The Massage Technician Program: Trains Students For Entry Level Employment In The Field Of Massage By Providing Professional Quality Instruction. This Program Is Approved For 180 Hours Of Instruction In The Following Areas:
Reflexology
with emphasis on the feet.
Esalen/ Swedish Massage
with development of an extensive, full body sequence.
Anatomy And Physiology
including muscles, bones and systems of the body and their relationship to massage.
Body Mechanics
practitioner self-care is the primary focus.
Aromatherapy
indulge yourself through nature's gift of essential oils.
Business Skills
both practical and creative.
Ethics
holding clear intention and boundaries.
Effective Client/practitioner Communication
maintaining clarity and integrity.
Practitioner Self-care
stretching, centering and grounding.
Outside Practice
developing technique, strength and professional confidence.
Advanced Massage I Program
Offered By California Institute Of Massage & Spa Services' School Of Massage In Northern California, Is Approved For 120 Hours Of Instruction And Outside Practice Hours. Advanced I Follows The Completion Of The Massage Technician Program. It Is Designed To Allow The Student To Lean Into And Experience A Variety Of Areas, Which Serve To Expand Techniques For Working With Clients. This Program Expands The Student Into A More Serious, Professional Level. This Program Includes The Following Areas Of Instruction:
Energy Balancing
utilizes several techniques for developing more subtle work with the energy field of the client.
Trigger Point
for a more specific, detailed focus often utilized for muscle soreness or tension.
Side-lying Massage
provides a full body sequence which expands the practitioners skills for special needs such as pregnancy or injury where a client is only comfortable on their side.
Seated Massage
for on-site chair or desk massage at the office or on the beach.
Advanced Anatomy And Physiology
an overall a & p review along with specifics for origin, insertion and action of muscles.
Quality Of Touch
an opportunity to investigate intention and touch.
Advanced Massage Ii Program
The Advanced Massage Ii Program Is Approved For 120 Hours Of Instruction. The Pre-requisite For This Program Is The Massage Technician Program Except For Core Classes Identified With Asterisks. These Classes* Are Open To Beginning Students And To The Community. A Certificate Of Completion Is Provided On Completion Of The Following Core Classes.
Deep Tissue: Level I - 28 Hours
point specific work for upper body and lower body: deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused body work, using very little oil or lubricant. through layer palpation, the therapist assesses the quality of the underlying tissue, detecting areas of restriction or hypertonicity. students will learn specific techniques to release myofascial restrictions through slow, directed strokes and pressures. they will learn how to utilize painless soft tissue techniques working with over 100 muscles, focus on joints of the ankle, knee, hip, spine, and shoulder. included will be introduction to development of assessment skills along with ability to identify and release specific soft tissue patterns. principles and fundamentals of deep tissue work, body mechanics and safety concerns for you and your client will be covered as will basic anatomy and contraindications for massage. deep tissue: level ii, putting it all together, follows this class for overall body assessment and effective tracking patterns once you have established your specific point work in this first level.
Deep Tissue: Level Ii - 14 Hours
putting it all together: this integrative class delves into assessment skills for full body assessment, identification and release of soft tissue patterns, integrate techniques and skills into your current massage, develop a unique system of soft tissue release, postural analysis as well as specific therapeutic exercises that re-educate and re-align muscle tissue. learn to effectively follow the anatomy train as it involves tracking the anatomical patterns due to injury around the overall body. continued awareness of principles and fundamentals of deep tissue work, body mechanics and safety concerns for you and your client will be covered as will basic anatomy and contraindications for massage.
Hot Stone Massage - 13 Hours
explore the history of healing stone therapy; stones and therapeutic value; caring for stones; equipment; indications and contraindications; demonstration of technique and student practicum for developing full body technique, integrating hot stones into massage.
Lomi-lomi Beginning Massage - 20 Hours
develop techniques utilizing efficient moves and proper body mechanics where repetitive massage is required, ie. spa setting. class includes background information on lomi lomi. experience movement of the dance-like pattern called the flight of the frigit. learn appropriate use of the forearm, with different rhythms, speeds and depths designed to save wrists and hands from repetitive use and injury along with complete demonstration and practicum of a 1 to 1 1/2 hour lomi-lomi massage.
Massage For Seniors Beginning - 17 Hours
physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging. client assessment, cautions and contraindications. modification of standard massage techniques and development of special methods to suit each client's individual needs focusing on relief of ailments common to seniors. practicum involves hands-on work with elders. establishing a geriatric massage practice. integrating elder techniques into your regular massage.
Shiatsu: Introduction To Table Massage - 9 Hours
this class is an introduction to eastern healing and philosophy. techniques utilizing "finger pressure", meridian stimulation, stretches and breath work are all explored and combined in this table massage. integrate these simple shiatsu techniques into a relaxing, full-body sequence for clients, friends or for your partner as a couples massage.
Therapeutic Touch Beginning - 16 Hours
explore the therapeutic functions of the human energy field, centering techniques, use of hands as a focus for healing. develop and work with energy to bring the client's field into balance with the body's own natural healing processes.
Tui Na Chinese Massage - 3 Hours
learn how to relax and energize your client with this eastern technique. using very active movement you tap, pound, pinch, knead, vibrate, push, press, and apply range of motion. it is applied over meridian areas to open up and stimulate body circulation and chi flow overall. developing awareness of chi supports the physical application and activity of this technique. this is quite often used effectively in sports massage.
Advanced Massage Iii Program
Cranio-sacral Therapy - 17 Hours
in this introduction workshop you will learn the rhythm of the cranial-sacral system. learn structural and membraneous release techniques. release tension in the transverse membrane system and allow the cerebral-spinal fluid to flow. this modality was developed by john upledger and is a well-researched technique for balancing the health of the nervous system.
Herbals For Face & Body - 5 Hours
practical applications for face and body care with herbs, essential oils and flower essences; create your own products for home use (lotions, scrubs, bath salts and herbal misters) using natural ingredients, herbal first aid for home and travel. have fun and take home products.
Lomi-lomi Advanced Massage - 13 Hours
fine tune your lomi-lomi practice with reviewing techniques from the beginning lomi-lomi class along with adding new, more advanced techniques to enhance the function and flow of the full body massage.
Touch For Health I - 16 Hours
touch for health is a method of using muscle monitoring as an energy read out for the body. in the 16 hour touch for health i workshop, the student will learn how to monitor 14 different muscles bilaterally as a means of assessing the energy flow in each of 14 different chinese acupressure meridians. as well, 5 energy balancing techniques will be taught for those muscles that indicate imbalances in the energy flow of the respective meridian. by balancing the energy of the entire meridian system this way, the body is able to access its innate healing ability. several other techniques will be shared for simple pain relief, increased range of motion, and emotional stress management.
Massage For Seniors Intermediate - 17 Hours
in this intermediate level class you will review basic day break massage techniques, receive expanded information on pathologies; learn how to massage for more advanced stages of common aging ailments; have more experience massaging seniors and visit a local nursing home.
Meditation - 6 Hours
explore several techniques of meditation which lead to greater self awareness and inner peace.
Mind Body Connection - 9 Hours
overview of the latest advances in mind/body techniques including visualization, breathwork, meditation and hands-on practices that promote stress reduction. excellent for self care or non-invasive client contact.
Reiki: Level Ii - 8 Hours
usui method reiki: introduction to concepts and history of reiki along with receiving first level attunements, basic skills and hand patterns.
Reiki: Level Ii - 8 Hours
usui method reiki and tibetan seichim: introduction to symbols and hand patterns along with receiving second level attunements. develop skills working with energy using symbols.
Reiki: Level Iii - 8 Hours
master level: learn to teach reiki patterns and give attunements along with developing concepts of distance healing. receive third level attunements.
Shiatsu Advanced - 9 Hours
this class will meet to review and practice techniques learned in the 100 hour shiatsu program as well as learn additional advanced techniques. each evening will focus on a specific modality of shiatsu and will involve the practice and exploration of that modality. this continuing practice will serve to strengthen the student's awareness and practical skills of shiatsu by exploring the pressure points, energy release, and physical techniques of the whole body. session 1 = head, neck and shoulders. session 2 = arms and torso. session 3 = legs and hips.
Shiatsu: Barefoot - 9 Hours
introduction to basic shiatsu concepts; floor technique using hands and feet to massage and stretch the body designed to stimulate acupressure points and balance the body's meridians for a full body routine. relaxing and fun to do.
Spa Services Program
The Spa Services Program Is A Unique Opportunity To Experience First-hand Some Of The Therapeutic, Restorative And Relaxing Treatments Usually Offered At The Worlds Great Spas. This Series Of Workshops Is Designed For Professionals In Massage, Natural Health And Skin Care, And Those Considering A Career In Spa Services. Or, This Course Can Be Taken As An Informative, Enjoyable Way To Develop A Home Health Care Routine Based On Proven Traditional Wisdom.
Aromatherapy
the power of aromas to affect our moods and emotions is well known. less known is the almost unlimited potential of essential oils to safeguard and improve our health. we cover the basic theory of aromatherapy and provide hands-on experience in some of its applications. using concentrated botanical extracts blended for their specific effects, we will explore the use of essential oils in massage, baths, compresses and steams. discover new ways to incorporate these delightful aromas into your current health and beauty routine.
Body Scrubs
these refreshing treatments cleanse and nourish the skin using various exfoliating agents. dry surface cells are buffed away while the invigorating effect on circulation oxygenates the skin from within. treatments end with a hydrating preparation. skin becomes clean, silky smooth and revitalized. products can include seasalt, dried herbs, and diatomes from the sea.
Drybrushing And Lymphatic Drybrushing
our skin is the largest organ of our body and has three important roles. it protects, aids absorption and allows elimination through the pores. healthy skin supports a healthy body. drybrushing is used to exfoliate dry surface cells, promote an increase in circulation, which encourage new cell development. lymphatic drybrushing is a very subtle and relaxing technique primarily designed to stimulate lymphatic movement throughout the system. it is based on the vodder diagram of lymphatic massage and is unique to cimss.
Face, Hand & Foot Treatment
these treatments focus on specific techniques for local applications. modalities include herbal compresses, baths, acupressure or reflexology massage and essential oils.
Essential Oil Aroma Wrap
this full body skin treatment feeds the skin with rich nourishment from essential oils and herbal infused creams. wrapped in a heat retaining environment, the clients natural body heat opens the pores of the body to allow better receptivity of the herbal mixture. this mixture provides a nourishing concentration of natures best-minerals, trace elements and vitamins, which detoxifies, rehydrates and softens the skin along with providing a deeply relaxing experience. a short reflexology to the feet and a delightful face massage further enhance and complete the experience.
Hydrotherapy
theory and techniques of various water applications, both hot and cold, are experienced in this part of the course. these include compresses and herbal wraps, which use moist heat and herbal infusions to stimulate de-toxification through the skin, the bodys most efficient path of elimination. you are wrapped in a fragrant cocoon of warmth scented by herbal teas specially blended to individual needs, while moist heat penetrates deep into the muscles promoting deep relaxation. an herbal wrap spa treatment is wonderfully calming and cleansing.
Mud Wrap
mud has long been valued for its healing properties. even animals have been known to use mud to heal wounds. rich in nutrients, soothing to the skin and able to promote sub-cutaneous detoxification, mud is effective in healing soft tissue. this treatment is both healthy and relaxing.
Paraffin Bath
warm wax is applied by brush or dipping. the penetrating heat is deeply soothing both to muscles and sore joints. ingredients added to the paraffin leave the skin very soft and supple.
Rejuvenator
this total body treatment draws from the ancient health and healing arts of india. this includes the application of a rich blend of herbs, essential oils, dry brushing, hot compresses and therapeutic massage which facilitates detoxification and revitalization of the mind, body and spirit.
Seaweed Wrap
seaweed has been prized since ancient times for its rich content of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and trace elements. a dry brush massage is used to stimulate circulation, promote detoxification and increase absorption of nutrients. a preparation of seaweed and aromatic oils is applied as a full-body mask, restoring the mineral balance so essential to the skins health while improving its ability to retain moisture.
Shiatsu Training Program
The Shiatsu Training Program Is Approved For 160 Hours Of Shiatsu Instruction. Shiatsu Is An Ancient Form Of Acupressure Passed Through Many Cultures Under Many Forums. The Word Actually Means "finger Pressure" And In This Class, We Will Explore The Different Styles And Techniques Of This Incredible Form Of Bodywork. The Shiatsu Training Program Includes The Following Areas Of Instruction:
Eastern Tradition
Pressure Techniques
Point Location
Meridians
Yin Yang Theory
Client/self Assessment
Shiatsu Form
Open Classes
Cimss Offers The Following Classes To The Public And To Anyone Who Is Interested. No Prior Experience Is Necessary To Attend These Classes:
Herbals For Face & Body - 5 Hours
practical applications for face and body care with herbs, essential oils and flower essences; create your own products for home use (lotions, scrubs, bath salts and herbal misters) using natural ingredients, herbal first aid for home and travel. have fun and take home products.
Meditation - 6 Hours
explore several techniques of meditation which lead to greater self awareness and inner peace.
Mind Body Connection - 9 Hours
overview of the latest advances in mind/body techniques including visualization, breathwork, meditation and hands-on practices that promote stress reduction. excellent for self care or non-invasive client contact.
Reiki: Level I - 8 Hours
usui method reiki: introduction to concepts and history of reiki along with receiving first level attunements, basic skills and hand patterns.
Reiki: Level Ii - 8 Hours
usui method reiki and tibetan seichim: introduction to symbols and hand patterns along with receiving second level attunements. develop skills working with energy using symbols.
Reiki: Level Iii - 8 Hours
master level: learn to teach reiki patterns and give attunements along with developing concepts of distance healing. receive third level attunements.
Shiatsu: Barefoot - 9 Hours
introduction to basic shiatsu concepts; floor technique using hands and feet to massage and stretch the body designed to stimulate acupressure points and balance the body's meridians for a full body routine. relaxing and fun to do.
Shiatsu: Chair
this fully clothed seated chair massage utilizes shiatsu techniques and stretches focusing on the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and back. it is designed to stimulate acupressure points and balance the body's meridians for a rejuvenating and uplifting routine. it may be offered as 10-30 min. sessions.
Shiatsu: Introduction To Table Massage - 9 Hours
this class is an introduction to eastern healing and philosophy. techniques utilizing "finger pressure", meridian stimulation, stretches and breath work are all explored and combined in this table massage. integrate these simple shiatsu techniques into a relaxing, full-body sequence for clients, friends or for your partner as a couples massage.
Sound Harmonics
healing with tuning forks: this class is open to anyone interested in studying sound healing. this introductory class introduces you to specific points often aligned with acupuncture meridian points higher harmonics and the inner nature of tone with more specific harmonics.
Stretching
demonstration and practice of simple stretches and positions that promote spinal health and joint range of motion. keep your active body limber and flexible.
Therapeutic Touch I And Ii
explore the therapeutic functions of the human energy field, centering techniques, use of hands as a focus for healing. develop and work with energy to bring the client's field into balance with the body's own natural healing processes.
Touch For Health I - 16 Hours
touch for health is a method of using muscle monitoring as an energy read out for the body. in the 16 hour touch for health i workshop, the student will learn how to monitor 14 different muscles bilaterally as a means of assessing the energy flow in each of 14 different chinese acupressure meridians. as well, 5 energy balancing techniques will be taught for those muscles that indicate imbalances in the energy flow of the respective meridian. by balancing the energy of the entire meridian system this way, the body is able to access its innate healing ability. several other techniques will be shared for simple pain relief, increased range of motion, and emotional stress management.
Tui Na Chinese Massage - 3 Hours
learn how to relax and energize your client with this eastern technique. using very active movement you tap, pound, pinch, knead, vibrate, push, press, and apply range of motion. it is applied over meridian areas to open up and stimulate body circulation and chi flow overall. developing awareness of chi supports the physical application and activity of this technique. this is quite often used effectively in sports massage.