Swedish Massage

This course explores the fundamental skills of massage therapy, providing a solid foundation of traditional Swedish techniques that will continue to evolve and be added to throughout the program. It also serves to orient practitioners in training to become comfortable and familiar in human therapeutic touch, incorporating many communication skills that are practiced to enhance the therapist's rapport and effectiveness with clients.

Deep Tissue Techniques

Once students have progressed through the traditional Swedish massage protocols, they transition into more specific deep tissue techniques to enhance the ability to address specific muscular conditions that will be present in their clientele. Body mechanics will be emphasized to ensure personal health and career longevity. Students become confident in working through the entire body with a variety of specific strokes and techniques to provide effective massage protocols.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology offers an exciting and interactive examination into the structure and function of the human body. Lessons are focused around the understanding of concepts that will allow students to gain insight into the fascinating inner-workings of the human body. The neuromuscular system is outlined as to prepare for further analysis and study throughout the program. Students will learn the musculoskeletal system and become competent in their abilities to perform practical location, palpation, and stretching practices.

Kinesiology for Bodyworkers

This extremely valuable course integrated into the Massage Practitioner's Program is unlike any other Kinesiology course you will find in massage certification programs in the country! Specific massage techniques are studied and practiced to release patterns of chronic pain and limitation of movement, realign posture and gait, improve athletic performance, and enhance the body's innate ability to achieve wellness are learned and practiced. Students will also learn therapeutic exercise and stretching applications for which they can guide their clients and patients along with self treatment massage techniques.

Pathology

This interactive course investigates a wide variety of health conditions common in today's society, and in particular those that massage therapists and bodyworkers frequently encounter in practice. Studies will focus on the origins, signs and symptoms, and traditional medical treatments of disease and musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The positive effects that therapeutic massage and bodywork offer are then considered and developed. This course is invaluable to practitioners, as they will face these conditions first hand as a professional.

Reflexology I

In this course, participants will learn to do a complete reflexology session highlighting the major organ systems of the body. Participants will learn a format for documenting their sessions, in order to enhance their comprehension for the remainder of the certification program. The benefit of this foundational course is that participants will be fully prepared to begin performing effective reflexology sessions in order to develop their professional proficiency as reflexologists. This level one course is also the first of three as students can pursue further studies in our 200-hour Professional Reflexology Certification Program at NAMTI.

HydroTherapy & SoulStones

Hydrotherapy is the various applications of water as a therapeutic tool. In this course students will learn how to effectively enhance their treatments with such practices. A major focus of this course is also to learn and practice skills in providing a variety of spa treatments that include mud baths, salt glows, several body wraps, hot stone treatments, and more! The various practices learned in this course are those popularly offered by spas throughout the country, and possessing such skills will make graduating students qualified to become employed in such settings.

Shiatsu (Namakoshi Style)

Shiatsu covers the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoist philosophy and meridian theory. Practical application of Shiatsu techniques allows practitioners to develop hour long full body Shiatsu treatments. This course will solidify a foundation for which students can pursue further advanced study in Shiatsu treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy and instruction as well.

TCM Theory I & II (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

This class covers the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory. It begins with an Introduction to Daoist Philosophy and the History of TCM. The concepts of Qi, Yin and Yang are then covered in an introductory way. With that background the students move on to detailed discussions of Five Element Theory; Qi Blood, and Body Fluids; The Eight Principles (Yin/Yang, Hot/Cold, Interior/Exterior, Excess/Deficiency); and the Six Divisions (Tai Yang, Yang Ming, Shao Yang, Tai Yin, Shao Yin, Jue Yin). This class also includes an introduction to tongue and pulse diagnosis. Additionally students are required to begin class with Qi Gong exercises to enhance their body awareness and give them a more visceral sense of the power of Qi.

MyoFascial Techniques

This course is designed to begin to understand and use manual myofascial techniques in bodywork treatments. We will consider articulating tissues and their BioMechanical Principles, fascial tissue structure and the Fluid-Model Dynamics, and Chi/Energy Body as distinct physiological layers operating as synergistic systems that can be manually treated in order to facilitate release and optimize movement and comfort in the human body. Specific manual techniques are demonstrated and practiced with supervision and individual instruction. Students will learn to perform whole body myofascial treatments, become competent in the techniques learned, and have a foundation to continually improve their therapeutic skills for future study.

CranioSacral Therapy

Introduction to Energetic Medicine (Reiki I)

During this class the students will be introduced to the profound healing that Reiki energy medicine offers. Students learn the history of this Japanese healing modality, the philosophy of Reiki, hand placements and meditations. During this first course a detailed explanation of the chakra system and discussions about energy medicine in general will also be implemented. Each student will have adequate time for giving and receiving at least two Reiki treatments. On the last day studenst receive the first level Reiki attunement in a lovely, healing ceremony.

Introduction to Structural Integration

This course introduces students to the system of deep tissue structural bodywork developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf and extended by Joseph Heller to include movement awareness education and dialogue. Students learn to apply slow-moving pressure with their knuckles, fingers, and elbows to the muscles, fascia, and other soft tissues to realign the body in the gravitational field. SI aims to affect the whole person, emotionally, physically, and energetically, by way of altering the alignment of the physical body and by increasing awareness of movement patterns. Students will experience this transformational form of bodywork themselves, bringing them into a state of ease that will greatly facilitate their work with others.

Aromatherapy

Topics covered in this class include the history of essential oils & aromatherapy, the science of essential oils and how they affect health & well-being, essential oils for self-care & client care, and incorporating aromatherapy into your massage therapy practice.

Fundamentals of TuiNa (Traditional Chinese Massage)

This class covers the fundamental principles and practices of TuiNa. Students will be instructed in basic QiGong exercise and the history and basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as Yin/Yang; Five Element Theory; Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids; and the "Four Pillars" of diagnosis - Inspection, Auscultation and Olfaction (listening and smelling), Inquiry, and Palpation. Most importantly, the practical hands-on component of the class will cover the proper therapeutic application of approximately 20 TuiNa hand techniques including Rolling (Gun), Pushing (Tui), Brushing (Mot), Grasping (Na), and Pressing (An) among others.

Lymphatic Massage

The lymphatic or "lymph" system is known as "the garbage disposal system" of the body. It is often referred to as the "second circulatory system" and flows throughout the entire body. It is through the lymphatic system that toxic substances move out of the body through the bloodstream. Within this course the student will understand the lymph system and how it affects health and the immune system. We will also explore the anatomy of the lymph system and how it can become blocked. By the end of this course the student should understand the anatomy of the lymph system as well as be able to do a full body lymphatic drain.

Traditional Thai Massage I (Nuad Bo-Rarn)

In the Level 1 training students are introduced to the 'front body' Thai Massage protocol. This protocol also includes some techniques for the back and head. Students learn techniques for initiating energy movement through the body. Thai meridians, main energy lines, pressure points and techniques for facilitating the body's physical, psychological, and spiritual balance are presented. Deeply focused abdominal work is included in this level. Overall, the Level 1 training introduces the student to the system of Thai Massage, its basic moves, and how the practitioner smoothly transitions from one technique to the next.

Tai-Chi & Qi Gong

The study and practice of Tai-Chi is integral to all programs at NAMTI. With a focused approach to understanding and sensing how one's internal energies can be harnessed, practitioners can begin to see the full potential that we all have to be the most effective in the therapeutic treatments we administer. At NAMTI we believe that in order to fully reach one's potential as a therapeutic practitioner, time needs to be spent on bringing your own self to an optimal level of well-being; and this course serves to provide you with a foundation of practice in these internal martial arts that will help you achieve continual progress in this domain. Body mechanics as they apply to the massage therapist are also considered.

Business Skills & Development

To be a successful professional in today's world requires certain basic knowledge and skills. This course provides excellent interactive instruction about the many facets of the massage therapy business. These classes teach the practical side of owning and running a small business. They include exercises to determine whether private practice is viable for the student, guidance in starting up a business, an introduction to creating a business plan, marketing and advertising suggestions, tax tips, and most importantly, a list of many resources the therapist can use in starting a business. By the end of this course, a student should have a good outline of how to open a private massage practice. Even if the goal of the student is to work in a spa, there are practical suggestions on how to create a good resume to get the job and practical suggestions for people working under contract.

Professional Ethics of Massage

This course looks at the pivotal role played by ethical behavior in the therapeutic relationship necessary for effective massage therapy. Discussions are held regarding proper etiquette to be practiced among professional massage therapists, and how to treat clients in a environment of respect and support. Students will take away from this course the insight and motivation to explore the many possibilities and responsibilities professional massage therapists have in the health care field.

Student Massage & Bodywork Clinic

The student clinic at NAMTI presents live interaction and practice with all phases of operating a successful massage practice. Students will gain the experience they need in this course by practicing their business and therapeutic skills with the general public in a professional and supervised setting. This course is designed to thoroughly prepare students to enter the marketplace as competent and experienced individuals!

Note: Depending upon your date of enrollment, some minor differences may exist in the exact outline of your 840-hr. Massage Practitioner's Program as shown here. NAMTI reserves the right to make necessary minor changes to the exact content of the Massage Practitioner's Program. Please contact us with any questions that you may have.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or Equivalent (G.E.D.) and must be 18 years of age or older.

Qualifications: Upon graduation students are eligible to sit for the National Massage & Bodywork Certification Exam and Licensure Exams in many states, and qualify for a variety of professional association memberships.