Courses and Workshops

This introductory course will cover the theory and practise of acupressure in general and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians in particular. By the end of this course, students will be able to choose an appropriate extraordinary meridian to use in sessions with a client, while addressing the underlying emotional causes of imbalance. Prerequisite: TCM1

This course will cover the 12 meridians (pathways, point location, therapeutic use of acupoints) and various types of acupressure treatments including: five elements, antique points, tending-muscular, body armouring, mental-emotional, Gua Sha and more. By the end of the course, the students will be able to choose powerful point combinations in order to works with a wide range of disharmonies. Students will also be refining the myriad components that will make the art of acupressure their own. Prerequisites: Acupressure 1, Traditional Chinese Medicine 1 & 2

An in depth look into the human body anatomy, specifically the musculoskeletal system. The first part is theory. We will cover all of the anatomical names, planes of movement, structures and actions of the body in both theory and through somatic experience. Palpation tips and hands on touch are a big part of this class, and how it relates to massage therapy. This is offered as one part of a 2 part course- Physiology and Pathology, which looks at all 10 of the human body systems, its anatomy and function, and specific pathologies of each system.

This advanced course will go deeper into the layers of anatomy: bones, muscles, O/I, muscle fiber direction, actions and connective tissues. By exploring case studies and treatment plans, students will gain clinical experience in working with the body through a postural and biomechanical approach. Prerequisite: Anatomy 1

*Only available for Acupressure Diploma students

Business aspects include the ‘how to’s in setting up a practice (registering your name, taxation, budgeting, book keeping, independent contracts, etc.) as well as an introduction to marketing and establishing an online presence (social media, ad posts, blogs, optimization ++).

Chair massage is a portable session performed fully clothed in seated position that targets ailments of the upper body. It was introduced into the workforce in the early 1990’s and is now seen throughout festivals, clinics and promotional events. Prerequisite: Massage Therapy Certificate

A Champi is an invigorating scalp massage designed to stimulate and refresh the individual. The word shampoo comes from the Hindi word Champi meaning head massage. This workshop will teach the basic routine for giving a 50 minute seated shoulder, neck, face and scalp massage. This technique can help reduce stress, headaches, tension and open the upper three chakras. We will learn the basics of Ayurveda to determine the Dosha and proper oils and treatment for the client.

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, noninvasive manipulative technique which can improve the functioning of the central nervous system, eliminate the negative effects of stress, strengthen resistance to disease, and enhance overall health.

In this class, you will dive deeper into the techniques you have learned in Craniosacral Therapy 1. By accessing and balancing the motility of the individual cranial bones will have a direct impact into the intra-cranial system. Prerequisite: Craniosacral 1

In this course, you will learn more tools to scan and release stuck energy cysts within the body. We also look at in-depth lesion patterns within the cranium that can affect symptomatic issues within the body on a physical, emotional and energetic level. We will learn to release the structures that can affect the “avenue of expression” (Hyoid, Zygomatic, Maxilla, Mandible, Vomer bones) and self-help intra-oral techniques. Prerequisites: Craniosacral 1, Craniosacral 2

In this workshop, we will learn how to use cupping to help our clients and family. We will cover the Western and Eastern uses and applications.

Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It affects tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches of affected materials. Even hands, wrists, legs, and ankles can be ‘cupped.’ We can use cups along the meridians and use them directly on Acupressure or Marma points.

We will also look at target treatments for specific injuries, pain patterns, and pathologies most commonly seen in practice.

We will be using both Silicone and hard cups to be able to target and treat different patterns of pain/injuries effectively.

A type of massage which reaches structures far beneath the superficial fascia to relieve chronic muscle problems or injuries by breaking down adhesions and realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Prerequisite: Swedish Level I

Development of knowledge of nutritional therapeutic approaches to key pathologies in each anatomical system (immune, mental-emotional conditions, GI, musculo-skeletal, nervous, integumentary, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary and reproductive) ; deepen the understanding of the food-health relationship; gain confidence in using food for therapeutic purposes (nutritherapy)

“ Gua ” means “to scrape” and “ sha ” is the stagnation or blockage in the body that is the cause of the pain or illness. Gua Sha is also referred to as scraping, spooning or coining due to method and tools used to perform the massage. Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing conditions like chronic and acute pain, digestive disorders, migraines, or reproductive issues. Prerequisite: practicing massage therapists or those with bodywork experience.

Furthering their herbal knowledge and the skills acquired in Herb I, students will learn how to integrate herbs into their healing repertoire throughout the cycle of life. Starting with herbal allies for the childbearing year, students will study a variety of herbs that nourish, heal and support infants, children, adolescents, adults, and elders. Students will learn how to enhance wellness by living actively, eating wisely, and nourishing themselves with herbs, particularly as preventative medicine. Prerequisite: herbology 1 or some herbal experience

This course continues to explore the vast array, and actions, of medicinal herbs, encouraging students to get to know more plants by heart, by (botanical) name and especially by their affinities for our different, yet so intertwined systems of the body. Starting with the importance of digestion and the microbiome, and wending our way through all the major systems of the body, including the most recently discovered endocannabinoid system, Monica Giacomin will weave the art and science of medicinal herbs into a broadening view of the plant kingdom’s fascinating abilities to support and create wellness for our students, their families and their clients. **Students who have taken Herb 1, or who have a strong herbal background (Naturopaths, 30+ hours of Herb studies elsewhere) can join Herb 3 without taking Herb 2. They must show proficiency via an interview. Prerequisite: herbology 1 or some herbal experience

By outlining health as the body’s collective response to any experience, students will learn from a wide spectrum of tools, such as posture correction, stress management, and how everything is interrelated. This course will overview the 10 major systems in the body, its anatomical parts and functions. By encouraging balance, students will formulate cohesive treatment plans to address the client’s presenting symptoms, bringing them into optimal health.

Basic biology concepts including taxonomy and biogeochemical cycles; cellular anatomy incl. plant vs animal cells, function of organelles; basics of biochemistry incl. energy and matter, how to read the periodic table, atoms, molecules, compounds (with emphasis on those key to nutrition), bond types; inorganic vs organic matter incl. structure and properties of water, salts, acid/base, macronutrients and nucleic acids; cellular physiology (transport, division and concepts of epigenetics, protein synthesis). [includes energetic/spiritual perspectives on bodily function (how microcosm reflects macrocosm), creativity as a way of integrating knowledge]

Concepts of nutritional sciences and studies; functions of nutrients in detail; optimizing intake and absorption through whole foods; changing needs of the individual through the life cycles (infancy to longevity); basic overview of energy metabolism and proper hydration during physical activity; food diary assignment assessing adequate hydration and nutrient intake & quality (self); life cycle assignments as first steps of providing relevant information/support to a case/client; introduction to flavour’s role in physiology and how to enhance it. Prerequisite: HN1, Cellular Biology, Physiology

Symptoms defined; introduction to health assessment methods; introduction to (and ongoing discussion of) interviewing methods; evaluation of symptoms relating to nutrient deficiencies, stimulant and heavy metal excesses, digestive function and dysbiosis, endocrine function, organ/systems, PMS, allergies, hypoglycemia, candidiasis (using Nutri-Body Questionnaire by David Rowland); how to address suspected deficiencies/imbalances through whole food, supplements, lifestyle habits; 10 case studies* using the NBQ, food diary (or general daily intake), creating a nutritional program for each; presentation of one case for group discussion; overview of digestive cleanses and their use with specific excesses (heavy metals, parasites); research paper on one supplement or superfood as relates to one case. [introduction to emotional/spiritual perspective of symptoms; energetic-mental-emotional connection to particular organs and systems, incl. TCM perspective and chakras] Prerequisite: HN1, Cellular Biology, HN2, Physiology

The exact date of the history of hot stones varies. Some say hot stones date as far back as 6500 B.C. in China. Today, this ancient massage has been adopted in many spa settings and combines the use of hot and cold volcanic rocks with the soothing strokes of Swedish massage. The depth and warmth transmitted through the stones, creates a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience. Students will learn how to give a full body hot stone massage, its benefits on all of the systems, and how to prepare and care for the stones. Prerequisite: Swedish 1

A look into the different tissue states, the forgotten energetics of the nineteenth century. Also, an introduction to herbal energetics. 

Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage based on preliminary evidence which is hypothesized to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. This course will cover the full body routine, theory and an in depth review of the lymphatic system and how it interacts with inflammation, edema and the immune system. Prerequisite: Swedish 1

Learn a new way to work with disharmonies of the body inspired by Dr. Tan’s method adapted for Acupressure. It is based on meridian Theory and contra lateral treatment. Only distal points are used, chosen by determining the ‘sick’ meridian and using the 5 systems and Mirroring and Imaging Technique, mostly selected from the dynamic zone. It provides immediate and measurable results, and is a great addition to your therapeutic approaches. Prerequisite: only available to acupressure and shiatsu students

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, a type of holistic medicine. This course will introduce you to working with Reiki energy, starting from the basics and progressing until you are a Reiki Master.

Students will learn about all the components of the 5 elements and how they relate to each other and our environment. We will examine different possible patterns of disharmony and how they show up as symptoms in the body or energy field. Reviewing the meridians in alternate positions will give students a deeper experience of how the energy feels in the body. Katas and deep stretches that target ailments will also be covered.

In this final level of study, students will be able to integrate all of their knowledge and put it into practice in our advanced student clinics. They will also learn more advanced stretches, mobilizations, transitions and the barefoot shiatsu kata.
Prerequisite: Shiatsu 1, Shiatsu 2

This advanced training combines the integrative skills learnt in Sound Therapy (levels 1-3) with the concepts of meridian theory, specifically the Extraordinary Meridians. Prerequisites: Sound Therapy 1, 2 and 3

Our existence is both visible and invisible. Our soul cannot be dissected and inspected, while our bodies, made up of billions of cells, can be spliced and studied. We are born of a mystery… This class proposes to support students into developing their intuition which is presented as a navigational system able to perceive both linearly and liminally. The class will cover topics such as: the Body as a Universe; Body Systems and Chakras as Universal Principles; the Four Elements as Initiations; the Twelve Universal Laws; Spiritual Numerology as intuitive tools; Dreams as a bridge to the collective; the Aura as a diagnostic tool; Colours and their influences; our Five Senses as servants of our intuition; Memory and its link to our past lives.  

In this course you will get an introduction to different types of tapings. From prophylactic to neuropropioceptive, these tapings can be used to help stabilize a joint, help with postural corrections, help with muscle activation or deactivation and/or help with lymphatic drainage. Come and see how to incorporate tapings into your practice.