School of Holistic Touch Class Descriptions
A | B | C | D | E | F | H | I | L | M | O | P | R | S | T | V
ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure was developed over 5000 years ago by the Chinese when they discovered that massage and touch could ease pain and enhance a person’s overall health. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headache, muscle aches, backaches, menstrual cramps, decrease stress and anxiety, and many other physical and emotional disorders.
The student will learn the 12 regular meridian pathways (channels), selected point locations, indications and contraindications for use. Also, the theories of Qi, Yin and Yang and the Five Element Theory will be discussed. 50 hours/$395
ADVANCED DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES
A natural continuation of the Deep Tissue course for students who want deeper understanding of the function and treatment of specific body regions such as the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and elbow. The anatomy, muscles, and function of these regions will be studied and various techniques for each region will be taught such as deep tissue, acupressure points, and myofascial release. 28 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Deep Tissue Massage, Structural Kinesiology
ADVANCED SWEDISH TECHNIQUES
A collection of interesting and effective techniques to enhance and add interest to your massage. You will learn many new moves which focus on the back as well as the other regions of the body. Can your clients predict your next move? Try adding one or more of these techniques and keep them coming back. 28 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Swedish American Massage
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
The basics of the structure and function of the human body will be taught. It is important for a massage therapist to understand the overall function of the body as well as the effect that different massage techniques can have on the systems of the body. The course will begin with a basic introduction of cells and body tissues. Normal physiology of each organ system will be discussed as well as pathology and how this relates to massage therapy. 48 hours/$395
AROMATHERAPY
This course is an introduction to the use and application of essential oils to be used in a massage therapy practice. It will provide the therapist with the basics of selection and blending of essential oils. Individual oils and their properties as well as how to combine oils for therapeutic effect will be covered. 28 hours/$345
BUSINESS PRACTICE
The fundamentals of starting and operating a massage/bodywork practice will be discussed whether the student wants to work for someone else or start their own practice. Goal setting, how to get started, marketing, record keeping, ethics, current laws and regulations will taught. The students will be required to complete a business project. 40 hours/$325
CARPAL TUNNEL
This course emphasizes prevention of carpal tunnel injuries in the therapist as well as techniques to treat the injury in yourself and your clients. The anatomy of the carpal tunnel, arm and neck will be discussed as well as the differentiation of carpal tunnel from one of the many other over-use injuries that can have the signs and symptoms. This course could potentially save you and/or your clients from injury and needless surgery. 8 hours/$145
CPR
CPR will be taught twice a year on our campus by a qualified CPR instructor. This is a class in basic first aid procedures and resuscitation technique. Students will receive CPR and First Aid certification cards upon completion of the course.
DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES
Deep Tissue massage has the effect of breaking down adhesions and chronic muscle tightness. Emphasis is placed on safely applying deep muscle techniques in a manner that will cause very little, if any, discomfort to your clients. Our method of deep tissue technique emphasizes slow, precise movement to increase client relaxation which allows the therapist to reach the deeper musculature. Palpation (touch) techniques will be practiced to better be able to identify and isolate specific areas of muscle tension. Proper biomechanics for the therapist are stressed to avoid fatigue and overuse injuries. 58 hours/$425
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage, Structural Kinesiology
EXTREMITY TECHNIQUES
Specific problems of the upper and lower extremities are examined in this class. The focus is on the intricate anatomy and function of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. Physical examination tests to assess the area and treatment protocols are taught. What you can and cannot do, as well as when to refer to a physician is covered as well. 16 hours/ $245
Prerequisite: Swedish/American; Structural Kinesiology; Deep Tissue
FIBROMYALGIA/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Fibromyalgia is fast becoming one of the most common syndromes that massage therapists find in their clients. This class will teach the difference between FM and CFS. Causes, medical treatments and diagnosis methods will be discussed. You will learn a one hour massage using acupressure points and gentle massage techniques that will decrease the pain and calm the nervous system of your clients. Acupressure points, trigger points, nutritional advice, and use of magnets for treatment will also be taught. 20 hours/$295
HEADACHE THERAPIES
The physical, emotional, and nutritional causes of headaches will be explained. Trigger points, stress, and diet will be discusses as possible causes of this sometimes debilitating problem.
Bodywork techniques will be taught that can be effective in helping decrease and eliminate this common complaint of your clients. 8 hours/$145
HOT STONE THERAPY
This is one of the most popular spa therapies. Warm and cold stones are used to bring about physical healing and mental relaxation. Stones are placed on the body for energy balancing or are used by the therapist for trigger point work. This relaxing treatment is easy to learn and fun to do and provides wonderful relaxation to your clients. 20 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
HOSPITAL MASSAGE
Hospital Massage will give you the tools you need to set up a protocol for working in the hospital environment. More and more hospitals are beginning to utilize massage therapists. This class will give you the “how to’s” of massaging hospitalized patients, charting, universal precautions, infection control, overall adapting to the hospital culture and most importantly: self care. The emotional impact of working with the terminal patient is also discussed. 16 hours/$295
Prerequisite: Swedish American
INFANT MASSAGE
Infant massage not only creates a strong bond between the parent and the infant but also is a wonderful way to promote the health and well being of infants and children. Touch is vitally important to the growth and development of infants. The nurturing touch of infant massage is an important part of development and weight gain in premature infants as well. You will be able to educate your clients to massage and soothe their babies. Bring a doll to class! 6 hours/$125
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
LOMI LOMI MASSAGE
A Temple Hawaiian style of massage emphasizing long flowing movements to energize and awaken the body. Lomi Lomi uses broad movements of the forearms, hands and elbows. The massage lovingly integrates the hands, body and soul with a higher spirit. 20 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic system is the body’s drainage system, returning excess fluids, nutrients, and waste products to the circulatory system. A blockage in the lymphatic system or the surgical removal of lymph vessels can lead to swelling and edema. Lymphatic drainage techniques help improve normal lymph flow which can reduce pain and strengthen the immune system. 24 hours/$345
MAGNET THERAPY
Pain is a universal condition that we all have to deal with at one time or another. Many people do not like taking drugs and seek out alternative therapies. Magnet Therapy utilizes the natural healing energies of the magnetic forces. Magnetism is one of the Earth’s oldest natural forms of healing energy. Learning to harness this force to encourage healing can be an important aspect of your therapeutic abilities. 8 hours/$125
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
This course focuses on how the fascial system reorganizes itself thereby causing pain. A restriction in one area of the body can affect the entire body. You will learn to eliminate the restrictions and adhesions that have been there for many years. Gentle, sustained pressure is used to allow the area to return to its normal movement pattern. Myofascial Release technique also addresses the emotional pattern which may be the root cause of the dysfunction. Myofascial Release is effective in treating neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, restricted range of motion, headache, and chronic pain. 20 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
OFFICE AND CHAIR MASSAGE
Many massage therapists find great success providing office and chair to area businesses. This is a technique that provides stress and tension reduction in the office environment in 10 or 15 minute sessions. Chair massage is also an excellent way to promote your massage therapy business at parties, conferences, fairs, and shopping centers. Swedish techniques, deep tissue, acupressure and tuina techniques are integrated in this clothes-on type of massage. 20 hours/$325
PRINCIPALS OF NUTRITION
This course teaches basic nutritional concepts including information about vitamins, minerals, and common nutritional disorders. Food combining, vegetarian diets, and how to assess your diet will also be discussed. This is a common sense approach to nutrition the student can put to use easily. Project required. 30 hours/$345
PATHOLOGY
Pathology is the study of dysfunction and disease in the human body. It is very important for the massage therapist to understand how massage therapy techniques affect each system and to recognize the signs of something serious in your client. This is a semi-independent class and fulfills the 40 hour requirement needed to take the NCTMB exam. 40 hours/$345
Prerequisite: Anatomy/Physiology
PRENATAL MASSAGE
This course emphasizes the complex problem of working with pregnant clientele during each trimester of their pregnancy. Techniques are taught to reduce the discomforts of pregnancy such as back pain and edema. How to help the client through the anxiety and to ease the pain of labor are also taught. Positioning, cautions, and contraindications are discussed. 8 hours/$125
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
POWDER MASSAGE
Powder Massage is a feather light technique in which powder is used in place of oils or creams. This class will give you another tool to offer your clients who are very sensitive to touch. It is ideal for the elderly, the very ill, or for terminal clients. 6 hours/$95
Prerequisite: Swedish American
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is an ancient art involving pressure points on the hands and feet that correspond to the anatomy of the body. Pressure on these points benefits the entire body. This class will teach the history and basic principles of foot and hand reflexology. Body mapping on the feet is taught as well as a reflexology routine. 20 hours/$325
REIKI I
Learn to utilize universal healing energy to balance the energy flow in your clients and yourself. Reiki brings balance on a physical, mental, and emotional level. Reiki utilizes the innate intelligence of cosmic energy as it flows through the practitioner into the client to initiate the bodies own ability to heal itself. Reiki is a powerful addition to your toolbox as a health practitioner. Reiki II and Reiki Master levels will also be offered. Reiki I ($125) Reiki II ($145) Reiki Master ($295)
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is a very specialized area of massage therapy dealing with professional athletes as well as the weekend athlete. The student will learn pre-event massage, post-event massage as well as stretching and special techniques to improve the athlete’s performance. Students will learn PNF and PIR relaxation techniques. Students will be put into practical situations where they need to decide and demonstrate which techniques will be most beneficial for their “athlete.” 32 hours/$345
Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Structural Kinesiology
STRETCHING TECHNIQUES
This course focuses stretch techniques for each muscle group. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, improves movement, improves athletic performance, and reduces injuries. The information in this class can be used to stretch your clients in a passive manner, to teach your clients how to stretch between massage sessions, or for self stretching. This class will be beneficial to all your clients no matter the age, from children to geriatrics. 6 hours/$95
STRUCTURAL KINESIOLOGY
An in-depth study of the structure and movement of the musculo-skeletal system. The student will learn the origin, insertion, and action of the muscles and their relationship to the surrounding muscles and body structures. The student will learn how the region above and below the area of complaint impacts the painful region. Our instructors are experts at helping you LEARN and understand, not just memorize this difficult material. You will learn to “see” the muscles with your eyes and hands. This course incorporates lecture and hands-on learning. 55 hours/$425
SWEDISH AMERICAN MASSAGE
This course is the foundation for our Massage Therapist and HHP program. Students will learn a 50 minutes full body Swedish Massage. The basic techniques of Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, and Percussion will be used. The course also includes the history of massage, basic anatomy and physiology, business and ethics, health and safety, local laws and regulations governing massage therapy. 100 hours/$825
TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA)
Teaching assistants are Program students who have successfully completed a course and are interested in reviewing the course for a better understanding and to solidify their knowledge. All students are required to finish a specific number of hours, depending on their program, to complete their program and receive their Certificate of Certification.
THAI MASSAGE
Traditional Thai massage sessions include rocking, compression and stretching postures using the hands, forearms, elbows, knees and feet in a flowing rhythmic manner. Traditional Thai massage is performed on a firm mat on the floor while the client remains fully clothed in loose flexible attire. Students will learn a complete Thai floor massage as well as how to adapt the massage to a massage table. 32 hours/$395
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage
TUINA
Tuina is a Chinese therapeutic technique used to treat many physical disorders of the body ranging from headache, and muscle pain, to frozen shoulder, etc. Tuina is an easy and effective method of treating a variety of ailments. The techniques taught in this class can be incorporated into your basic Swedish massage and make a unique addition to your chair massage. Routines learned in China by the instructor will be taught for specific problems involving all areas of the body. 20 hours/$325
Prerequisite: Acupressure
VITAL ENERGY
This course teaches the therapist to assess and balance the energy flow of the client. Emphasis is given to the cleansing and clearing the charkas to correct energetic imbalances which are the underlying cause of most chronic physical and psychological pain. The therapist will learn to evaluate the condition of the aura, clear stagnant energies, and revitalize with fresh energy. Grounding and self-protection will also be taught. 28 hours/$345