Natural Health Institute | Massage School and Massage Therapy Clinic

The student learns a solid foundation with hands-on experience in the art and science of massage therapy. While the classic soft tissue techniques of Swedish massage are the focus, contemporary and clinical applications are included as well. Includes an Oakworks™ professional massage table package, (received during the Fundamentals class) and ABMP student malpractice insurance. The student also learns the more frequent types of injuries innate to the massage profession and how to prevent them. Various types of joints and the process of strain and counter strain will be studied. Diverse forms of exercise to strengthen and stretch will be taught for injury prevention and proper body mechanics.

Course material explains the legal and ethical issues of massage and bodywork. Each student develops a standard of professionalism essential to a successful therapeutic massage practice.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a more advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted. PNF stretching was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation and, to that effect, it is very effective. It is also excellent for targeting specific muscle groups, as well as increasing flexibility (and range of movement). It also improves muscular strength.

This class is devoted to learning how to set up and market a professional massage and bodywork business. Pertinent legal issues, practice development and an individualized business plan prepare the upcoming graduate.

The internship allows advanced students to develop and refine their clinical skills. All students will provide massage/bodywork therapy for individual client sessions. Each student is required to complete a minimum of sixty hours of internship credit. Prior to serving in the clinic, students must have completed Fundamentals of Massage and two of the following courses: Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Technique Craniosacral, Shiatsu, Eastern Bodywork, Reflexology, Deep Tissue, and/or Acupressure Massage. The Clinic Director and Registrar determine when the student is ready for internship.

This comprehensive class teaches future massage therapists and body workers what they need to know about the systems, functions, and common dysfunctions of the human body in order to practice knowledgeably and professionally.

An in depth study of the muscular-skeletal system including origins, insertions, connective tissue, joints, landmarks, fascia and actions of muscles and muscle testing. Using different modes of learning, students develop an understanding of the muscles and bones and how they work together. The student also explores the basic use of manual manipulation of the soft tissues to relieve specific complaints of pain and dysfunction. Deep Tissue work helps with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, improves body balance and increases range of motion.

An in depth study of the muscular-skeletal system including origins, insertions, connective tissue, joints, landmarks, fascia and actions of muscles and muscle testing. Using different modes of learning, students develop an understanding of the muscles and bones and how they work together. The student also explores the basic use of manual manipulation of the soft tissues to relieve specific complaints of pain and dysfunction. Deep Tissue work helps with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, improves body balance and increases range of motion.

Students will learn the physiological response to diseases often presented in professional practice. This includes methods of transmission and prevention. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and their indications for massage are explored. Medical terminology, SOAP note format of charting and assessment is learned.

Students will learn the physiological response to diseases often presented in professional practice. This includes methods of transmission and prevention. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and their indications for massage are explored. Medical terminology, SOAP note format of charting and assessment is learned.

Subjects covered are Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, including meridians and acupressure points. The Ayurvedic system of health is explored with its components of chakras, nadis, and energy flows. Both approaches provide a positive physiologic effect to the primary bodily systems, mind/body responses and musculoskeletal disorders.

Students develop skills and acquire information to create health using the Mind/Body approach. Students will learn ways of choosing methods and techniques that are both physically and psychologically suited for each client.

Students develop skills and acquire information to create health using the Mind/Body approach. Students will learn ways of choosing methods and techniques that are both physically and psychologically suited for each client.

Students will be able to make informed choices regarding the use of aromatic essential oils in massage. Topics covered include principles of blending, methods of perparation, application of techniques, and storage issues. Students will also learn to blend the individual massage preparations to meet a variety of client needs. Students will understand aroma/herbal products used within the massage industry.

Stone massage combines heat and massage to create a deep relaxation and gentle, yet effective thermal threatment. This therapeutic application is one of the most popular services within the spa and private practice setting.

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system-the membranes and cerebrospinal fluids which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Students will gain understanding of history, principals and the neuromuscular basis of CST and its clinical importance as well as learn to conduct a thorough evaluation and formulate treatment strategies.

This class covers the history, theory and hands-on application of reflexology, including location of reflex points and how they relate to the anatomy, variances of approach based on an individual’s condition, and the integration of reflexology with massage and other healing modalities. Students will be able to perform complete reflexology sessions on the hands and feet

This class prepares students to do professional chair massages. Topics include basic techniques, marketing ideas, and legal issues.

This class serves as an introduction to the art and science of vibrational therapy.  Each student will have the opportunity to experience different applications of sound through listening exercises, giving/receiving bodywork, and participating in group exercises.  Topics discussed and experienced will include: listening, history of sound as a therapeutic application, use of music and sound in massage, the study of Cymatics, how sound/frequencies affect matter, entrainment, brain wave frequencies and the effects of sound on them, tools of vibrational bodywork (tuning forks, conch shell, drum, voice, metal bowls), using sound for self care, visualizations with sound, vocal toning, drumming, and breathing.

Ayurvedic means the science of life.  Known as the oldest system of medicine, Ayurveda provides for client blanace and restoration.  Dosha typing, use of herbal-infused oils, marma points, and traditional hands-on applications are the focus of this in-depth learning experience.

An extension and deepening of Ayurvedic knowledge.  Ayurveda means the science of life.  Known as the oldest system of medicine, Ayurveda provides for client balance and restoration.  Exploration of Dosha, use of herbal-infused oils, marma points, and traditional hands-on application are the focus of this in-depth learning experience.

This class is designed to teach students to adopt a basic Swedish massage to the specific needs of the pre and post natal woman. Appropriate A & P, endangerment sites, contraindications, positioning, and specific techniques will be taught.

This course prepares the student to give a full Shiatsu treatment session. The philosophy, diagnosis and application of this modality is understood for massage therapy protocols.

Here the student explores the basic principles of deep tissue sculpting, the benefits of which include release of muscle tension, improved body balance, and greater fluidity of motion.

Neuromuscular Therapy uses static pressure on specific points to interrupt the self-perpetuating pain cycle, allowing the body to heal itself. The student learns normal function versus dysfunction, muscle cell anatomy and physiology, and the law of facilitation. They will also learn to identify trigger points and their referred pain sites.

Reiki as an ancient bodywork modality from Japan. Simple but effective, the treatments are gentle and the client can remain clothed. The history, concepts and hands-on treatments will be presented with ample time to practice. Students will learn a full-body treatment protocol that complete is a complete session in professional practice.

Students will learn advanced treatment protocols and understand the concepts of energy and client responsiveness

A foundational course in Asian acupressure. Hands on experience allows the student to identify and unblock energetic pathways and give a full body acupressure massage.

Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. They will be able to identify common swelling such as edema and/or bruising associated with sports injuries/accidents, as well as, continued care for discharged lymphedema patients.

Learn the techniques of sports massage rehabilitation and pre and post event treatment. Students will experience first hand event procedures at an athletic event.

A therapeutic modality addressing fascia to achieve pain relief, restore function, and reduce stress. Students are taught to release fascial restrictions to restore muscle length and balance. class includes history, anatomy and physiology of fascia, and guidelines for application.

It is said that our bodies are a manifestation of our emotional state. Bodywork can be a holistic treatment that views the client as a whole person, uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Eastern Bodywork offers techniques that move beyond the physical body into the emotional, spiritual, and mental energy fields where disease may begin. In Eastern Bodywork, we will explore the energy within our bodies. We will discover the auric fields, chakra systems, and the meridian lines within our clients. We will practice techniques to balance the chakra system and the energy fields. We will discuss energy theories such as Shiatsu, Reiki, and Polarity. Eastern Bodywork offers the student the opportunity to understand the holistic theories of massage and bodywork.

Students learn the foundation of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi body work. Based on seven principles, the unique cultural philosophy of this modality is presented and learned, as well as hands-on application.

This course will introduce students to the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of Thai massage. What is more, this course will provide students with the fundamental principles of technique and body mechanics necessary for giving a traditional Thai yoga massage. Students taking this course will be required to complete and document two out-of-class practicum sessions in order to more fully apply what they have learned during class.

This course will build upon the foundation students received in Thai Yoga Massage Foundations Level I by integrating Thai yoga postures and stretches into the established Thai yoga massage sequence. Students taking this course will learn how to use traditional Thai movements and techniques in order to give a more comprehensive Thai yoga massage. Also, students will be required to complete two out-of-class practicum sessions in order to more fully apply what they have learned during class.

This is an introduction to the anatomy of movement with an emphasis on postural analysis and active and passive movements that assist neuro/muscular balance. Each class will consist of a teacher-direccted experimental movement exercise, lecture and lab practicum.

Zero Balancing (ZB) is a hands-on bodywork system designed to align your energy body with your physical structure.  Simple yet powerful, it focuses on your whole person, even when addressing specific needs.  Considered the leading edge of body/mind therapies, ZB moves beyond Western scientific approaches to body structure by incorporating Eastern concepts of energy and healing. 

ZB helps balance body energy and structure with the benefits of: feeling of well-being, relieving symptoms of stress, reducing physical & emotional pain, relieving musculoskeletal tension, and enhancing wellness and self-actualization.