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.

This program is based on the following core classes:

• Deep Tissue: Level I
• Deep Tissue: Level II
• Hot Stone Massage
• Lomi-Lomi Beginning Massage
• Massage for Seniors: Beginning
• Shiatsu: Introduction to Table Massage*
• Therapeutic Touch: Beginning*
• Tui Na Chinese Massage*

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 hrs
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.

Please visit the Course Schedule page for more details on all the programs or to register for classes at California Institute of Massage & Spa Services.

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