Complementary Therapies Course

This course is ideal for people interested in a career change and learning a new skill. It is aimed at giving a comprehensive understanding in a number of the most popular therapies leading to internationally recognised qualifications, to enable you to practice professionally as a complementary therapist.

This is a one year full-time course leading to diplomas in five therapies and one certificate. It is a major advantage to have multiple therapies in order to increase employment opportunities and to appeal to a wide client base.

The demand for therapists who are highly skilled and offering value for money treatments continues to grow even in difficult economic times. With ever increasing stress levels public interest in Complementary therapies and healthy living is stronger than ever.

Holistic Massage incorporating the classical movements of effleurage, petrissage, tapotment, friction and vibration, enables the therapist to provide full body, face,scalp and foot massage.The theory component includes anatomy and physiology, professional conduct and business awareness.

Stone Therapy Massage incorporates the use of hot and cold stones to provide a deeply relaxing full body and facial massage. This therapy works on the principle of geothermotherpay (alternating temperatures with hot and cold stones) which can penetrate the body up to a depth of 4cm. Stone therapy uses various types of stones including basalt, jade and marine stones like marble / sardonyx.

The training provided in this therapy include:

• When to use hot or cold stones
• How to prepare stones for use
• Safe use of the hot stone heater
• Placement of stones in the heater
• Placement of stones on the client
• Specific movements while working with stones (effleurage, petrissage, trigger point work, cross fiber friction, holding, tapping and vibration)

Indian Head Massage is a relaxing treatment applied to the head, neck, shoulders and arms. It reduces muscle tension, stimulates circulation and helps alleviate headaches and eye strain.This Course teaches a specific connect-in technique, mobility work on the scalp and acupressure points on the face and ears. The theory component includes, oils that can be used in Indian Head Massage, the structure and growth cycle of the hair, the position of the Chakras and an understanding of the three Doshas.

On-Site Massage incorporates traditional styles of massage including Swedish, Acupressue and Shiatsu techniques. The treatment is carried out over the client’s clothes and includes work on the head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair or desk based head cradle. On-site massage is quick and easy to deliver. It significantly reduces tension in the upper body and it leaves the client relaxed and calm yet energised and alert. This treatment can take from 10 – 30 minutes and as no oils or massage mediums are required, it is extremely popluar with the corporate sector.

Sports Massage is designed to help athletes maximise their performance, reduce the risk of injury and speed recovery when injury has occurred. Releasing restrictions in soft tissue ensures muscles are able to work at their best. This treatment is also of great benefit to non-sports people, increasingly referred to as “occupational athletes” who develop restrictions and pain from repetitive moveme

nts, poor posture and sedentary life styles.

This course will progress the massage therapist’s understanding from general relaxation massage to being able to pin point and release restrictions in soft tissue. Advanced techniques are often required to treat conditions such as repetitive strain injuries, chronic back ache, whiplash, frozen shoulder, sciatica, muscle spasm, sprains and strains, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

The techniques used in Sports Massage include:

• Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• Advanced use of Friction (Muscle Stripping and deep Cross
  Fibre Friction)

Sports massage can be used in pre and post event situations. It can also be employed to prevent injury and as a corrective and conditioning treatment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can find employment in:

• Holistic Centers
• Health Spas
• Hotels, Guesthouses, Leisure Centres
• Beauty Salons
• Gyms
• Cruise Ships
• Mobile Therapist

Each Student Requires

• 2 Pillows
• 2 Pillow Cases
• 2 Towels
• A uniform is required for the practical examination:
  • Black Tunic
  • Black Trousers
  • Black Footwear

Times & Dates

Starting Date:
Completion Date:

NB: Places are limited and awarded by interview only