CE Descriptions

Class Descriptions

General Interest/Continuing Education/Electives

While some classes are offered quarterly, most are less frequent. To see our current class and event calendar, please click here.
Required and Recommended Textbooks 

ABC's of Chinese Medicine - Part B

Course Hours: 30
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Part A focuses on healthy function, while Part B explores the energetic workings of the body from the standpoint of disharmony or pathology. Specifically, we try to understand how and why both physical and psycho-emotional signs and symptoms arise and to view their manifestation as unique to individual organs. In Chinese medicine, disease is primarily identified by a constellation of symptoms known as an organ pattern.
Prerequisites: ABC's of Chinese Medicine - Part A
Instructor: Ward

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Required Text: ABC's Part B, writing materials
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Advanced Foam Rolling

Course Hours: 7.5
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Foam rolling is an effective way to stretch and even strengthen muscles, soften fascial adhesions and scarred areas or increase ROM.� This class is comprised of five hour-long facilitated foam rolling sessions where students learn to place and manipulate foam rollers to address specific pain, hypertonicity, trigger points and other needs
Prerequisites: Myofascial Foam Rolling
Instructor: Dixon

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Foam Roller, theraband, and mini balls. Available for purchase at OSM Bookstore prior to first class.
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Bamboo Sticks

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Using bamboo sticks is a great way to provide relaxation or deep-tissue, full-body massage on the table, while reducing stress on your hands. The technique was specifically created to minimize strain on your body. Using bamboo sticks allows you to increase your client load, give longer sessions without fatigue, and save your thumbs and wrists from repetitive use injuries. Because the bamboo can be easily heated, it also provides a deep soothing heat. It is effortless to perform, you�ll save wear and tear on your hands, and clients will love it. tool kit included in price of class.
Prerequisites: Massage Fundamentals, Kinesiology/ Massage Lower & Upper
Instructor: Hueller

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Body-Based Trauma Relief

Course Hours: 4
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
People can be traumatized by any event (internal or external) that they perceive (consciously or unconsciously) to be life-threatening. Pain is a key event that coincides with Trauma either in a causative or correlative manner. Pain can cause trauma or Trauma can cause Pain, or they can co-exist and intermingle. The relationship is complex. Perception of trauma and pain vary with age, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and culture and life experience.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Building Your Ethical Body

Course Hours: 4
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This Ethics course provides a conceptual and physical foundation for working with the ethics of touch. The class is designed to strengthen the massage therapist�s physical and mental resources, and provide clear strategies to build confidence and capability to deal with confusing and murky issues. It includes an overview and short practice of a variety of skill building techniques plus mindful movement exercises that strengthen practitioner boundaries and protect against harmful social/ environmental influences on massage and bodywork while connecting to one�s inner wisdom.
Prerequisites: Comm/Ethics or LMT
Instructor: Dixon

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Craniosacral Therapy Level One

Course Hours: 15
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Craniosacral work is a gentle, powerful form of bodywork developed by an osteopathic physician. Craniosacral techniques move the cranial and sacral bones to free restrictions in the connective tissue and central nervous system. Craniosacral bodywork is especially useful for addressing pain and dysfunction in the head, spine and pelvis. The techniques can release physical and emotional trauma throughout the body and can be performed with the client clothed. This introductory course will introduce students to the history and basic concepts of Craniosacral Massage and a basic protocol of preliminary techniques that you can practice alone or integrate into a massage session.
Prerequisites: Craniosacral Therapy Introduction
Instructor: Dixon

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Cupping Massage: Theory & Application

Course Hours: 6
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This class offers massage therapists an opportunity to learn the theory and practice of suction cupping therapy. The morning will begin with a slideshow presentation about the history and current practices of the art of cupping therapy. Participants will be shown stories and images from the cultures that practice cupping therapy and explore both our collective ancient, pre-scientific healing teachings about cupping and the physiology associated with our contemporary sports medicine model. The goal is to emerge with an understanding that allows for the full range of healing potential that cupping therapy offers. The second section of the class will be dedicated to practice. Participants will work in pairs and small groups to learn how to safely perform cupping therapy using a variety of techniques including: traditional fire cupping, valve suction-pump cupping, and press on silicone cupping. You will be able to offer your clients a safe and healing cupping treatment on Monday morning! 🙂 Students are required to purchase a set of cups, or bring an set of cups, approved by the instructor, to the class. The class handouts will include resources for a wide variety of cupping equipment suppliers.
Prerequisites: Mass and Kines Upper&Lower, or LMT
Instructor: Lev, L.Ac.

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Writing materials, sheets, oil (lotion won't work), face cradle cover, bolster. Students will be required to provide their own cups. Sets are available in the OSM store. Cups that are bought elsewhere need to be approved by the instructor. The instructor can be contacted at: (971) 227-3117 and prefers to be texted.
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Franklin Method: Mental Imagery In Practice

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Do you want your work with clients to be more rich and effective? Learn how to use and incorporate imagery! In this Franklin Method class we will go through the fundamentals of using mental imagery and how to create a successful change in the nervous system for yourself and for your clients. You will learn the different types of imagery which we will be incorporating into movement.
Prerequisites: None, Kines recommended, or LMT
Instructor: Wesley

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Franklin Method: Scapular Motion

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Franklin Method for the Muscles of Scapular Motion: Using imagery, touch and movement, in this course you will experience the many muscles that provide dynamic, three-dimensional movement for the scapula. Understanding how these muscles work together to transfer force more efficiently from the limbs to the trunk enables us to address common shoulder and neck tension for ourselves and our clients.
Prerequisites: NONE, Kinesiology recommended, OR LMT
Instructor: Wesley

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Dress for optional movement
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How to Help Clients Heal After Injuries

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This class covers traumatic, repetitive stress and surgical injuries. Learn the difference between these injuries, and how to use bodywork and other tools to help our injured clients. Also covered is the emotional concerns that can arise when a person is injured, and how to help clients stay motivated while pursuing rehabilitation. Learn how massage therapists can avoid becoming injured at work, and what strategies to use if they do get injured.
Prerequisites: Massage Upper/Lower, Kinesiology Upper/Lower or LMT
Instructor: Sinclair

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Kinesiolo-Lee DT Method - Lower Body

Course Hours: 14
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
A Focus of modality techniques in the lower body region based heavily in kinesiology information using muscles origin, insertion and action knowledge; understanding the science of muscles functions and various gait abnormalities present in common workplace to apply these skills towards a healthier balance. In this class you will review O, I and A�s of lower body was well as functions of joints and muscles in ability to properly ID common issues in clients/patients in the treatment room and apply massage techniques working with the tissues in concentric and eccentric contractions to release the tension/issue.
Prerequisites: Kinesiology-Lower, or LMT
Instructor: Lee

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2 sets of linens, top blanket, 2 hand towels and small pillow; Recommended text: Trail guide 5th/6th Edition
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Lymphatic Massage for Lower Body

Course Hours: 12
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Lymphatic Detox Massage maximizes the therapeutic effects of bodywork and is especially effective for reducing inflammation and swelling, relieving acute and chronic pain, and detoxifying the body. Although extremely gentle and subtle the effects are potent on a physical level. This class focuses on rejuvenating and detoxifying the Lower Extremities, including the abdomen. In this class, students review the protocol for the neck presented in the Lymphatic Detox Intro and continue on with lymphatic detox of the viscera in the belly, legs and feet. A simple protocol to drain the lower body of toxins is taught and students are reminded of self-care practices to enhance detoxification and speed healing - moving, stretching and breathing and the application of cold and heat therapy.
Prerequisites: Lymph Detox Intro or instr permission
Instructor: Dixon

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sheets, breast drape, no lotion or oil, pillow or bolster as needed
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Manual Resisted Muscle Testing

Course Hours: 15
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This class teaches the techniques of manual resisted muscle testing and orthopedic tests in order to guide you to the source of the pain. You will learn consistent and organized ways to screen clients and where to apply your own massage techniques in order to work more efficiently and effectively.
Prerequisites: Kinesiology - Upper Body or Lower Body
Instructor: Libby

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2 sheets, face cradle cover, bolster; wear loose comfortable clothes Recommended text: Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy by Whitney Lowe Required text: Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy by Whitney Lowe
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Massage for End of Life Care

Course Hours: 6
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Massage therapy offers so much to people who are nearing the end of life. For many people, the end of life can bring with it fear, anxiety, loneliness, and physical discomfort. Massage therapy can be very effective in providing relief from these issues, and sharing positive experiences with people who are often unable to do many of the things that have brought them joy throughout life. In this class we will learn how to safely and effectively provide massage therapy in end of life care, and examine the role a massage therapist can play in witnessing and sharing this experience.
Prerequisites: Massage Fundamentals
Instructor: Casey

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Linens, oil/lotion. Wear comfortable clothing.
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Massage for Eye Strain and Upper Body Tension

Course Hours: 7
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Poor habits of using the eyes can create great tension and strain in the eyes, neck, and back. Causes include old ways of using the eyes, emotional stress, outstanding vision problems or conditions, hunching over cell phones, and carrying the head far forward while using doing work such as sewing or using a computer. This chronic tension can lead to headaches and discomfort that massage alone relieves for only a short time. Although this is not a vision improvement class, many Natural Vision exercises are superb ways to learn relaxation and how to use the visual system without strain. We will practice some of these exercises and learn strategies to alleviate headaches, eyestrain, and tight muscles. The class also covers how to improve work habits including proper ergonomics. Students also learn how to use bodywork and hydrotherapy to create a "Spa for the Eyes", a deeply relaxing treatment for those with eyestrain and upper body tension." Finally, how to interview and calk to clients about these issues, and referrals to books, websites, optometrists, etc.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Sinclair

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Massage For Persons With Diabetes

Course Hours: 4
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This course is for anyone that wants to know more about metabolic disorders, primarily diabetes mellitus & how to provide competent and appropriate bodywork to this ever-growing client population.
Prerequisites:
Instructor: Mozingo Goodwin

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Massage Room Design

Course Hours: 5
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
In this workshop, you'll learn how to intentionally design a treatment room that supports better outcomes for your clients. We'll explore everything from table dressing to decor, space planning, ADA requirements, and the elements of design. There will be opportunities to critique different treatment room designs and create your own mood board. You'll be inspired to create a restorative environment that centers your client's overall experience.
Prerequisites:
Instructor: Smith

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Myofascial Foam Rolling

Course Hours: 7.5
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Foam rolling is an effective way to stretch and even strengthen muscles, soften fascial adhesions and scarred areas or increase ROM.� This class is comprised of five hour-long facilitated foam rolling sessions where students learn to place and manipulate foam rollers to address specific pain, hypertonicity, trigger points and other needs.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Myofascial Massage - Indirect Method

Course Hours: 15
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Myofascial Massage (MFM) aims to achieve muscle, organ and nerve relaxation via the release of the connective tissue. MFM is comprised of two separate and unique bodywork techniques known as Direct and Indirect technique. Indirect MFM, taught in this class, involves jostling, gentle rocking and traction. Massage therapists who practice myofascial massage report improved body mechanics, awareness, an increased sense of joy about bodywork and rave reviews from clients.
Prerequisites: Myofascial Massage Intro or Instr permission
Instructor: Dixon

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On-Site Chair Massage I

Course Hours: 6
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This workshop covers four basic aspects of on-site massage; application of techniques, body mechanics, professionalism, and practice development. Instruction includes the use of techniques on the head, neck, back, and shoulders with emphasis on the effects of stress and repetitive motion on areas of the upper body. Additional techniques for working the arms and hands will be demonstrated. The majority of the class time will be spent in demonstration if techniques followed by application and practice by participants working on each other with individual assistance from the instructor.
Prerequisites: Massage - Fundamentals
Instructor: Aguayo

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Pain and Inflammation

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
One in five people suffer with pain every year. One in ten people experience chronic pain every year. The annual costs of treating pain are greater than the costs of treating cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. 43% of Americans receiving massage reported they did so for health conditions such as pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness. 88% of consumers agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Supplied by Instructor
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Pain and Stress

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
One in five people suffer with pain every year. One in ten people experience chronic pain every year. The annual costs of treating pain are greater than the costs of treating cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. 43% of Americans receiving massage reported they did so for health conditions such as pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness. 88% of consumers agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Supplied by Instructor
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Qigong

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Qigong means "ENERGY WORK". A moving meditation enriched with breath and imagery, this practice expands the breath, heals the organs and connects students with Nature and their inner Selves. Beginners and Experienced qigong practitioners will benefit from this self care class. Students will learn a series that they can practice on their own to recuperate and rejuvenate from the physical, mental and emotional stresses of bodywork. Movements are easy to follow and individualized for people living with acute or chronic illness or injury.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Reflexology for Women's Health

Course Hours: 4
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This reflexology class will address the specific needs of women. Students learn techniques to decrease the discomforts of PMS and menopause and address women's health concerns including breast cancer, endometriosis, and labor. You will walk out of class with fabulous ways to help your clients and new ways to work with the hands, feet, and even a bit of ear reflexology. These techniques can be easily incorporated to your normal sessions. No prior reflexology experience necessary, but it is helpful if you are aware of reflexology in a general sense as we will spend no time discussion origins or methodology.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Davis

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lotion, blanket, large pillow, bottom sheet, 2 towels, water bottle
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Reiki 2nd Degree

Course Hours: 18
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
The Second Degree Reiki Class is for those who want to dedicate themselves more deeply to the transformative and healing power of the Reiki energy. Through the use of the Reiki symbols there is an enhancement of the energy flow. These symbols form the central teaching piece in this class and we will practice extensively which each of them. In addition, the ability to do "distance treatments" is taught. This class in the tradition of Reiki Shiki Ryoho with Phyllis Lei Furumoto as the current Lineage Bearer. If you can bring some pictures to the class from your youth and of some people that have been or are important to you. Reiki practitioners of any lineage are welcome to this class but there needs to be a minimum time elapse of 6 months between Reiki 1 and Reiki 2. There is no maximum time elapse.
Prerequisites: Reiki 1st Degree (at least 3 mos prior to Reiki 2)
Instructor: Knorr

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2 sheets. If available please bring one or more pictures of yourself when you were young (from baby to teenager) and of one or two people who are dear to you.
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SEO & Social Media for Your Business

Course Hours: 5
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
An entry-level business course designed to look at search engine optimization for your new or existing business, your website layout and capabilities in how clients can find and navigate through it. Included in the lecture is discussion on social media platforms and entry-level content creation.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Lee

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Shamanic Healing

Course Hours: 14
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
Become a warrior with heart! Explore self-empowerment, the shamanic journey, totem animals, earth and sky energy and ecstatic dance. This class consists of a series of guided exercises to open up and be comfortable with shamanic reality. The focus will be how to apply the gathered energy for healing sessions on one another. You are invited to bring your own instruments (drums, rattles, Tibetan bowls, etc.), crystals, flower essences, etc. Workshop is open to beginners. This class meets the OBMT requirement for Cultural Competency.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Knorr

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invited to bring own instruments, crystals, flower essences, etc
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Shiatsu II - Short Form (Front)

Course Hours: 30
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
In Shiatsu II, students learn the kata for the front of the body, review channel locations and TCM theory. Finally, the students practice the whole "short form" kata with a focus on developing quality of touch. Students continue to do the Dao Yin self-massage exercise.
Prerequisites: Shiatsu 1
Instructor: Ward

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blanket, sheets, bolsters Remember to wear comfortable clothing and have your nails trimmed short.
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Shiatsu Short Form - Tutorial

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This is a private class in which the student practices on the instructor who provides detailed feedback on the student�s work. Following the completion of the clinic practicum, the student makes an appointment with the instructor to schedule the tutorial.
Prerequisites: Must take with Shiatsu SF Clinic.
Instructor: Ward

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Shiatsu Short Form Clinic

Course Hours: 45
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
The clinic provides students with the opportunity to practice the Shiatsu kata on the public in a supervised setting. Nineteen full-body Shiatsu massages are performed on clients over the ten-week course. This training reinforces the Shiatsu kata and develops confidence, strength and efficiency. In addition, students practice listening skills and boundary setting, and learn to modify the kata to meet individual needs and time constraints. Clinic is encouraged to be taken the term following Shiatsu II.
Prerequisites:
Instructor: Ward

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Sports Massage - Event

Course Hours: 6
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This course explores the role of a massage therapist working an athletic event focusing on performance and recovery. With proper knowledge and training, Pre-Mid-Post event massage allows an athlete to perform at their peak with fewer limitations from injuries and/or pain. This class will cover the changes that occur in the connective tissues during training and competition, the benefits of sports massage and the application of techniques, which are specific to event massage. The student will be taught how to best prepare and present themselves confidently in an athletic environment while using the correct tools, successful techniques and proper safety guidelines. Please bring or wear comfortable pants, shorts and a short sleeve shirt.
Prerequisites: Massage - Fundamentals
Instructor: Verschingel

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Comfortable shorts, shirt; sheets, towel, oil, bolsters, face cradle cover
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Tai Chi for Better Balance

Course Hours: 3
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
The class is designed to strengthen the massage therapist�s ability to use mindful and focused movement to reinforce breathing, awareness, and relaxation in body, mind, emotions, and spirit. These kinesthetic tools directly affect quality of life, time needed to heal and sense of safety and ease for therapist and indirectly for clients
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dixon

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Thai Massage - Level I

Course Hours: 16
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This Level I Southern-style course is extracted from the full Southern-style Kata, and provides the student with a holistic session lasting 40 to 50 minutes. This short form uses all five body positions and focuses primarily on compressions and passive Yoga stretches. The emphasis of this class is on good body mechanics; you will learn to move the client effortlessly and "heal yourself while helping those you touch." This tradition is practiced fully clothed, so please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a pillow and blanket to class. This course is NCBTMB approved, and is certified by the Thai Healing Alliance International.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Weitzer

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sheets, pillow, blanket, water bottle, writing materials Remember to wear loose, comfortable clothing (no blue jeans, jewelry or belts with a lot of metal) and to have your nails trimmed short. Friday evening is a free introductory session, as well as part of the class, so bring a friend! Your attendance is required Friday evening in order to receive credit for this class.
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Thai Massage - Level II

Course Hours: 30
OBMT Supervised Course:Yes
Description:
This Level I Southern-style course is extracted from the full Southern-style Kata, and provides the student with a holistic session lasting 40 to 50 minutes. This short form uses all five body positions and focuses primarily on compressions and passive Yoga stretches. The emphasis of this class is on good body mechanics; you will learn to move the client effortlessly and "heal yourself while helping those you touch." This tradition is practiced fully clothed, so please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a pillow and blanket to class. This course is NCBTMB approved, and is certified by the Thai Healing Alliance International.
Prerequisites: Thai I (2 non-consecutive weekends)
Instructor: Weitzer

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pillow, queen-size sheet/blanket, water bottle, writing materials. Remember to wear loose, comfortable clothing (no blue jeans, jewelry or belts with a lot of metal) and to have your nails trimmed short.
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