Massage Therapy Training Program

Massage Therapy Training Program

Massage or conscious, skilled touch is a healing tool that has been used since 3,000 BC! Drawing from a variety of bodywork methods, our training program provides a distillation and blending of approaches to guide the student to his or her own inner wellspring of knowledge and intuition.  Students not only gain experience and skills, but confidence, sensitivity, awareness and presence.  Each level consists of 120 hours, for a total of 600 hours, which includes 20 hours of supervised student clinic as part of levels two through five. (A clock hour is defined as a minimum of 50 minutes of insrtuction within a 60 minute period.)

Level One – Introduction to Massage Theory and Practice

Level one is an introductory course and the gateway to our program.  Students are exposed to and practice primarily Swedish, relaxing massage.  Students also study the basic human skeletal and muscular systems including the bony landmarks necessary to perform professional, therapeutic massage.

After completion of this course the student shall:

1.    Identify and understand fundamental, professional massage theory

2.   Display acquired knowledge of essential human anatomy and physiology and kinesiology

3.   Apply, practice and develop massage techniques necessary to offer a high quality, professional massage

4.  Demonstrate an awareness of the proper body mechanics to conserve energy and to avoid   

     personal injury                                                          

5.   Reveal increased levels of awareness and sensitivity toward self and others

Level Two – Advanced Massage Theory and Technique

Level two focuses primarily on Advanced Massage Therapy, and introduces students to a variety of advanced bodywork and energy medicine techniques.  This course allows for the time to integrate these modalities into an effective and creative style that is unique to each student.

After completion of the course this student shall:

1.   Be a Level I Certified Reiki Practitioner      

2.   Be a Certified Pranic Healing Practitioner

3.   Be able to perform a full body Deep Touch Massage

4.   Integrate Pressure Point Therapy

5.  Have a working knowledge of Shiatsu

Level Three – Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology

Level three builds on the information gained in level one.  In this course, students will become familiar with the basic workings of the human system through the study of various diseases and health conditions associated with the organ systems and will consider the factors relating to massage being indicated or contraindicated.  Students continue to expand their sense of being present in body and mind.

After completion of the course this student shall:

1.      Have an understanding of the basic form and functions of the body and its major organ systems

2.      Connect the knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with the daily experience of the massage therapist

3.      Have a basic understanding of various “dis-eases” and health condition of the organ systems, including when and why massage may or may not be indicated

Level Four – Business and Supportive Studies

Level four provides students with the critical information necessary to deal with the practical business aspect of becoming a professional massage therapist.  This includes:  business mastery, ethics, massage law and standards, networking, developing discipline, resume and cover letters, tours of massage therapy businesses, chair massage techniques and business methods, and CPR/First Aid Certification.

After completion of the course this student shall:

1.      Have a basic understanding of the current industry, trends and forecasts

2.      Have an updated resume and cover letter

3.      Have a working knowledge of chair massage as a modality and as a business

4.      Develop a business plan

Level Five – Myofascial Massage

This specialized course of study teaches about the fascial system of the body and its relationship to muscle tissue and function.  Fascia is involved in every aspect of the body.  When fascia is compromised, pain and dysfunction ultimately result.  In this course, students come to understand and to treat the effects of injury, trauma, and overuse of fascia, using techniques that range from energetic fascia release to Myofascial trigger point release.

After completion of the course this student shall:

1.      Palpate superficial and deep fascia, and identify patterns of restriction

2.      Assess fascial restrictions based on a client’s pain patterns and injury history, and develop a plan of  treatment

3.      Integrate Myofascial Release with basic and advanced massage therapy techniques

Healing Arts Center 2601 South Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63143
Phone: 314-647-8080, Toll-Free: 1-866-647-8080, Fax: 314-647-8134