonstrated and taught in details for treating these conditions: Allergies, Asthma, Back Pain, Digestive Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulders, Insomnia, Headache, Pneumonia, Arthritis and Tendonitis. The students will also learn self-maintainance applying fundamental theories of Asian medicine (pressure point, meredians, and herbs) and the basics of the Asian diagnosis methodology - SLAP (Seeing, Listening, Asking and Pulse-taking.)

Auric Massage, Introduction to

Matter is a form of energy. This has been proven by the “man of the century,” Albert Einstein. Massaging the aura or human energy system is a matter of clear, positive intention and practice. In this introductory class, the human energy system will be dissected and inspected. Participants will learn how the human electromagnetic field, the aura, is directly linked to the endocrine system and the body’s immune system. The seven major chakras and seven levels of the human energy field will also be reviewed. The student will have hands-on practice charging their own energy system, perceiving the aura, scanning the aura of another, and learning simple techniques to massage a client’s aura during a regular massage session. Participants will come away with an understanding of the mechanics of the human energy system and the benefits massage has on it.

Back Pain, Introduction to

This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of back pain from an orthopedic point of view, with particular focus on spondylongenic back pain. Review of back and spine anatomy will be included.

Back Pain, Understanding

Course Length: 5 hours
Prerequisite: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

This course will begin with a review of the anatomy of the human spine and back region. The clinical presentation of various types of back pain will be discussed, focusing on underlying etiologies and the approach to back pain from an orthopedic point of view. Some exercises used in the management of back pain will be presented. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an exercise practice session.

Beyond Effleurage with Crystals

Nearly everyone loves a deep tissue massage and the benefits are so great: reduced muscle strain, improved range of motion and circulation, and a general sense of relaxation. But at what cost do we as therapist do deep tissue work? In this dynamic workshop, you will learn from a seasoned therapist how to do deep tissue work without burning out your thumbs / wrists. We will be using a variety of crystals including clear-rose quartz. No prior crystal knowledge is necessary. Crystals will be available for the class use/purchase.

Beyond Effleurage

Course Length: 8 hours
Prerequisite: Best for senior students, new grads, and/or LMT's

Do you want to really succeed in your massage practice? Do you want to do really excellent work - give your clients more than their money-s worth? Then this motivational - hands on workshop is for you! Learn from a successful - seasoned LMT HOW TO:-consistently grow your practice - find your niche in this competitive field - give a truly awesome massage (many massage strokes - ROM will be explored) - keep your batteries charged - much, much more…

Breast Massage for Women by Women

This class has been designed for the comfort of you, the practitioner, who has a client that may have had a mastectomy, implants, or is getting over surgery. It is also a way to ask questions and do hands-on work in an environment that is just women.

Calf Intensive

When a person is trapped by the limitations of an injury to their calf muscles, or distressed from the lower leg functioning due to chronic or fatigue syndrome, it is important to be able to release the discomfort and get on with it. This class will let the practitioner find ways to handle difficult and unpredictable muscle behavior such as lower leg association with the anterior and posterior leg compartments. This class will also address the insertion as well as the attachments for the lower legs.

Chakra System, The

In this introductory workshop your will learn about an exciting system of energy: the basic 7 chakra system. Discover what these “whirlpools of rainbow energies” major purposes and functions are. Together, we will uncover the secrets of releasing potentially related illnesses by clearing and restoring balance to specific chakras as well as the entire chakra system, use of associated chakra colors, and much more! Working to harmonize the chakra system can bring about a greater connection, vitality, and enjoyment of your inner and outer worlds! Delight and relax into a guided meditation as you clear and restore balance to your chakra system, release stress, let go of tension in your body and mind, and bask in the luminous rainbow of color while you travel through your own prismatic energy system. For people who want to know more about and benefit from working with this amazing energy system!

Chinese Craniofacial and Visceral Manipulation

Chinese Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation is a non-confrontational, safe, and indirect approach to the body`s physical and psychological imbalances. We use a subtle blend of Chinese Acupressure Meridian Therapy and Psycho-physiologic Craniosacral Therapy. Together we get a self-regulated and self-regulating system of energy medicine. The body is guided and taught to harness its own bio-electric immune system or "Inner Intelligence" by working on the mind and para- and sympathetic nervous systems first, we turn inflammation around and lay the groundwork for further myofascial release as well. The body is a holograph! You can treat the left side with the right and the bottom of the body with the top. Please note that this workshop will not be offered to currently enrolled students. Due to travel constraints with the instructor, a minimum of 30 people will be needed to run this workshop and it will be decided three weeks prior to the start date whether it will run.

Cleansing Body Wraps

This course will introduce you to the body-salt rub and hot oiled body-wrap therapy. An amazing body treatment to help your patients get rid of toxins and help them cope with everyday stress. A whole-day, hands-on spa experience and education! Prerequisite: Salt Glow & Body Polish or permission of instructor.

Craniosacral Therapy Workshop

This workshop is a unique opportunity for individuals to further their skills from their current level of expertise. Questions about specific techniques and general principals will be discussed. The practice sessions will unfold as a result of the needs and experience of the individuals involved.

Craniosacral Therapy, Introduction to

The history of Craniosacral Therapy, what the Craniosacral system is and how it relates to our overall health will be presented in this workshop. With hands-on practice, we will palpate the Craniosacral rhythm and begin to see how it influences and is influenced by the rest of the body.