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I believe I will never quite know.
Though I play at the edges of knowing,
truly I know
our part is not knowing,
but looking and touching and loving...
-Mary Oliver |
MASSAGE MODALITIES
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The intent of the massage modalities interspersed throughout the massage training programs at the ASIS True Mantra is to educate and assist the student in finding their own voice in the massage profession. The modalities are carefully chosen to blend eastern and western philosophies, as well as deep and light touch, thereby giving the student the opportunity to learn to affect their clients on all levels: physically, energetically, and emotionally. It is our underlying belief that each student has a great intelligence that will guide them throughout their profession, helping them to discern the most beneficial work to support the health of their client. The primary role of the therapist is to be one who listens to both the words and tissues of the client, and then uses whichever tools would be in that client's best interest. It is in this way that the therapist can act as a teacher of greater health and wellbeing, which then facilitates the healer that lives within each recipient.
By integrating a variety of modalities, the ASIS True Mantra believes that the student is then free from dogma, and is more able to access their own inner voice in the therapeutic process. The more tools therapists bring to their tables, the more capable they are of truly supporting their clients. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to explore their own truths and preferences within the form of each modality, opening to a kinesthetic and cognitive understanding of all that is taught. What may at first appear as a less personally interesting style of work will later become an integral part of the individual’s repertoire for creative expression and healing.
It is the desire of the staff to graduate competent, creative therapists who have developed their own abilities to visualize and understand anatomy, coupled with a sensitivity to palpate the whole person, all while listening deeply.
CONJUNCTIVE STUDIES
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The purpose of the non-hands on portions that are taught within the massage training programs at ASIS True Mantra is to provide students with a variety of massage related skills and knowledge at the theoretical and experiential levels. Effectiveness in the field of massage therapy is grounded in solid technical skills, tactile sensitivity, compassionate presence and theoretical understanding. A substantial portion of the conjunctive studies format is devoted to the study of Anatomy/Physiology and Kinesiology/Palpation of the human body, Ethics and Communication Skills. Introductory classes in a variety of ideas are offered to highlight the diversity of the healing arts. Introductory classes that explore nutrition, herbology and homeopathy as healing arts are also offered. The conjunctive studies curriculum is completed with life skills, CPR and First Aid, business practices, ethics, and law.
The classes are a mixture of intellectual and body-centered learning. At this level of training the student is exposed to teaching methods based on the belief that learning is a multi-dimensional process. In addition to traditional lecture and discussion, the student is invited to participate in an ongoing dialogue between him/herself and others. This process can uncover and release patterns of emotion, thought, and belief, which may present personal challenges. These patterns, while often stemming from educational environments of the past, are a rich and fertile ground of discovery when they arise in the present. What may initially be viewed as a stumbling block can, in an atmosphere of sensitivity and respect, become a great gift. Every effort is made on the part of the faculty to provide students with a safe, rich, and diverse learning environment that can be individually paced and tailored to the needs of specific learning styles. When various dimensions of personal experience are allowed expression, personal and collective development are enhanced. The conjunctive studies course content has been carefully selected and undergoes review on a regular basis. The faculty at ASIS True Mantra have found the content and context of these classes to be invaluable parts of a wholistic approach to massage therapy and education.
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