PREMIERE MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM
The curriculum in SDI's Massage Therapy Program is comprehensive, integrating methodologies of the West and the East. Courses include those in Western biosciences, as well as in Eastern health care. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their personal and professional growth. In addition to the biosciences, i.e., Anatomy & Physiology, each student will receive comprehensive training in both Swedish (Western) Massage and Amma (Eastern) Massage, Spa Treatments, CPR & First First Aid, Business Management and Ethics, health and hygiene, and Student Clinic allowing the student to become proficient at many different levels of the Massage Therapy Industry. In addition, time will be spent working with animals and evaluating how therapeutic massage can support their overall health.
Western Massage, often referred to as "physiotherapy," or a "medical massage" focuses on the manipulation of the bodies soft tissue to promote a balanced state of health. Specific strokes such as effleurage, petrissage, friction, kneading and stretching along with deep tissue manipulation will be taught. The student will learn proper body mechanics to avoid strain and injury.
Eastern Massage is a specialized form of Oriental bodywork that combines traditional Oriental medical principles for assessing imbalances in the energy system with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. Amma Massage focuses on the balance and movement of energy within the body with techniques that include both deep tissue manipulation that is used in other forms of massage, and the stimulation of energy movement that is the basis of Oriental medicine. Shiatsu and Reflexology give an added dimension to this approach.
Spa Treatments are unique to Sensory Development Institute. Students will learn that the ultimate purpose of therapeutic modalities is a quiet, resting state. Through hands-on and lecture the student will become proficient in a variety of spa treatments and applications: spa course specialty treatments, (such as herbal wraps, clay packs, salt rubs, water therapies, waterfall therapy, and others), product studies with Green Valley Laboratory staff (desert botanical survey and field trip, organics versus synthetics, and properties of essential oils) sensory development modalities (including sound, color, and olfactory therapy, chakra studies, and meditation) and body movement (Yoga, Hula, Chi Gong, Aikedo)..
Business Management and Ethics is designed to cover some of the major aspects of building and maintaining a successful practice and will prepare the student for the Utah State Law Examination.
The Student Clinic provides opportunity to develop proficiency in all aspects of the Massage Therapy business from hands-on techniques to front desk duties working with the general public, and developing personal social skills to build a practice.
MASTER COURSES
Master courses are offered throughout the year for those who are interested in expanding their training and techniques to broaden their employment opportunities and income. These elective classes and the prerequisites, dates, times, and costs will be announced ahead of time, and may include Energy Management, Sacral Cranial, Myofascia Techniques, Stone Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy and Pediatric Massage, among others.
