These advanced classes are available to the 600 and 1000 hour program students or any manual practitioners, health and fitness professionals who would greatly benefit by additional information for their on going professional development. Classes can be taken on an individual basis and equates to $15 an hour. Click on any highlighted class name below and it will take you to the class description.

Each class will be offered at least once every two years and most classes will be scheduled to meet twice weekly for 4 hours at each meeting. The length of weeks that the class will last is determined by the hours the class is offering.

These seminars are designed to be a fun way to incorporate a kinesthetic and visual approach to learning human anatomy. Each seminar is broken down into separate musculoskeletal sections and are 16 hour units. Students will learn about and explore the musculoskeletal system in depth by creating muscles out of clay and positioning them on a specially-made quarter-size skeleton. Students will come to a new awareness of the three-dimensional layering of the muscular system through the use of this revolutionary teaching method. They will then locate the muscles on each other by finding their origins and insertions on the bony landmarks of the skeletal system. Resisted action of the muscle during palpation will then add validation to what they are finding under their hands and erase any possible uncertainty around where the muscles are and what they do. Hands-on functional anatomy will support traditional study, thus enabling the students to retain what their hands have learned.

Lower Limb Seminar:
This seminar includes training in palpation of specific anatomic structures of the pelvis, thigh, leg and foot.

Upper Limb Seminar:
This seminar includes training in palpation of specific anatomic structures of the anterior thorax, shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand

Spine Seminar:
This seminar includes training in palpation of specific anatomic structures of the head, neck, Temporomadibular joint, thorax, and pelvis.

Anatomy and Physiology Body System Series (48 hours)

These seminars are designed to be highly informational and help manual practitioners, health and fitness professionals have a greater understanding of how these systems affect their clientele. Each seminar is broken down into separate body systems and are 16 hour units. These seminars will introduce the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, lymphatic, and digestive systems. Basic anatomy and physiology of these systems will be covered along with the interrelationships with the musculoskeletal systems. Students will learn about and explore these systems in depth by creating them out of clay and positioning them on a specially made quarter-size skeleton. Hands on functional anatomy will support traditional study, thus enabling the students to retain what their hands have learned. This course will also include an in depth exploration into how each system can begin a descent into “dis- ease” or pathology, through changes in physiology. Specific ailments and their indications for bodywork will be covered which will illuminate how disharmony manifests in each system. Once levels of dysfunction are understood, students will have a greater understanding of how to facilitate a shift back to health.

The seminars will be broken down into the following body systems:

-Endocrine / Nervous Systems
-Integumentary / Lymphatic Systems
-Digestive Systems

Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy (120 hours)

Students will learn techniques to access the deeper layers of soft tissue as well as a healthy approach to moving through the more superficial ones so they may most effectively stimulate the body's natural healing process. Advanced palpation skills will be taught and applied anatomy used in order to develop the specificity needed to work with connective tissue at its deepest levels. Trigger point theory will be discussed and refined through explorations of dysfunctional tissue. This class is bodywork intensive and an emphasis will be placed on learning through experience. Upon completion of the class students will be able to address any Myofascial pain syndrome in the body with a powerful sensitivity. 21 of the 120 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Sports Massage (60 hours)

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and experience that it takes to work with athletes and with the injuries to the “soft tissue” of the musculoskeletal system that they often encounter. Pre- and post- event massage, hydrotherapy and an introduction to PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching will be presented to support the health of the athlete/client. Protocols using James Cyriax's work with Deep Transverse Friction will be thoroughly covered to help rehabilitate your active clients when their bodies break down due to overuse and/or trauma. 20 of the 60 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy (70 hours)

Discover the gentle art of Craniosacral therapy. This modality is subtle yet extremely powerful, and its effects are felt throughout the body. Craniosacral therapy works with the connective tissue that surrounds the central nervous system and holds cerebrospinal fluid. In this course, students will learn to find and evaluate the body's craniosacral system and its rhythm. The basic techniques to give a complete craniosacral session will be taught, and students will learn how to design an individual session based on their client's needs. Ample practice and review time will be included, allowing for the expansion of one's skills. Upon completion of the class, the student will be able to seamlessly integrate craniosacral therapy into his or her existing practice. 21 of the 70 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Advanced Craniosacral Therapy (40 hours)

This class is a continuation of the introductory class and begins to focus in on specific aspects of the craniosacral system and addresses in depth disorders within the rhythm. More techniques that facilitate an unwinding of the connective tissue within the dural tube will be taught. Students will learn additional ways to increase the healthy flow of cerebrospinal fluid and will hone their awareness skills at the same time.

Shiatsu (60 hours)

Students will learn the ancient Japanese art of Shiatsu, which combines massage and acupressure into a powerful bodywork modality. The emphasis in Shiatsu is on the energy rather than the anatomy of the body. The meridian system of Chinese medicine will be learned as well as techniques to facilitate the movement of chi (energy) throughout this system. The relations between the flow of energy along the meridians and the physiology of the body will be discussed. Upon completion of this class students will be able to give a full-body Shiatsu session.

Myofascial Release (60 hours)

The techniques taught will focus on the removal of restrictions and adhesions in the fascial system, the network of connective tissue that holds the body together and gives it form. This fascial system is within every part of the body. Restrictions in the fascia can result in or will play a part in most dysfunction in the body. Students will learn how to soften and increase mobility of connective tissue that has become immobile. Specific techniques will be learned that shift fascial problems within the entire system.

Lymphatic Drainage (40 hours)

Students will learn about the lymphatic system and how it functions. They will learn techniques that move the lymph fluid through its system of vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system is largely a passive one that requires outside forces to move it. Massage is an excellent outside force to facilitate movement and health in this important system. This gentle and rhythmic massage is used to improve healing, to remove the accumulation of wastes in the body's tissues, and to facilitate general wellness.

Hand and Foot Reflexology (20 hours)

Did you know that your entire body can be accessed and affected by massaging your hands and feet? Ancient peoples mapped out the entire body on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Various organs and parts of the body connect to areas of the feet and hands. Massaging those points or areas has a profound affect on the corresponding parts of the body. Students will learn how to find the organs, glands, and various sections of the body by using this “map” of the hands and feet. They will discover ways to discern areas of blockage through practice and will be given tools to affect change in those areas and the entire body as a whole.

Visceral Manipulation (40 hours)

Techniques to increase visceral health will be the focus of this class. The health of this area is key to health within the entire body as the balance between our vital organs needs to be sustained and free from restriction. Anatomy and physiology specific to the visceral cavity will be covered. Techniques to remove restrictions and facilitate normal function will be taught and practiced. Contraindications and indications given will help to remove any hesitancy or uncertainty in working within this area of the body. 12 of the 40 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Pregnancy Massage (48 hours)

Prenatal, labor and postpartum massage will be taught. Students will learn how to comfortably work with women throughout their pregnancies including positioning, contraindications, and specific musculoskeletal issues relating to each stage of the process. Students will learn how to properly bolster and work on a woman in a side-lying position and ways to access the anatomy of the body in this new position. By discussing the physiology of the pre- and perinatal time students will gain confidence in identifying potential problems and will discuss what to do and not do given each circumstance. Pregnancy radically changes a woman's body from week to week and specific musculoskeletal challenges accompany these changes. Students will be given tools to meet the ever-changing needs of their clients as they go through this process from conception to birth to the postpartum phase.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (30 hours)

This class will focus on releasing the musculature that affects the Temporomandibular Joint. Both external and internal techniques will be taught. Students will leave the class with a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and the common imbalances that can be found there. They will also come away with a thorough understanding of how to support and facilitate change in clients that have this chronic debilitating level of dysfunction. Help restore healthy functioning and help get your clients off theor pain medication! 9 of the 30 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Advanced Swedish (40 hours)

This course will explore advanced techniques of Swedish massage while polishing and refining techniques already learned. Refining body mechanics and correcting bad habits will be a main focus. Many new approaches to the same old body parts will be given. This class will increase the student's ability to give seamless and smooth massages. 12 of the 40 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Emotional Awareness Skills (20 hours)

This class will explore the issues of touch, responsibility, ethics and boundaries as they pertain to the emotional components of bodywork. Students will learn how to deal with their clients' emotional releases during sessions. They will also learn how to deal with their own emotions when they surface in a session and their attendant responsibilities. Finally, students will gain a greater awareness of the client-therapist relationship.

Compressive Deep Tissue

Introduction (12 hours) & Advanced (38 hours)

Welcome to the technique that will save your hands, enhance your practice, and satisfy your clients. Students will learn effortless, potent ways to: work deeply without fatigue, melt client armoring, relieve chronic pain, soften and broaden muscle and fascia, break up painful, adherent scars, release deeply held tension, and leave a smile on their clients' faces. CDT is done clothed, in a communal setting, on futons with pillows for bolsters. The therapists use their feet as compression tools, bringing a Western anatomical and physiologic perspective to time honored eastern techniques. In the introductory weekend, students will learn the basics of using their feet and practice a protocol that can be used as a full session or in parts to support other table-based modalities. In the advanced class, students will work each major muscle group from the feet up to the shoulders using applied and functional anatomy to achieve a specific, desired result. Their balance and footwork will be polished and refined and a focus on developing an increased sensitivity on the bottom of the foot will be concentrated upon. 8 of the 38 hours will be spent in a supervised clinic.

Chair Massage (20 hours)

This class will teach one how to give a massage to someone who is seated in a chair. How to access the muscles and tissues in this upright position will be covered and an emphasis on proper body mechanics will be a constant theme throughout the class. Chair massage is perfect for those therapists who wish to go into businesses or public settings to give short, rejuvenating massages. Many businesses budget for this sort of activity and offer this service to their employees and many public events welcome this type of service. Chair massage can be done almost anywhere from public places to quiet offices and is a powerful, quick way to help another person relax and connect with themselves.

CPR and First Aid (5 hours)

American Red Cross CPR and First Aid will be taught in this class. Students will learn how to recognize and respond to an emergency. Students will learn how to determine the nature of the emergency and how to provide basic care for an injury or sudden illness until professional medical help can get there. Upon completion of this class, students will receive a certificate from the American Red Cross stating the skills for which they have been trained.

Introduction to Jin Shin Jyutsu (30 hours)

Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) is an acupressure technique developed by a Japanese teacher named Jiro Murai in the early part of the twentieth century. It stimulates and balances the flow of energy (chi) in the body through the simple technique of holding pairs of points until the pulsation of chi is equalized. This has the effect of relaxing the body and helping the recipient access deeper feelings and levels of awareness. There are JSJ releases — called flows — for the twelve main organ meridians, two mid-line meridians as defined in Chinese medicine, as well, as other flows which address physical and emotional imbalances. This class will provide a useful mix of balancing flows and main organ meridian flows. Students will become proficient in flow technique and client assessment. Spiritual perspectives will be explored and students will be encouraged to connect with their healing gifts.

Advanced Jin Shin Jyutsu (40 hours)

This class will expand the knowledge base of Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) that was cultivated in the introductory class. New flows will be introduced and the system of JSJ will be explored in depth.

Nutrition 101 (20 hours)

Students will learn about the cell: what it is, how it obtains energy, and what it needs to function and thrive. Students will use this information to glean a better understanding of how the human body functions through the understanding of the cell and what its needs are for health. They will learn a general overview of nutrition as well as the specifics pertaining to proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and co-factors. The students will gain an understanding of the important organs and systems in relation to nutrition focusing on blood sugar, metabolism, the immune system, elimination, digestion, and absorption. Finally we will discuss common health conditions in relation to nutrition, nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Business Skills (20 hours)

This class will focus on the business aspects of massage. The different ways one can set up a practice whether one works for a spa or for oneself will be covered. Ways to build one's practice and the importance of professionalism will be stressed. Ways to promote oneself to develop a clientele will also be covered including marketing and volunteering one's services. The importance of building one's skills will be included.

Supervised Clinic (50 hours)

Learning in a supervised setting is an invaluable opportunity to rapidly increase one's knowledge base in an area of interest. Upon completing a new class, therapists often find it is difficult to seamlessly integrate a new modality into their existing practices until some experience beyond the classroom is attained. The supervised clinics offer students an opportunity to practice their new skills on numerous clients in a short period of time and gain the confidence and experience necessary to successfully add the new modality into their private practices. The supervision allows students to ask questions and have an instructor, who has years of experience in the area, guide and teach them individually while working on their client. Students who wish to continue their education in the clinic setting may choose to do so for an additional 50 hours of training. This opportunity may be repeated twice for a total of 100 hours.

National Certification Exam Preparation (20 hours)

This class will cover everything you need to know to pass the National Exam. It will be a practice session using “The Guide,” a study guide to the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The class will cover each chapter in depth and will include regular practice tests to prepare the students for what to expect. Upon completion of the class, if the student has completed the correct number of hours of study to sit for the exam, the student should be able to pass the exam and receive their National Certification.