This 120-Hour Advanced Class is designed for Massage Therapists (classes meet on weekends)

Shiatsu Module (35 Hours)
An introduction into the basic principles and philosophy of Shiatsu; the Meridians, Different points in the body, Signs of Imbalance, and Yin Yang Theory. Learn a sequence, which you will be able to incorporate into your massage therapy practice easily.

Shiatsu involves medium to strong pressure applied to the clothed body by use of the Shiatsu practitioner's palms, fingers, thumbs and sometimes elbows. Shiatsu combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with practices similar to those of acupuncture, but is performed without needles.

Like acupuncturists, Shiatsu practitioners believe that our vital life force ("chi" or "qi") flows in connected channels ("meridians") throughout the body. An organ's chi is contacted at certain points along the meridian. Shiatsu attempts to systematically stimulate the body by pressing on points along the meridians. This finger pressure stimulates the local nerves and tissues, influencing the flow of chi throughout the meridian. This permits your natural healing power to surface and act.

Shiatsu combines both meridian stretches with pressure to the meridians and individual points on the body. On a physical level, this has an effect on the circulatory and lymphatic systems, assisting the body to release toxins. Poor or blocked chi circulation causes disharmonies such as pain, emotional stress, fatigue, depression and ultimately, disease. Proper chi circulation along the meridians creates harmonious movement and balance throughout the body.

Reflexology Module (35 Hours)
We will address and work with the imbalances in the feet and hands through reflexology. By working on these points / imbalances, the therapist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to specific areas and organs, as well as to the whole body.

Learn to use pressure points to heal & revitalize the entire body. By using this focused form of acupressure you will be able to help aid circulation, help detoxification and glandular muscular & nerve functioning.

Reflexology helps to calm the emotions, release tension & is a powerful therapeutic technique to incorporate into your current massage therapy practice.

Deep Tissue and Trigger Module (50 Hours)
This is for massage therapists who are interested in the clinical applications of massage therapy with a goal-oriented approach to alleviating pain and discomfort

Deep tissue massage reveals trigger points and referral zones, includes assessment of structural alignment and musculoskeletal patterns, and manipulation of the deep tissue fibers through muscle stripping, cross fiber and stretching. (Cross fiber is a technique for powerfully stimulating the myofascial tissue and breaking up adhesions and congestion in the tissue fibers.)

You will learn the most common trigger points, their referred pain patterns, their location and different pressures of application. You will learn to release tension in deep tissues without causing pain, and to use your hands without hurting them. Learn specific hand positions and strokes designed to enhance the effectiveness of your work, which can be immediately incorporated into your current massage therapy practice. You will learn cautions and contraindications, and a description of emotional considerations in common injuries…and more.

We will focus on the neck, back & hip stabilizers. You will learn a variety of techniques for working the deep tissue fibers of the muscles and connective tissue.

Students will have time in each module of the class to give and receive shiatsu, reflexology and deep tissue under the supervision of the instructor.

• Advanced Massage Therapist (250 hour)
• Massage Therapist (130 hours)
• Master Massage Therapist (500 hours)
• Clinical Master Massage Therapist (720 hours)

• Chair Massage (3 hour)
• Deep Tissue Massage (35 CEUs)
• Lymphatic Massage (12 hour)