COURSE DESCRIPTION
- Anatomy and Physiology - Provides in-depth knowledge
of the major systems of the body and how they interact and relate to massage
therapy. Emphasis will be given to the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems to
give the students a comprehensive working knowledge of the body, directly transferable and
applicable to the hands-on approach to massage therapy.
- Kinesiology - Provides an in-depth knowledge of the
skeletal muscles, the mechanics and intricacies of human muscle movement.
- Pathology - The study of diseases with emphasis on
contraindications in massage therapy.
- Swedish Massage - A series of massage movements based
on the works of Per Henrik Ling of Sweden, used for stress reduction and a general feeling
of well being. This method is the most comprehensive and systematic method of
massage used in the country today. This is the best all around introduction to the
learning of the hands on technique of massage therapy, producing an excellent euphoric
feeling in the client. Students will learn Swedish massage movements such as
effleurage, petrissage, tapotement or percussion, friction, vibration, rocking, shaking,
jostling, and range of motion or joint movements. These movements will be taught as a
complete choreographed dance that will encompass every major muscle and joint.
- Swedish Massage Video Practicum - Students
have the opportunity to practice on each other while following the video tape of the
massage being learned. This helps students improve their massage skills.
- Swedish Massage Practicum - Once a student has
demonstrated proficiency in Swedish Massage to the instructional staff, they are ready to
practice these techniques on people outside of class. Students may use their own
friends or family for these practice sessions. Students are given an evaluation form
to filled out by their clients. This form is designed to help the therapist hone in
his/her skills. According to the law, students cannot charge or receive gratuities
for these massages.
- Lab Time - It is recommended that a student spend
approximately six hours per week doing outside of class lab time. These hours may be
allocated according to the individual student. For example, one student may choose
to spend one hour per day working on outside class expenses; another student may choose
to spend this 5time in two three (3) hour sessions. Lab time includes activities
such as chapter study guides, anatomy coloring books, quizzes and computerized
tests. All these activities are designed to enhance the students learning individual
study time, preparation for tests, or other individual experiences not specifically
originated or prepared by the West-Wind Academy.
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