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500 Hour Class Descriptions
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi, a form of ancient Hawaiian Bodywork was originally done in sacred temples as a rite of passage. This transformational massage was performed by a “kahuna” (master teacher or medicine man) for many hours, or even days, until the receiver felt cleared and aligned on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Lomi Lomi we will be learning in this workshop is a type of massage that encompasses breath and dance. The movement is an active meditation for the practitioner, opening up and freeing holding patterns within his/her body.
Training in this bodywork style can bring about balance, fluidity, and coordination. It teaches us to work from a place of presence. You will learn to use your breath with the movement and bodywork. When both giver and receiver are focused in the movement in a heartfelt way, as well as being attuned in their breath, this experience can accelerate change and create expansion on all levels.
Advanced Lomi Lomi
The advanced Lomi Lomi class will review everything from the beginning class and add in new strokes and stretches that are fun and effective. Because you will have completed the first course, we can focus on detail and correction of previously learned strokes. But the fun part will be now learning the new strokes and stretches.
Lomi Lomi, a form of ancient Hawaiian Bodywork was originally done in sacred temples as a rite of passage. This transformational massage was performed by a “kahuna” (master teacher or medicine man) for many hours, or even days, until the receiver felt cleared and aligned on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Lomi Lomi we will be learning in this workshop is a type of massage that encompasses breath and dance. The movement is an active meditation for the practitioner, opening up and freeing holding patterns within his/her body.
Training in this bodywork style can bring about balance, fluidity, and coordination. It teaches us to work from a place of presence. You will learn to use your breath with the movement and bodywork. When both giver and receiver are focused in the movement in a heartfelt way, as well as being attuned in their breath, this experience can accelerate change and create expansion on all levels.
Anatomy and Kinesiology –Upper Extremities
This hand-on class offers an opportunity to explore more extensively the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.
Using the text “Trail Guide to the Body” we will become much more familiar with the skeletal structures and the muscles of the body in a way which helps us to understand how those structures normally move and interact so that we may bring that increased understanding to our practice.
We will be introduced to the principles of biomechanics (the study of mechanical principles and actions applied to living bodies) and kinesiology (the study which blends the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics and geometry and relates them to human movement).
Areas covered in Anatomy and Kinesiology I will include the pectoral girdle, the neck and spine, the bony thorax and the arms and hands.
Anatomy and Kinesiology –Lower Extremities
This hand-on class offers an opportunity to explore more extensively the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.
Using the text “Trail Guide to the Body” we will become much more familiar with the skeletal structures and the muscles of the body in a way which helps us to understand how those structures normally move and interact so that we may bring that increased understanding to our practice.
We will be introduced to the principles of biomechanics (the study of mechanical principles and actions applied to living bodies) and kinesiology (the study which blends the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics and geometry and relates them to human movement).
Areas covered in Anatomy and Kinesiology II will include the abdominal area, the pelvic girdle and the legs and feet.
INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA:
With the phenomenal number of people now doing some sort of yoga we are seeing an amazing increase in interest in yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda. So much so, Ayurveda has been named as one of the top spa trends for 2010.
Ayurveda is thought to be the most ancient complete form of medicine on the planet being at least 2500 years old. Still today it is practiced by 300,000 physicians who form the largest medical organization in the world.
Though generally less well known in the west Ayurvedic treatments and those inspired by this ancient Indian science are fast becoming a main stream.
This class is designed to give students a practical grasp of the basic concepts behind Ayurvedic wisdom. Learn how to identify Ayurvedic body/mind types by using a variety of questionnaires, touch, observation and discussion. Then use this information to customize any massage or spa treatment in terms of:
• Treatment selection
• Type of touch
• Type of oil/lotion
• Selection of aromas
• Type of music
• Color type of sheets or covers
• Kinds of teas and snacks to serve
We will also cover basic Ayurvedic vocabulary so you will be able to converse with ease with your more “ayurvedically savy” clients. Extensive notes will be provided so students can concentrate on the learning experience and class participation.
Chair Massage
Learn a 15 and 20 minute routine that helps clients feel refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated to return to work or their busy lives. You will learn massage techniques that relieves stress and tight muscles in the neck and back of the body. It reduces the potential for repetitive motion injuries in the arms and hands. Chair massage is one of the fastest growing areas of bodywork nationwide, especially since it is more affordable for people and takes less time than a table massage. And with increased awareness of the need for stress management in the workplace, and the need to decrease repetitive motion injuries, it promises to grow even more.
Chair massage is also an excellent marketing tool to help grow your table massage business. It allows you to meet new potential customers and an opportunity to build rapport with clients. During this 8 hour class, emphasis is placed on marketing the modality, as well as proper body mechanics while performing chair massage routines. The students will learn a 10, 15, and 20 minute routines and a manual will be given to support the material learned in class.
Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the physiological body system called the cranial system. Comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system effects everything in our bodies from the physical to mental and emotional health.
Craniosacral Therapy seeks to find the deeper reasons for imbalance. Improper patterns root themselves in the subconscious. Wounds are brought up to process and release so the body does not have to hold or assimilate them anymore.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscles and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep Tissue Massage uses many of the same techniques as Swedish Massage, but the focus is very specific to muscle, tendon and fascia structures that need to be released due to acute or chronic holding patterns. In this class you will learn techniques to treat the following conditions: Low Back Pain, Whiplash, Sciatic Pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Headaches, Psoas tightness, Leg Length Imbalances, etc. There will also be instruction in PNF stretching, passive stretches, and the use of proper body mechanics.
Jin Shin Acupressure
"Jin Shin Do" means "The Way of the Compassionate Spirit." Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® classes teach the use of gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal Body Focusing techniques, to help release "armoring" or chronic tension and balance the "Qi" or energy. This clothes-on method helps relieve stress- and trauma- related problems. A unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture and acupressure theory, Taoist philosophy, Qigong (breathing and exercise techniques), Reichian segmental theory and principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, it is recognized as a major form of Asian Bodywork Therapy (by NCCAOM & AOBTA among others).
Originated by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, JSD promotes a pleasant trancelike state, in which one can relax and move out of the head and into the body, accessing feelings and inner wisdom.
Introduction to Lymph Drainage Massage
Lymph Drainage Massage is a gentle and rhythmic technique. Through repetitive and precise strokes, this method can enhance lymph flow and remove fluid stagnation, while providing a deeply soothing relaxation. By activating lymph function, and indirectly stimulating circulation, this treatment strengthens the immune system, and relaxes the nervous system. In Europe, LDM is often used as part of a complete natural healing program to support the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Conditions treated with Lymph Drainage Massage include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lymphatic congestion, weak immune system, poor skin texture, cellulite, and others. In this introductory class, students will learn the structure and function of the lymph system, basic treatment technique, indications, contraindications, and a one-hour LDM initial session.
Physiology & Pathology for Bodyworkers
This class will begin with an overview of the body as a whole and an understanding of the mechanisms of health and balance. We will gain some understanding of the concepts of metabolism, homeostasis, and biorhythms.
We will then review the anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the following systems: musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive.
We will be learning these systems with particular attention to how they are impacted by massage and bodywork, and how they function to maintain health and balance.
Pregnancy and Infant Massage Course
Prenatal massage can help alleviate some of the stresses and discomforts that women experience during pregnancy. This class is designed to show students how to meet the special needs of pregnant clients. There are pregnancy related conditions that require caution or are a contraindication for massage. These cautions as well as the many benefits of prenatal massage will be discussed. You will learn proper positioning for the comfort of the client as her body changes throughout pregnancy. What is occurring in a woman’s body during each trimester of pregnancy and the baby’s development during these times will be covered with a session dedicated to each trimester. Students will then learn and apply bodywork specific to each of the trimesters and labor. The final class session will focus on infant massage.
The supplies needed for class are linens, oil and a notebook for lecture. Starting on the 2nd night of class students will need a bath towel and a few pillows also.
Reflexology
In this course we will cover the feet, hands and ears. You will learn locations of the reflex points and the techniques used for applying reflexology. This incredible healing art produces relaxation throughout the body as we work the corresponding reflex points. Benefits include stress reduction, increased circulation, and detoxifying. *Please bring a foot spa, towel, fitted sheet, lotion, pillow and/or blanket.
REIKI 1 CLASS
WHAT IS REIKI? Reiki is a vibrational healing practice that promotes systemic balance. It is light touch that can be given to a clothed recipient as a treatment on its own or integrated into a massage or other treatment. It is also a self-care practice.
WHAT ARE THE COMMONLY REPORTED BENEFITS?
anxiety, reduced depression, improved sleep, improved digestion and a greater self- Clients most frequently report positive changes in relaxation, pain management, reduced awareness. (Those practicing self-care also report these benefits.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN REIKI CLASS?
• Introduction and discussion about what Reiki is.
• History of Reiki.
• Attunements: Opening up to the Reiki energy. Each student receives his or her attunement from the teacher.
• Hands on experience. You will have the opportunity to both give and receive a treatment.
• Sharing and questions will be encouraged throughout the class.
• You will receive a certificate as a First Degree Reiki Practitioner.
Shiatsu - Integrated
Integrated Shiatsu - Shiatsu translates as "finger pressure". It is a traditional Japanese style of bodywork. This course will introduce students to 14 meridians, or energy (chi) pathways in the body. Students will learn alarm points (Mu and Shu) for each meridian and a full Shiatsu sequence designed for a 1 hour session. Points for common ailments and specific Shiatsu techniques are included in the routine. Integrating these techniques and points into a Swedish Massage will be the final aspect of the class.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage techniques are used with clients ranging from serious athletes to the moderately active for injury prevention, performance enhancement, and faster recovery. This course will cover the main applications of sports massage (pre-event massage, post-event massage, maintenance, and rehabilitative), assessment of clients (verbal, visual & palpation), range-of-motion, and P.N.F. stretches. We will review common sport injuries, and discussion on the psychology of working with athletes. You will learn how to use these tools effectively to benefit clients of all activity levels.
Techniques reviewed: Applications of various techniques from Western Massage (i.e. tapotement, vibration, petrissage, etc.), Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Massage, Hydrotherapy (heat & cold), PNF and stretching.
*please dress in flexible athletic attire; women wear sports bras
Stretch & Release Therapy
You are invited to spend two full days learning a very simple yet powerfully effective tool to get the maximum results with your client’s. Stretch & Release Therapy (“SRT”) will change your view of injury and healing rates, the way you work, and your results forever!
The techniques you will learn work quickly to affect all soft tissue dysfunction. The training is hands-on and you will learn to adapt the concepts and principles to your current practice, and will maximize your effectiveness.
“SRT” works on an array of chronic conditions, such as back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatic, etc…. to name a few. It also is very beneficial for athletes and prevention of injuries.
Also included in the training is several “self-help” hand tune-ups to save your own hands and arms!
TOUCH FOR HEALTH FUNDAMENTALS
Touch for Health is extremely user friendly. It was developed by John Thie to be utilized not only by health professionals, but also by anyone interested in helping others feel and function better. Touch for health can be experienced fully clothed, sitting, standing or lying down. It is a respectful, self-empowering, cooperative venture requiring active participation of both the giver and receiver.
Touch for Health is a method of Kinesiology muscle testing merged with both eastern and western techniques to improve both muscular and energetic balance leading to improved both muscle and energetic balance leading to improved posture, accelerated recovery from illness and injuries, relief from many different kinds of pain, increased energy, and emotional balance.
Touch for Health can be used as a stand-alone method, or it can be used with other healing modalities…such as massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, cranio-sacral, psycho-emotional counseling, etc. Professionals using Touch for Health may be able to find and unlock their patient’s “stuck” conditions, often enabling their client’s to become more self-maintaining.
After attending the Touch For Health Fundamentals class, you will have learned basic principles, testing and balancing methods, and how to use your good reference book or chart. You will NOT need to rely on memory to immediately use the method effectively. You will be prepared to do the basic Touch for Health energetic/muscle balance! And many of you will have some new friends who will be eager to stay in touch to exchange balances with you.
Tuning In…
A journey beyond form and structure
In this class we will explore our creative potential along with our willingness, as practitioners, to bring our own authentic selves to each massage.
Our focus will be on remaining present through each unfolding movement. Using the form and structure already learned, as a foundation from which we can invite a more organic flow and a deeper level of connection into our practice.
This work will meet us where we are at the current moment and will continue to evolve and expand within us to whatever degree we are willing to allow.
Zen Touch Shiatsu
ZT shiatsu, a form of energy meridian acupressure, is both an effective form of health assessment and therapy as well a nurturing form of body/energy work that mutually enhances the health of both the receiver and practitioner..... Yes, Zen-Touch™ Shiatsu is equally beneficial for both practitioner and client. The theoretical background is founded on balancing or integrating our health condition with the forces of nature described in Eastern Philosophy as t Yin/Yang and the 5 Movements or Elements.
People most frequently report enhanced vitality, pain relief, and heightened health awareness accompanied by a sense of freedom and peacefulness.
ZT practitioners draw from a wide range of improvised techniques that make each session a uniquely personalized experience. When appropriate, a session can resemble a yoga- like dance that is choreographed by the practitioner to initiate increased range of movement for body mind spirit. At the opposite extreme a session may look very simple and passive when the practitioner finds it necessary to hold "points" for extended periods of time.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of body work that incorporates yoga, acupressure, meditation and breath work.
Its main focus is on the thousands of energy lines, called nadis that flow throughout the body. It is believed that illness and disease can occur due to energy blocks in this important energy system.
This 2,500 year old practice is designed to unblock stagnant energy through a series of stretches, joint manipulation, acupressure, and conscious breathing; leaving the client feeling relaxed and energized
This Level I class will introduce you to basic techniques so that you will be equipped to facilitate a one hour Thai massage session with confidence and ease.
What to bring: Camping pad or a couple of thick blankets and loose comfortable clothing (we will be working on the floor).
Trigger Point
Do you want to be a “Rock Star” Deep Tissue Therapist? Well this is the class for you!
Do you want to learn how to break up the “viscus cycle” of sciatica, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpel tunnel, low back pain, headaches, TMJ?
This class will offer you a modality to address soft issues in the body from stress, injury, repetitive/overuse, and restore hyper-contracted short muscles into a healthy restorative state. You will learn how to detect what and where a Trigger Point is and disperse them using a combination of specific techniques. The foundation of this work is releasing the fascia, stimulating the pro-preceptors in the origin, insertion and belly of the muscles with a specific intention. These deep tissue moves will always be addressed by “making nice” (lymph drainage) to the tissue addressed, passive stretches, traction, PIR, CTR and follow up care for your clients to take home after treatment.