* This course is intended to be taken with the 214 Hour Advanced Massage Therapy Program, which meets the 500 hour requirement to sit for National Certification Exam.

SWEDISH MASSAGE - 55 HOURS
Swedish Massage is the manipulation of the superficial tissues of the body using the hands, arms and/or elbows to apply systematic stroking, kneading, and pressing in order to induce a state of total relaxation, relief from pain, reduction of edema, and increased range of motion.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE (CTM) - 30 HOURS
Connective Tissue Massage is based on the philosophy that assumes isolated pathologies do not exist anywhere in the body. The work focuses on the connective tissue of the muscle and the principle that heat and pressure applied to superficial tissue is transmitted to deeper layers by sensory nerve endings. This massage is a systemic reflex zone massage, using a pulling motion to release the connective tissue, to increase circulation, and to stimulate the funtioning of body systems through the nervous system.

INTRODUCTION TO THAI - 15 HOURS
This class teaches the fundamentals of Thai massage. Lecture, demonstraion & hands-on time is incorporated. Students will learn a mini one-hour session addressing the feet, legs, hips, abdomen, chest, head, back and shoulders.

REFLEXOLOGY - 18.5 HOURS
Reflexology is a system of pressure massage of the feet. Each pressure or reflex point corresponds to specific organs, glands and systems of the body. Stimulation of the reflexes breaks up congestion, increases circulation, and promotes a relaxation response.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - 50 HOURS
A course designed to explore the structure and function of our human bodies, i.e. how the body is organized, the identification and action of the principal muscles. You will also gain an understanding of the integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, skeletal, nervous, digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, reproductive, muscular and endocrine systems.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) - 15 HOURS
MFR consists of the gentle application of sustained pressure into the fascial restrictions. It works the fascia as a means of achieving pain relief, restoring function and reducing stress.

SEATED MASSAGE - 15 HOURS
Seated Massage is an integrated blend of modalities designed to be brought right into the workplace. The emphasis is on shorrt, effective routines designed to alleviate stress, bringing on a relaxed state of awareness.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY (NMT) - 10 HOURS
This therapy focuses on releasing chronically contracted muscles via direct pressure to the tissue. The technique is similar to oriental accupressure.

HYDROTHERAPY - 10 HOURS
This class teaches the student about the therapeutic applications of hot packs, hot towels, hot stones, cold packs, ice cups, and other therapeutic tools and procedures.

INTEGRATION - 10 HOURS
A course used as an opportunity to practice the blending of the learned techniques.

COMMUNICATION AWARENESS - 20 HOURS
Students will learn how to develop their own self-awareness through a varity of methods, i.e. breathing techniques, movements, role-playing and group discussions.

BODY AWARENESS AND MOVEMENT - 15 HOURS
This course develops in the student a proper sense of boundaries and a good sense of personal center in order to form a professional relationship with a client. Alsi to understand and maintain proper mechanical use of our bodies so as to prevent injury.

PATHOLOGY AND CRITICAL THINKING - 18 HOURS
Safety and disease processes encountered by the massage therapist, i.e. when it is safe to touch and when it is not. This course discusses hygiene and critical thinking as it applies to massage.

ETHICS AND THE THERAPIST - 5 HOURS
This class will explore moral isues such as client confidentiality, client boundaried and professional standards.

BUSINESS PRACTICES - 10 HOURS
To prepare students to understand the business side of a massage therapy practice. To learn how to write a resume, how to self-promote, how to advertise, discuss business cards, brochures, how to network and how to succeed.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) - 3.5 HOURS
The student learns how to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke and what to do of they occur and how to treat repiratory distress and choking.