Arizona Massage Therapy Schools

CLASS OVERVIEW FOR THE ARIZONA MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOL

This program is offered twice per year at each campus, and is a full-time, intensive training. The curriculum at ASIS fulfills Arizona’s minimal requirements for licensure, and is considered entry level. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.

MASSAGE MODALITIES:

CONJUNCTIVE COURSE STUDIES:

Treatment originates from outside
whereas healing comes from within.
Dr. Andrew Weil

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR MASSAGE THERAPY TRAININGS:

SWEDISH MASSAGE

The first five weeks of the program are spent learning the basic strokes of Swedish Massage. This modality focuses primarily on affecting the circulatory systems of the body by using a variety of strokes, which help bring about balance and relaxation for the client. In these beginning weeks, much attention is given to the development of healthful body mechanics, respectful use of draping, and fundamental therapist/client communication. Upon completion of this massage modality, a student can expect to have acquired the skills and sensitivities necessary for subsequent segments.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE (CTM)

This modality addresses the superficial and middle layers of connective tissue (fascia) in the body. It effectively promotes relaxation, vitality, and increased awareness of postural bio-mechanics. Connective Tissue Massage is designed to introduce the student to a fundamental level of sensitivity and effectiveness with regards to working with the fascia of the body.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY (NMT)

This therapy focuses on releasing acute or chronically contracted muscles and tendons by applying specific and direct point pressure to the myofascia of the body. The technique is similar to Oriental acupressure (Shiatsu) with regards to methodology, yet different in terms of physiological influence. NMT is a simple and effective way to reduce pain, tension, and stress that can result from injuries, poor posture and unbalanced nutrition. The method can also gradually re-educate the neuro-muscular system so that habitual patterns of restricted physical movement are reduced, and awareness of the causal level of tension is increased.

SHIATSU

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork designed to promote health by influencing and improving the state of energy in the body. This modality addresses the client’s energy (chi) through finger pressure on acupoints along the meridians in the body. Students become familiar with basic Oriental theory, the 12 meridians, the five elements, and many of the acupoints for muscular release and energy movement.

POLARITY THERAPY

The forms of bodywork taught in this segment of the program deal with the concept and experience of life energy. Polarity Therapy is based on principles drawn from Chiropractic and Osteopathic medicine, as well as the healing arts of China and India. The resulting unique synthesis addresses life energy as it manifests at the physical, emotional and mental levels. The physical pressure of the hands-on techniques can range from very light to moderately firm, blended with rocking, vibration and stillness. The overall intent is to draw the client’s awareness to the patterns of life energy that form the body/mind continuum.

REFLEXOLOGY

This is the study of simple and complex reflex areas on the feet that correspond with all the major organs, glands and body parts. Reflexologists stimulate 7,000 nerves when touching the feet, encouraging the opening and clearing of neural pathways throughout the body. In this modality, a specific type of steady pressure is applied to the feet, stimulating relaxation and healing.

INJURY REHAB/SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage is an integrative modality designed to help athletes throughout a variety of training phases. Within this modality the student is educated on several sports massage techniques: pre-event massage, post-event massage, flexibility programs, and maintenance massage.

INTEGRATIVE MASSAGE

The intent of this body of work is to allow the student opportunities to increase creativity, spontaneity and refinement of existing skills, while exploring the many aspects of this growing profession. These classes are used as an opportunity to practice blending the learned techniques, as well as a time to introduce the students to a variety of other massage modalities, ranging from Chair Massage to Infant Massage to massaging the elderly. Ultimately, a holistic approach of this nature is aimed at supporting individuals in experientially knowing themselves and their work more fully. This process of discovery in self-knowledge will often lead to greater self-responsibility, happiness and peace.

STUDENT CLINIC

Students are required to participate in and complete their professional training in the student clinic. In each session students will give two massages. We have found that this practice is of great assistance in bridging the gap between student and professional therapist. It is an opportunity to integrate all that is learned in the classroom and apply it to real life situations. In addition to the student clinic, students are required to give one instructor tutorial massage with their instructor of choice.

CONJUNCTIVE STUDIES

The purpose of the conjunctive studies courses 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, Kinesiology/Palpation of the human body, and Therapeutic Process. The conjunctive studies curriculum is rounded out with communication skills, CPR and First Aid, business practices, ethics, and law.

The Anatomy & Physiology classes are an in-depth study of the structure, function, and pathologies of the human body, especially as these relate to bodywork. The Kinesiology & Palpation classes are the study of the muscular-skeletal system and how this is affected as we move through our lives. The intent of the “kines” class is to assist the therapist in being able to isolate and palpate individual muscles and the joints they cross, thereby elevating therapy to a more informed and intelligent level. In the Therapeutic Process portion of the course, students have the opportunity to weave together the didactic learnings with the actual experiential process, as it unfolds in the student clinic. 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 inhibit enjoyable learning. 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 have found the content and context of these classes to be invaluable parts of a wholistic approach to massage therapy and education.

CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT TRAINING

Interspersed throughout the program, students will receive training for becoming a Certified Chiropractic Assistant (CCA). These classes prepare therapists to work in a cooperative relationship within a chiropractor’s office. A CCA is required by the state of Arizona for an individual to assist in chiropractic modalities. Graduates from ASIS receive a CCA, with an emphasis in Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, upon completion of the 750 hour Massage Training.

PERSONAL JOURNAL

The ASIS believes that the deepest and most meaningful work must begin within the individual. Through journaling, students have the opportunity to reflect on and take responsibility for their belief systems, their learning processes, and their emotional and physical experiences. This happens both within the classroom and within the therapeutic relationship of giving and receiving bodywork.

We learn to love by being loved, we learn gentleness by
being gentled, we learn to be graceful by experiencing the feeling of grace.
Deane Juhan