This is a very practical training. The emphasis is on learning through guided, direct experience. While some practical theory will be included when necessary, such as musculo-skeletal anatomy and dealing with specific conditions, students will be required to study the background to, and theory of massage outside of tuition time.
The course will not include an Anatomy & Physiology qualification. Students will be notified that this must be taken separately and that this qualification will be needed if they wish to practice professionally.
Recognised certificates in A & P can be taken online, cheaply and at ones convenience.
Minimum tuition hours – 18
Training is offered in a flexible, modular fashion. It will also be given in small classes of no more than 4 students at a time. This allows tailoring the class material to the needs of those present.
The transmission of the practitioner’s thoughts and feelings through their hands and energy field
Exercises in communicating different states through touch
Introduction to non-verbal communication
A need for a clear mind and heart when massaging another. Massage as healing and blessing
Connecting with oneself before the start of massage, then making connection with client
Working with the breath – client’s and practitioner’s
The importance of a personal practice for the practitioner to maintain energy levels, health and awareness
Being an inspiration to the client
Attuning to one’s self and the client during the session. Empathy and expanding awareness
Maintaining presence during the session and counteracting a wandering mind
Giving the session as a blessing to both parties
Listening & observation skills, clear practitioner communication and boundaries. Professionalism
Establishing trust, rapport, making sure client is at ease, open and receptive
Taking medical history and becoming clear on any client medical conditions
Note taking, consultation forms and receiving client consent (verbal and written) for treatment
Creating a client lifestyle profile. The holistic overview to treatment. Confidentiality
Keeping and storing client details and treatment records. Confidentiality with records
Using the consultation to establish any contra-indications. The nature of contra-indications
Total contra-indiactions, local contra-indiactions and other conditions requiring close attention and adaptations to treatment
Client medications & parallel treatment with other practitioners. Referrals
Situations requiring doctors consent/notification involving certain client medical conditions
Client care, communication of proposed session to client. Planning the massage session
Undressing and maintaining client modesty
Maintaining hygiene. Sanitation. Clean towels and working environment. Couch roll. Removal of jewellery when working
Need for short nails and management of long hair
Possible adaptations to the massage couch to support client’s needs
Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Percussion or Tapotement and Vibration
Use of pressure, tempo and rhythm to produce different effects
Application of massage techniques with different parts of body e.g. hands, fingers, forearms
Practical working anatomy/physiology will be taught with the application of techniques
Palpatory skills, feeling the condition of the different tissues, muscle tension, misalignment etc.
Towel technique, maintaining client modesty during treatment, moving from prone to supine
Carrier oils for use during massage. Different oils. Working with the different skin types
Possible reactions during/after massage e.g. skin redness, itchiness, pain, coldness, tiredness
Each part of the body – back, back of legs, front of legs, abdomen, arms, chest, neck and face, head – will be worked with in turn, applying each technique and working with different body shapes
Creating pain and stress free working posture for the practitioner, and fluidity of movement
Optimum table height, using the table to support the practitioner, working with centre of gravity
Basic bio-mechanics of practitioner’s working body
Positioning of the client’s limbs and of the practitioner in relation to the client’s body, for maximum efficiency and application of techniques, in each position
Dealing with unlikely emergency situation such as client passing out with low blood sugar
General lifestyle suggestions for improvement with exercise, rest and relaxation, diet etc.
Limitations of massage and recommendations for other therapies when appropriate
Possible ‘healing crisis’ symptoms following treatment. Advising client’s on dealing with these and the need for rest and fluids/rehydration after massage in order to help cleanse the body
Students will be required to study the history of Swedish/Holistic massage
Study of the techniques, and experimenting with other techniques. This includes book study and practical application with study partners. Study of contra-indications, medical conditions and general aspects of the client practitioner relationship
Students will be encouraged to take an Anatomy & Physiology qualification alongside the course to enhance their understanding and practical learning
Body Massage for Holistic Therapists by Francesca Gould
Continuous assessment of the students progress will be employed
After the minimum hours required tuition, additional tuition may be suggested or requested if necessary. Students will then be required to complete a number of case studies – 3 massages given to 5 people with a brief written report of each session and client. Students will be advised on taking case study notes, to include client profile, treatment plan, the session & conclusion/reflections
Once case studies are completed and submitted, a practical exam will be given in which each student will be required to massage me (Jag Reeves). Feedback and encouragement will be given
The need for insurance when studying and practicing. Suggested professional bodies and insurers
Possible licensing need with local authorities to practice
The use of having a First Aid certificate or knowledge of this to deal with emergencies
Need for referrals to GP’s, other practitioners etc.
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London, East Sussex, UK & Worldwide
+44 (0)7958 561 467
enquiries@jag-reeves.com
Skype – jag.reeves