We are an NCBTMB-approved provider of Continuing Education classes.  In addition we are approved by the Florida Massage State Board and by the Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners. 

Continuing Education 2012

This workshop is open to all levels and involves movement exercises, massaging with others, and a long guided imagery meditation.  Drawing materials are provided. 

*Please wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.

*Participants should bring lunch so that energy will not dissipate by going out to eat.

     This course is designed for massage therapists who would like to improve their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, with the end result of improving the services provided to their clients. Participants will learn: the history of HIV/AIDS; the difference between HIV infection and AIDS; the ways in which HIV is transmitted; HIV symptoms, testing procedures, care and treatment; how individuals can protect themselves from infection with HIV; the use of effective infection control procedures in the massage office; therapeutic actions that are appropriate and contraindicated for people with HIV infection; bodywork considerations and modifications; benefits of providing massage; and, bodywork for persons with HIV infection.

     Jeffrey Grabelle is a Nationally and State Certified Massage Therapist, practicing in Baltimore, Maryland, since 2003. He has maintained a private massage therapy office, Eager Street Therapists, for 9 years and has taught massage therapy courses at the Holistic Massage Training Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, for 6 years. As a massage therapist, he is trained and specializes in Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Thai Yoga Massage. He is also a Reiki Master. He has managed an HIV/AIDS community service organization, AIDS Action Baltimore, for 23 years, providing counseling, educational and emergency financial services to people with HIV disease in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The first day will be March 10th.  Students are asked to be proficient in the first four symbols.  You will learn to be attuned to and practice the two Tibetan symbols.  A Master Manual will be given from the International Center for Reiki Training by William Rand.  Also, on this first day the instructor will teach how to give attunements.  Students will be required to have read the manual by the next class.

The second day will be March 17th.  Everyone will learn how to give the healing attunement, and attunements for Reiki I, Reiki II, Reiki III-A and Reiki III-B.  There will be a discussion on teaching Reiki and opening a Reiki practice.  These classes are an opportune time to heal any unwanted patterns, so your spiritual path and guidance become clear.  Plenty of time will be given to healing and journaling.

This workshop is open to all levels and involves movement exercises, massaging with others, and long guided imagery meditation.  Drawing materials are provided.

*Please wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.

Indian Head, Face and Foot Rejuvenation Massage with Ayurvedic Oils

Indian Head Massage has been practiced for many centuries as part of the family health care. Indian mothers would massage their children’s hair, head, neck and shoulders to stimulate growth and relaxation, to eliminate excess, to purify, to strengthen or rejuvenate, to maintain strength, rejuvenate the face and skin with facial skin-lift manipulations.

Ayurvedic massage goes beyond the purely aesthetic and superficial, Ayurvedic massage also stimulates nerve function (e.g. Bells Palsy), improves relaxation, creating calmness and emotional well-being, concentration and alertness are optimized, myofascial pain, fibromyalgia and chronic internal disorders are addressed through stretches, opening up of the meridians and Ayurvedic acupressure points.  Other benefits include: relief from tension headaches, eye-strain, ear problems, neck shoulder stiffness, sinusitis, scalp tension and mental fatigue.

Purpose: Learn how to incorporate massage, oils and pressure point technique in 45 minutes, explanation of the Ayurvedic understanding of the life force Prana, Ayurvedic massage and medicine, how to evaluate, analyze and treat the client as an individual, the three different types of massage suited for each individual, an explanation of the functions of and locations of the marmas (pressure points) and nadis (meridian system), the purpose of appropriate essential oils, carrier oils, herbs and energetic qualities for each individual client, and how to match the personality type (Dosha) to the massage stroke and oils.

Primarily a hands-on course.  Bring one set of sheets and your favorite essential oil.

Lomi Lomi - Temple Style - Hawaiian Therapeutic Massage Workshop with the use of  Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Lomi Lomi means …. “ To break up into small pieces “

PURPOSE:  To revive the body, to move the blood and lymph, to open spasms, to remove waste material from muscle, to facilitate myofascial release, to revitalize the face and head, to save your hands, and to remove emotional toxicity with oils and compassionate care.  This is a 1500 year old technique that aims at releasing all physical and emotional congestion in the body, with a full body massage.

Lomi Lomi is known in Hawaii as the “Dance Of Massage” because of its long flowing style  and continuous rhythm and beat accompanied by selected tribal music. The therapist and client will become entranced in a spiritual state.  You will learn how to transform a loving touch into techniques for healing. The basis for Lomi Lomi is an integration of Mind – Body - Soul in a ritual of transformation and inspiration. The inspiration is from the Huna or “Pathway of life .“ Unlike a clinical  massage, Lomi Lomi calls for intuition, rhythm and flow, culminating in a therapeutic dance!

YOU WILL LEARN:  12 strokes for a full body massage addressing long hardened, bulky muscles and cellulite; breathing techniques and meditation to conserve your energy and build stamina, circular, spiraling and forearm techniques as well as kneading thumb techniques; how to address the diaphragm, the seat of our emotions; stretch techniques for upper and lower limbs; the use of Aromatherapy essential oils on ear points and the body to really enhance your massage subtly and permanently; stretch and strengthening exercises for the massage therapist; and self care for the massage therapist and client.

Multi-dimensional , in-depth learning includes instruction in: 1) Assessment 2) Tension release 3) Integration to achieve long lasting results 4) Body mechanics to help the therapist maintain ease in their own body while helping clients 5) How to adapt these techniques to each client.

For in depth learning, Phase 4 is taught in segments to cover release techniques for virtually every joint in the body, and is repeated at lease once in the Practitioners Program:

Upper Extremities:  Eight tension points for should alignment and restoration of function after injury.  Mobilize and align the joints of shoulder and arm, including scapulae, clavicle, elbow, (including tendonitis/osis, tennis elbow and golf elbow), wrist and entire hand (important to carpal tunnel).  Release the forearm muscle without causing pain ("aaahhh", massage therapists).  Release imbalances in the clavicle and scapula that contribute to thoracic outlet problems and others.

Lower Extremities:  Internal/External femur rotation.  Four ways to release the psoas without causing pain.  Release and rebalance patella and fibula.  Structural alignment for femur/tibia, including override/underride, lateral shear, internal/external rotation, meniscus, periosteal knee points including the master knee point.  Restore tibia/talus alignment, calcaneous/talus alignment (important to a wide range of foot problems).  Release tension in the lateral and horizontal arches of the foot, and every bone in the foot.  Discuss relationship of low back pain, sciatic pain and unstable pelvis to imbalances in the leg and foot.

Thai Massage is an ancient healing method originating in southeast Asia, which has been growing in popularity in North America over the last several years.

Thai massage treatments are administered on a floor mat, and the techniques are applied through clothing.

The participant in this course will learn how to apply manual techniques like presses, circles, rocking, squeezing and kneading and combine them with more complex meridian energy stretching techniques to form a flowing, full body routine.

The focus of the course is on demonstrations of the techniques and practical exchanges under the supervision of Thai Massage teacher.

Students will need to bring a pillow, stretchy clothing and a yoga mat.

Alois Nikodym is a Registered Massage Therapist and an experienced educator, who owns and operates the Zen Den Massage Therapy Clinic. He also teaches at Kikkawa College Massage therapy school in Toronto, Canada.

Alois has been practicing massage therapy for 20 years, and teaching courses for 12 years. He traveled to Thailand on several occasions, and studied Thai Massage in Chang Mai and Bangkok. In addition to Thai massage, he also specializes in Deep tissue therapy and working with athletes. 

This class gives information on the mental and emotional processes which may be the underlying symptoms of disease. Techniques for using the Reiki symbols for increased energy flow, long distance healing, for past, present and future and accessing intuition. There will also be a discussion of grounding, centering, auric field clearing, personal transformation, self empowerment and manifestation.

* Please bring a lunch (the energy will not be dissipated going out to restaurants).

What You Will Learn:  * Precision muscle testing * Checking and rebalancing the energy in the acupuncture meridian system * Reflexes to release pain, increase energy, and enhance immune function * Skills to release the negative effects of emotional stress * Tools for performance enhancement, easier learning, better vision, and upgraded brain function * Strategies for determining which foods and supplements best support you

This class is approved to provide continuing education for acupuncturists as well as massage therapists.

In this workshop we will explore what happens in silence.  Nurturing Direct Touch can be used to detect energetic blocks in clients.  This technique can slow a busy client down, comfort an ailing client and energize a depressed client; its all individual.  Participants will form pairs and practice on each other by holding at certain joints of the body for long (20 to 30 minutes) periods of time in silence.  We will study the three primary tissue layers - mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm, psychological theories of conscious and in conscious, and Brown's theory of synergistic touch.

Trager is an experiential approach to movement education and mind/body integration.  It uses hands-on tablework and self-directed movement exploration to influence the unconscious mind.  Trager uses the natural rhythm of the body's weight and its structure to help rediscover ease, comfort, freedom from restriction, and fluidity of function.  It increases the potential for health and wellbeing.  The approach invites the body/mind to transform, teaching by introducing pleasurable possibilities and affirming the resilience found in the body.

During the tablework portion of a Trager session, each part of the body gets gently rocked like a baby.  These movements stay within what feels safe and pleasant for the client, enabling the mind to let go of muscle holding patterns, resulting in long-lasting change.  The lovely part of Trager is that when you give a session, you are also receiving the rocking movements yourself! Body mechanics for the practitioner are a valuable part of this class; you will learn to work with greater ease and alignment.

Trager Mentastics are playful, easy movement explorations done in a meditative state.  Questions like "What could be easier?", "What could feel freer?", and "What could be more fluid?" are questions that guide our movements.  Mentastics help both bodyworkers and their clients to move with greater ease and flexibility and to retain the effects of Trager tablework.  Often these movements are silly and fun and use imagery.  In our all-too-serious world, it is wonderful to have movement tools to help us lighten up and feel better.

(Please note that while participants are encouraged to use what they learn in their practices, they cannot use Trager servicemarks in their advertising until they have completed the full Trager certification program.)

Bring sheets and wear loose, comfortable clothing (preferably not jeans or tight spandex)

(Pre-requisite:  Myofascial Release Massage I).

At the end of this workshop your neck and shoulders will be relaxed. You will breathe more deeply and with less effort.

The Nurturing the Mother® Certification 24 CEU seminar includes lecture, massage demonstration, and hands-on practicals.  Students will also get to practice on a pregnant volunteer, following the Nurturing the Mother manual written by Claire Marie Miller.

The lecture discusses pregnancy-related contraindications such as pre-term labor, pre-eclampsia, and DVT's.  Massage and support is also discussed in correspondence to the various stages of labor.  The books Mother Massage by Elaine Stillerman, Massage During Pregnancy by Better Waters, Natural Childbirth the Eastern Way by Wataru Ohashi, and Childbirth Wisdom by Judith Goldsmith are referenced.  Finally, basic protocols for a newborn massage are addressed, from Baby's First Massage, Loving Your Newborn by Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey.

Claire Marie Miller's teaching method is both warm and frank - which has created lifelong followers of her courses and continued education.  Claire Marie Miller, NCBTMB provider #6417-00, became inspired to work with women throughout their pregnancies when she received massages during her pregnancies, starting with her first child in 1981. Claire worked alongside a midwife in California from 1983-1987, supporting her clients and attending home births.  To this day, Claire brings her personal story and interconnected philosophy to all of her courses.

Claire has been in healthcare since 1972, massage therapy since 1979, and is one of the original NCBTMB providers.  Claire's Nurturing the Mother® program has been a certification since 1990.

Students will learn the anatomy of both male and female reproductive systems and will understand the process to be able to support a couple using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).  The student will know how to refer and network with other important healthcare practitioners and be able to market this ground-breaking technique successfully in their community.

The Fertility Massage Specialist Certification 16 CE seminar includes lecture, massage demonstration, and hands-on practicals.  Other fertility media is referenced, including the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler and The Miracle of Life DVD from Nova and Lennart Nilsson.

Claire has been in healthcare since 1972, massage therapy since 1979, and is one of the original NCBTMB providers.  Claire's Nurturing the Mother® program has been a certification since 1990.

What you will learn: How to Create Rapport and Grow the Client Relationship  *consciously create a structure of safety/respect from within the client's subconscious structure * develop strategies to manifest and recognize deep rapport, quiet resistance * grow in openness to healing/change * use the clients' learning style to develop practical exercises to continue the healing process.  Exquisite Language Skills for Customer Retention and Change * simple rules to remove personal bias and truly listen effectively * questioning strategies that take us to the source of the problem * using the 'core' problem to establish clear goals for treatment so that the client can easily see the change that has occurred in the session * understanding your clients' decision-making strategies -- using this to create effective healing and change * strategies to grow and retain the customer long term.

     Note:  You can attend either part, or both - highly recommend both parts.

• Study of Taoist 5 element theory and its practical application in western practice
• Learn and strengthen your communication skills with your client, guiding them through the process (in the clinical setting the practitioner becomes the instructor)
• Learn to integrate Medical Chi Kung practice into your session to support the healing process
• Specific touch techniques to elicit proper breath and client awareness
• Plenty of hands on practice
• Lung/Large Intestine and Stomach/Spleen

     CNT can help with:  Digestive issues, Constipation, Bloating, Weight problems, Headaches, Insomnia, Fatigue and much more. 

Required reading:  "Chi Nei Tsang" by Mantak Chia and "Healing from Within" by Gilles Marin (both available at Amazon).  Basic understanding of Western anatomy required. 

• Be able to perform a one hour treatment to the abdominal cavity using manipulations that affect the various meridians as studied
• Be able to assess and teach the appropriate healing sound to clients as support for specific techniques used
• Liver/Gall Bladder, Bladder/Kidney, Heart/Small Intestine

The Myofascial Release Massage seminars include a fully illustrated manual.

The Myofascial Release Massage seminars are considered eligible for 20 continuing education hours by the NCBTMB, AMTA, ABMP, IMF, AMMA, and NATABOK.

*Please bring sheets and a towel and wear clothing that exposes as much of the leg as possible.  Women should wear a bra or bikini top.

What You Will Learn:  * Foot reflexology landmarks and techniques * Hand and ear reflexology techniques * 4-theory approach to reflexology (structural alignment, zones, Asian meridians, and proprioceptors) * Cautions and contraindications for reflexology * Structural alignment exercises * Anatomy of the lower leg and foot * Elements of spa reflexology * Marketing reflexology * Working with special populations 

***Please bring a set of sheets, 2-3 pillows, and 2-3 towels.

• Safe and effective use of heated basalt rocks and aromatherapy during reflexology session.

• Techniques to use the rocks both in the affected area and as a wrap or pack on the feet.

• Therapeutic aromatherapy with eight essential oils targeting common discomforts.

• Students will learn how to combine the oils and then add to a carrier foot balm for the reflexology session.

The focus is on: Increasing the flow of oxygen and blood to the facial area, neck and shoulders, toning, tightening the skin and fascia, lymphatic drainage and detoxification of skin and organ systems, better mental alertness, focus and relaxation for the client, emotional cleansing through the application of essential oils, preventive maintenance for aging and skin blemishes, and skin lift and facial rejuvenation manipulations.

Traditionally, through the use of acupressure and special manipulative massage strokes, the treatment goes beyond Swedish massage and concentrates on opening up the acupuncture meridians that energize the face, head and shoulders to achieve a balancing and grounding effect.

Additional physiological relief is obtained for all types of headaches, TMJ dysfunctions, sinusitis and emotional balancing.

This is a hands on course where the student learns to incorporate theory with working with Qi gates, using penetrating techniques, field awareness and intention. The practitioner goes beyond the superficial beauty of the client by bringing out the radiance of inner health.

You will learn: The causes of skin diseases and aging according to the Chinese medical model, many soft tissue strokes for rejuvenation and prevention of aging, the function of acupressure points, their location and evaluation of he face, neck and shoulders, special uses of essential oils for the face, ears, and constitution that rejuvenate skin, act as analgesics and revitalize the circulation and lymphatic's, and facial skin life Qigong massage strokes.

Chinese Craniosacral Therapy with Visceral Manipulation- Internal Organ Massage and Medical Qigong

Chinese Craniosacral Therapy is a non-confrontational, safe and indirect approach to the body’s physical and psychological imbalances. We use a subtle blend of Chinese Acupressure meridian therapy and psychophysiologic  craniosacral therapy. Together we get a self-regulated and self -regulating system of energy medicine. The body is guided and taught to harness its own bio-electric immune system or “ Inner Intelligence”. By working on the mind and para - and sympathetic nervous systems first, we turn inflammation and blockages  around and lay the groundwork for further myofascial release as well.

In Chinese Craniosacral Therapy the body is a holograph!  We learn how to treat problems  on the left  or right side with the contralateral side first. The issues on the top or bottom of the body with the opposite side. Organ-related issues that are inflammatory with internal organ massage , because all chronic diseases in T.C.M. start in the Digestive system. You will not simply be taught a protocol but how to treat specific dysfunctions.

You will learn: The craniosacral system and its connection to the Acupuncture Meridian System, the location of important Gate acupressure points and meridians and how to identify tender and “ still points", the use of certain essential oils to open up these gate points, palpatory skills for evaluation and therapeutic use of manipulation and stretching the fascia, how to identify congestions and “ sick “ energy that affects the organs and fascia, how to treat imbalances by addressing the contralateral side of the body, and the release of toxic viscera through visceral manipulation and their subsequent tonification self-treatment for the therapist and patient.

 You will be able to help clients with:  Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia and inflammatory viral conditions, *Migraines / tension headaches, *Emotional imbalances: anger, frustration, resentment, anxiety, and nervousness, *Chronic back pain, *Cervical pain, *Post-traumatic stress disorders, *Depression, *Gastrointestinal problems, *Sinusitis, *ADHD/hyperactivity, *Autism, *all forms of arthritis.

This is a great adjunct to Myofascial Release and can take you further than Neuromuscular Therapy

Day 2

Day 3

Kansa Vatki Foot Massage is one of the best ways to balance the tri-dosha.  This training tells you how to give a supremely relaxing and dosha-balancing foot massage using the unique Kansa Vatki bowl.

The aim of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the practical application of the Kansa Vatki (KV) Foot Massage.  On successful completion of the one day training, students will be able to use the techniques as a principle or subsidiary part of their practice.  This course is ideal for experienced therapists and beginners alike. 

Through gentle massage of the face, we van help to delay the aging process.  This is achieved by using simple massage techniques and energy balancing, thereby giving the facial muscles a lift and a new lease on life.

This is a precise healthcare modality, working the face systematically, releasing deep-seated tensions, freeing layers of muscle and connective tissue so that there is space for the muscle to relax, encouraging an opening so that micro circulation and elimination can begin again and the tissues can glide smoothly over the deeper layers of muscle and bone.  Although it is difficult to stave off the aging process, we can do much to extend the appearance of youth and beauty by using simple, natural and effective massage techniques and energy balancing to take care of the assets we possess.

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Classes will be held at 1 E University Pkwy, Suite 106, Baltimore, MD 21218 (University One).  As you face the building, go in the door to the right of the main entrance marked "Professional Entrance."  Go down the hallway to the 4th door on your right.

Directions from 95:
Take Downtown exit. Stay left toward Inner Harbor. Take right onto Conway St. Take left onto Charles St. Go approximately 4 miles. Take right onto University Parkway. University One is the first building on your right.

Directions from 83:
Take 83 South into the city. Take Cold Spring Lane East. Take right onto Roland Ave. When the road forks, continue left onto University Parkway. Cross Charles St. University One is the first building on your right.

Meals: There are several restaurants and markets in the area, and there is a kitchen at the school.

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