Oriental Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Professional and Ethical Standards

Define scope of practice, informed consent, and professional boundaries in Oriental massage. Ethical conduct protects both client welfare and practitioner credibility.

Lesson 2 • Meridian System Overview

Map the 12 primary meridians and their associated organs and functions. Students identify meridian pathways as the structural basis for point-based work.

Lesson 3 • History and Cultural Origins

Survey the development of massage traditions across China, Japan, Korea, and India. This historical context anchors technique rationale in authentic cultural practice.

Lesson 4 • Anatomy for Oriental Bodywork

Review musculoskeletal and connective tissue anatomy relevant to Eastern techniques. Accurate anatomical knowledge prevents injury and improves precision.

Lesson 1 • Contraindications and Safety

Identify points and conditions requiring caution or avoidance in acupressure practice. Safety screening prevents adverse events and builds client trust.

Lesson 2 • Locating Acupressure Points

Use anatomical landmarks and proportional measurement to find acupoints accurately. Reliable location is prerequisite to effective therapeutic stimulation.

Lesson 3 • Major Points for Common Conditions

Identify high-priority acupoints for headache, stress, fatigue, and digestive complaints. Students build a practical point repertoire for frequent client presentations.

Lesson 4 • Tonification and Sedation Methods

Apply directional and rhythmic pressure variations to tonify deficient or sedate excess conditions. These distinctions allow targeted energetic balancing.

Lesson 1 • Stretching and Joint Mobilisation

Integrate passive stretches and gentle joint rotations into Shiatsu sessions. Mobilisation enhances meridian opening and improves client range of motion.

Lesson 2 • Prone Position Shiatsu Sequence

Deliver a complete prone Shiatsu routine targeting the back, gluteal, and posterior leg meridians. Prone work addresses Bladder and Governing Vessel pathways effectively.

Lesson 3 • Supine Position Shiatsu Sequence

Execute a structured Shiatsu routine for the client in the supine position. Sequencing logic ensures full meridian coverage and smooth session flow.

Lesson 4 • Shiatsu Hand and Body Techniques

Practice palm press, thumb press, and two-hand connection techniques central to Shiatsu. Proper weight transfer from the practitioner's hara ensures sustained, non-fatiguing pressure.

Lesson 1 • Tui Na for the Neck and Shoulder

Apply Tui Na protocols to address cervical tension, stiffness, and restricted rotation. Neck and shoulder work is among the most requested clinical applications.

Lesson 2 • Tui Na for the Lower Back

Deliver structured Tui Na protocols for lumbar pain, stiffness, and Kidney deficiency patterns. Lower back complaints represent a primary reason clients seek Oriental massage.

Lesson 3 • Tui Na Theory and Diagnosis

Apply TCM diagnostic concepts including Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, and Dampness to client assessment. Diagnosis directs technique selection and session structure.

Lesson 4 • Core Tui Na Hand Techniques

Practice Gun Fa rolling, Rou Fa kneading, Na Fa grasping, and An Fa pressing methods. Each technique targets specific tissue depths and therapeutic goals.

Lesson 1 • Prone and Side-Lying Thai Work

Execute prone back compression and side-lying hip-opening sequences within the Thai framework. These positions access posterior and lateral body regions not reachable supine.

Lesson 2 • Compression and Palm Press Techniques

Apply rhythmic palm, thumb, and foot compression along Sen lines in supine position. Compression techniques warm tissue and prepare the body for deeper stretching.

Lesson 3 • Assisted Stretching Sequences

Guide clients through passive yoga-inspired stretches targeting hips, spine, and shoulders. Assisted stretching is the defining feature that distinguishes Thai massage from other modalities.

Lesson 4 • Full-Body Thai Session Integration

Combine all position sequences into a cohesive 60- to 90-minute Thai massage session. Students practise pacing, transitions, and session closure for a complete client experience.

Lesson 1 • Reflexology Session Design

Structure a complete reflexology session including intake, treatment, and aftercare guidance. Thoughtful session design maximises therapeutic benefit and client satisfaction.

Lesson 2 • Reflexology Theory and Zone Maps

Explain zone therapy principles and the reflex map relationships between foot regions and body systems. Zone maps provide the navigational framework for all reflexology work.

Lesson 3 • Auricular Reflexology Basics

Locate primary auricular reflex points and apply gentle stimulation for systemic effects. Ear reflexology integrates naturally into Oriental massage sessions as a complementary element.

Lesson 4 • Hand Reflexology Application

Deliver hand reflexology as a standalone treatment or complement to foot work. Hand reflexology is especially useful when foot access is contraindicated.

Lesson 1 • Ayurvedic Oils and Herbal Preparations

Select and prepare medicated oils appropriate for each dosha and therapeutic intention. Oil quality and temperature directly influence treatment effectiveness and client comfort.

Lesson 2 • Ayurvedic Assessment and Dosha Typing

Conduct a basic Prakriti assessment to identify Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dominance in clients. Dosha typing determines oil selection, pressure, and session pacing.

Lesson 3 • Marma Point Therapy

Locate and stimulate the 107 classical Marma vital points to release blocked Prana. Marma work integrates seamlessly with Abhyanga to deepen energetic effects.

Lesson 4 • Shirodhara and Specialised Treatments

Introduce Shirodhara oil-stream therapy and Udvartana herbal powder massage as advanced Ayurvedic modalities. These treatments address nervous system imbalance and metabolic concerns.

Lesson 1 • Case Study Practice and Peer Review

Analyse real-world case studies and receive structured peer feedback on technique and clinical reasoning. Reflective practice accelerates skill refinement and professional growth.

Lesson 2 • Managing Adverse Reactions

Recognise and respond to healing crises, vasovagal responses, and unexpected client reactions. Prompt, competent management of adverse events protects client safety and practitioner confidence.

Lesson 3 • Integrative Treatment Planning

Design multi-modality treatment plans that combine Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai, and reflexology elements. Integration requires understanding each modality's strengths and appropriate application context.

Lesson 4 • Working with Special Populations

Adapt Oriental massage techniques for elderly, pregnant, and post-injury clients safely. Special population work demands heightened assessment skills and technique modification.