Spa Modalities
Aromatherapy
The art and science of aromatherapy combines the healing properties of aromatic plant essences with massage, a complimentary use of the sense of smell with the healing art of touch. Aromatherapy can be used to assist in various ways during a massage to alleviate stress, uplift the mood and enhance emotional and physical well being. In this aromatherapy course students will learn to differentiate and apply 16 of the most common essential oils in the various therapeutic categories. Students learn to understand the healing properties and benefits of these oils, using case studies to examine how Aromatherapy can be used to address the needs of individual clients. Students will take a practical approach to blending aromatherapy products for multiple applications such as compresses, massage bars, aromatic steams and salts and massage oil blends.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the study of the reflexes. This course will provide students with general knowledge of Reflexology techniques and how to use these techniques to give a ‘reflexology style foot massage’. Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive healing art based on the principle of reflexes in the feet that correspond to every part of the body. Reflexology helps to balance the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the whole body. Reflexology does not diagnose or prescribe; the whole body is treated rather than a specific condition. Reflexology reflexes are found in the feet, hands and ears. Our focus will be on the feet. This is not a certification course. The techniques learned are founded in Reflexology teachings and intended to be a companion in relaxation massage sessions.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of hot and cold water, ice, and steam to facilitate the healing process. Students will learn the theory of hydrotherapy techniques such as exfoliations and wraps where they will practice them in both the classroom and at a beautiful day spa. This course is a superb treat where students experience first hand the self care this modality and can offer.
Indian Head Massage
The Indian Head Massage (IHM) or shirobhyanga, is a modality that has its roots in the healing practice of Ayurveda. This massage technique, practiced with the client seated, has a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating effect through work on the “marma” or pressure points and various massage techniques on the head and face. The massage is a half hour practice which also includes the upper arms, neck, and shoulders and focuses on releasing tension in the body, as well as mental stress.
The Indian Head Massage is a practice which is beneficial in relieving headaches, stress, insomnia, “computer shoulders” and depression, Indian Head Massage works on an energetic, emotional and physical level. It is a simple and effective treatment that can be incorporated into any spa practice. The oils used on the scalp are optional and are wild-crafted organic Ayurvedic oils, used traditionally to relieve stress, nourish the scalp and address issues of hair loss and dry scalp.
Hot Stone
Hot Stone Massage is of the most popular spa treatments today. Following this course, practitioners will surpass client’s expectations and have them returning again and again. This course uses the student’s current repertoire of massage techniques and teaches how to properly use heated stones into treatment designs that are either structured or spontaneous. The techniques taught allow students to provide either a relaxing, therapeutic or energetic treatment.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art with its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure”. Natural body weight is used when pressure is applied on meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points). In addition to pressure itself, Shiatsu involves gentle stretch and manipulation techniques.
