Course
Descriptions
The following
courses are included in the Healing Spirits Massage Training Program.
This class will provide the essential background of the musculoskeletal
system and basic physiology of the human body. In addition to lecture,
there will be hands-on palpation, visualization and exercises.
Massage classes will often begin with a combination of focusing
exercises, meditation and movement followed by a short lecture or
discussion, demonstration and supervised practice time. The intimate
size of the group provides opportunity for generous instructor attention.
There are no pre-requisites for these classes.
This course develops
sensitivity, presence and quality of touch which are incorporated
throughout the program. Students are introduced to the art of touching
prior to learning any specific techniques. This touch awareness
will carry through their work as specific massage techniques are
incorporated.
This introduces the
basic massage strokes, styles of massage and specific techniques
for giving a full body massage based on the individual needs of
your client. We will begin to introduce body mechanics and assist
students in developing and nurturing their own style.
SIT focuses on techniques
for hands-on treatment of soft tissue injuries. Emphasis will be
on palpatory skills, postural analysis, movement study, and neuromuscular
theory. An understanding of injury onset, the body's response, and
the healing process will be applied with these techniques.
Modified Strain and Counter-Strain
This often-used physical therapy technique developed
by Lawrence Jones, D.O., has been modified to use as trigger point,
chronic and acute pain relief during massage. It is a non-invasive
and effective way to erase that pain.
The primary purpose of this class will be in avoiding
practitioner burn-out through awareness and techniques. Proper use
of body mechanics, ergonomics, body awareness, learning to listen
to your intuition and ways to follow your own health needs will
be covered in this class.
We will focus on ways to communicate with your clients
professionally and compassionately. We will explore how to determine
when a situation is beyond the scope of the massage therapist's
practice and how to make referrals to outside help. We will also
discuss how to deal with a variety of potentially difficult client
situations.
We will cover basic business management which will concern
your massage practice. Creating resumes, business cards, choosing
an office, attracting a clientele, insurance billing, and a brief
overview of relevant laws will be covered. We will discuss successful
ways to promote and run your own business.
Prenatal Massage
An introduction for students to working
with the special massage needs of pregnant women.
Invaluable knowledge for all practitioners is available
through the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
Healing Spirits will provide a guest instructor from one of these
organizations to teach the necessary skills and certification requirements.
This exciting modality
explores how working directly on the foot can benefit the whole
being. Study will include theory, technique and practice.
This class will teach students how to perform a full
body Shiatsu session. Basic theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
Shiatsu Meridian Therapy and the Seven Rules of Shiatsu will be
covered.
The introduction of these modalities is designed to help
support, diversify, and individualize the basic massage. Exploration
of these various modalities is provided for exposure, creativity
and fun, and not intended for mastery. It is our hope to present
students with a variety of approaches to help them stylize their
work, and find their path and passion for further exploration.
Students will be given an overview of the art of onsite
chair massage, including a basic chair routine, specific treatment
techniques for the chair, and tips on how to market and build a
successful chair massage business.
The practicum is designed to help ease students with
the transition from school work to professional work. The in-house
clinic, work with a professional mentor of their choice and community
outreach will begin to give the student a taste of a career in massage
therapy. NOTE: All practicum hours will be held OUTSIDE of scheduled
class times.
This class will add a holistic approach to your practice.
The Kneipp system of Hydrotherapy (which includes herbal wraps,
baths, and steams), basics of Nutrition and an introduction to Herbology
will be taught. A portion of this class will take place outdoors.
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