Basic Neuromuscular Therapy
(210 hours + 20 clinic hours = 230 total hours)
This comprehensive clinical course focuses on myofascial pain and dysfunction. NMT uses scientifically-applied pressure to relieve myofascial pain, balance structure, restore movement, and promote integration of mind and body. All aspects of NMT are taught including postural assessment and trigger-point referral patterns. This course is for graduates of massage programs who have had less than 100 hours of NMT. ASHA's Basic NMT course is a prerequisite for Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy.
Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy
(100 hours)
This course is a follow-up to ASHA's Basic NMT course. In Advanced NMT, you will learn how to assess and analyze the body in motion focusing on gait analysis. Protocols to correct common abnormal gait patterns will be presented. Assessment and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems will be taught. Additionally, advanced case management and assessment will be a major focus. This course is appropriate for all ASHA grads, as well as anyone who has had at least 100 hours of previous training in NMT.
Asian Theory and Bodywork (100 hours)
This course combines two ancient systems of bodywork - Thai Massage (30 hours) and Acupressure (70 hours). In Assisted Yoga Postures from Thai Massage, you will learn over 100 carefully chosen assisted yoga postures and how to integrate them into a massage therapy routine on your table. This effective, fully-clothed massage modality provides assisted stretching of muscle fascia, tendons and ligaments creating increased circulation, flexibility and range of motion. It facilitates the removal of toxins and enhances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. It also softens hardened tissue which may have been caused by injury or aging. Thai massage was developed in Thailand over two thousand years ago as a cross between India (yoga) and China (acupressure). In Acupressure for Bodyworkers, you will learn an overview of the theoretical aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as its practical application through acupressure. Acupressure is the Eastern technique of bodywork that is very similar to the point work in Neuromuscular Therapy in its application and benefits. This in-depth class will teach you the application, point locations and prescriptions to treat many common conditions. Upon completion you will know the 4 command points, the 8 influential points, the Front Mu (Alarm) points and about 60 body points and their energetics. The protocols will focus on pain relief, range of motion, edema, yin/yang imbalances, stress relief, and emotional balance.
Ayurveda (100 hours)
Ayurveda (The Science of Life) is the ancient, natural medical system native to India. Insights by the seers who developed Ayurveda are only now being confirmed by modern physics. This course fits naturally with the courses in Thai Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this course, you will not only learn an overview of the theoretical aspects of Ayurveda, but also its practical application through Marma Therapy, the bodywork component of Ayurveda.
CranioSacral Therapy (120 hours)
This course is the equivalent of CranioSacral I & II and SomatoEmotional Release I and II from Upledger's curriculum. You will learn the model developed by Dr. John Upledger for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. You will focus on developing the ability to feel the normal and abnormal rhythms and the motions throughout the cranium and the body related to the circulation of CSF. You will then learn the techniques developed by Upledger to correct normal flow and rhythm in this system. The last half of the course will focus on learning how to facilitate emotional release as taught by Upledger.
Structural Integration (Myofascial Release) (100 hours)
The Structural Integration Course teaches gentle but powerful techniques to release the connective tissue that holds the body in dysfunctional postural patterns. Almost every tissue in the body is surrounded by some type of fascia, like an envelope. Distortions in the fascia at one end of the body can dramatically and adversely affect the health of the tissues elsewhere in the body. In the same way, releasing fascia around the muscles in appropriate areas can ease local and distant tensions in the body, helping to restore optimal functioning and movement. The gentle techniques of Myofascial Release are also an ideal way of softening parts of the body that have significant tension and holding patterns, allowing easier access to deeper tissues when doing massage treatment. You'll learn innovative and dynamic body mechanics to accomplish myofascial release with no strain in your body while you work.
Clinical Sports
(130 hours + 20 clinic hours = 150 total hours)
This course, designed by our Sports Massage faculty and Alannah Levian, LMW, CMT, RN, ND, DC, DCCHom, is based on the latest scientific research on sports medicine and exercise physiology, and is extremely comprehensive, advanced work. Dr. Levian has 35 years experience as a competitive triathlete and Sports Medicine specialist who helped introduce Sports Massage and Chiropractic to the Olympic movement. This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to practice sports massage on athletes of all ages, abilities, and sports interests. You will learn to aid athletes in warm-ups, preparing for and recovering from competition, avoiding injuries, and rehabilitating from injuries. You will learn how to become an invaluable member of an athlete's performance team or a weekend warrior's health care team.
Polarity Therapy
(105 hours + 15 clinic hours = 120 total hours)
Polarity Therapy was developed by an osteopath, chiropractor, and naturopath named Randolph Stone, and is based on his personal study of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health care system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise/yoga, and self awareness. This course will emphasize the bodywork component of Polarity Therapy which is at times similar to energy work like Reiki or Therapeutic Touch but can also be applied to deeper work like NMT. Those who complete this course will receive an Associate Polarity Practitioner (APP) Certification.
The Triagle of Health and Happiness (100 hours)
The five classes involved in this course explore the stuctural, nutritional and psychological aspects of health, and integrate the three in a manner that is tailored for massage therapists. Rejuvenating Exercises for the body and Mind (8 hours) is a mostly experiential class, in which the participants learn physical exercises and meditative techniques to promote physical health, mental clarity and emotional serenity. Viseral Technique (15 hours) is a system of procedures designed to invigorate the internal organs and endocrine glands. These procedures have been used to help individuals with such conditions as angina, menstrual cramps, PMS, asthma, sinus congestion, hemorrhoids, indegestion, constipation, chronic fatigue, urinary incontinence, kidney stones, and more. The class includes a basic review of the anatomy and physiology of the major organs and glands. Muscle Testing for Body Therapists (20 hours) provides instruction on how to test the major musles of the body. Participants learn how to use muscle testing to locate hidden musculoskeletal and visceral problems, learn reflex points for rapid pain relief, muscle balancing and strengthening of internal organs, and deepen their knowledge of the muscular system. Good Nutrition for Health and Longevity (15 hours) explores how foods can be used to optimize cleansing, regeneration and rejuvenatiion. Cultivating Inner Harmony - A 90-Day Program (42 hours) is a course of study based on Dr. Scarfalloto's book, Cultivating Inner Harmony, which combines ancient wisdom and simple daily lessons that help to establish the inner foundation for vibrant health, fulfilling relationships and prosperous work.
Nutrition (100 hours)
This advanced course in Nutrition examines the physiology of digestion, the biochemistry of nutrition, the fundamental nutrients and their natural sources, as well as the basic principles of proper diet and nutrition. Not only will you explore (and occasionally sample) various approaches to healthy eating, but you will also study the natural food supplements and herbs one might use to complement a healthy diet. Attention will be given to the development of chronic disease states in stages that can be easily identified and potentially avoided. The course continually emphasizes the practical application of nutrition in your practice as a massage therapist.
Mind/Body Integration (100 hours)
Mind and body are interdependent. For every mood and mental state, there is a corresponding facial expression, body posture, and pattern of chemical expression in the cells. Change one, and they all change. This course looks at the mind-body connection in light of psychology, and stages of development from birth to enlightenment. It explores the psychological process, and what issues tend to affect which parts of the body. You will learn how to set up a session, so the client feels safe with you, and so that emotional release is more likely. Then, you will learn how to facilitate and support your client as the process unfolds. You will learn what questions to ask, and how to avoid delving into psychotherapy. You will learn how to work with psychotherapists in conjoint sessions, and as team members.
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