Course Requirements

Course Descriptions

TuiNa, Eastern Massage - 277 hours (Eastern Massage consists of the following courses)

Fundamental Theory of Eastern Medicine - 27.6 hours

This course is an introduction to the theoretical and philosophical concepts of Oriental Medicine. They include: Qi, Yin and Yang, the five phases, the eight principles, and the triple burner theory. Additional study and detailed discussions is given to organ physiology in Chinese Medicine. The class will also discuss the internal and external causes of disease within the Eastern Medical model. 

It covers various theories including the six external pernicious influences, the seven emotions, diet theory, the eight principle patterns of disharmony, cold induced disorders and warm disease theory.

Eastern Medicine - Differential Diagnosis - 27.6 hours

Detailed discussion and practical experience in the four classical techniques of Chinese diagnosis: observation, palpitation, audition and inquiry. There will be special emphasis placed on tongue and pulse diagnosis. Instruction is also given in completing a client evaluation form, which includes a personal health history, a differential diagnosis and a record of the treatment.

Acupressure Meridian Point Locations - 55.6 hours

This course introduces twelve regular organ channels (meridians) and eight extra meridians. Location, energetics, indications, and regional anatomy of major acupuncture points are discussed. This class provides thorough instruction in precise point location by using charts, models and finally using fellow students as subjects to locate and mark the most important acupuncture points. 

Categories of point function are explained.

Eastern Massage Therapy I - Shiatsu - 47.6 hours

Shiatsu, which literally means "finger pressure" in Japanese, is a traditional form of Eastern Massage useful in the treatment of many stress patterns. This course will show a variety of ways to apply pressure to the 14 main meridians. Added emphasis is given on specific point combinations and techniques for problems indifferent parts of the body and further development of sensitivity to energy balancing. It concludes with a complete body treatment.

Eastern Massage Therapy II - TuiNa 1 - 47.6 hours

TuiNa is a highly developed form of Chinese massage that includes many different hand techniques applied to specific areas of the body. This introduction covers press method, rub method, thumb rub method, palm rub method, and palm heel rub method. These methods are demonstrated and then practiced in class until the supervisor notes satisfactory progress. The Chinese believe that alleviating stress and tension is important to maintaining optimum health. The techniques of TuiNa focus on manipulation of superficial fascia to release tension and improve circulation.

Eastern Massage Therapy III - TuiNa 2 - 42.6 hours

This course focuses on therapeutic Eastern massage. The class covers pain relief techniques, sports massage techniques, and injury prevention techniques. The student learns how to interpret client response in order to focus on the areas of tension that occur with sports and fitness training. 

Students also will learn Eastern massage techniques to treat different disorders and energy imbalance.

Accessory Techniques - 28.4 hours

This course includes lectures, demonstrations and practice in the noninvasive traditional accessory techniques of Eastern medicine:

Moxibustion, guasha, cupping, pettets and auricular techniques, along with Chinese herbal liniments.

Tai Ji - 27 hours

This course of study introduces students to the practice of Tai Ji. It combines instruction in the traditional Tai Ji short form movements with a concentration on the internal energy circulation which accompanies the movements. It focuses on the internal development and transmission of energy for therapeutic use. It adds an extra dimension to bodywork by making the practitioner more sensitive to the client so that massage techniques can reach deeper levels of relaxation.  Tai Ji forms introduced in Program Aa will be studied and practiced at a deeper level during Program B.

Can be taken as Stand-Alone Course.

Student Clinic - (73 hrs-CTT)

• 50 hours Basic TuiNa Clinic

• 23 hours Advanced TuiNa Clinic

Student clinic is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to perform massage in a real-life work setting offering one hour full-body massage to the general public. Students interview clients, design and implement sessions, apply hands-on skills, evaluate results and take notes. A key to this valuable learning experience is the mentoring, feedback, and assistance given by clinic instructors. Student clinic experiences are a vital component in the development of professionalism, self-confidence and expertise. 

Advanced Clinic will help students develop the skills required when a patient presents with a complicated diagnosis or a condition that requires further research.

Advanced TuiNa Techniques - 55.2 hours

The course will further expand the students knowledge of TuiNa, how to apply certain modalities in consideration of the patients presentation. This course is designed to give the student advanced techniques that are helpful for difficult cases. This course needs to be completed before the China Internship where the student will be able to apply these advanced techniques.

Research Paper/Holistic Medicine - 20 hours

Students must complete this research paper prior to graduation. This paper is a guided research project in exploring holistic healing in the Eastern and Western tradition. It is also intended to show a student's competence in areas less explored in class and will require a minimum of three months to complete. The project will focus attention on the realities of contemporary holistic health practices now available in the US.

China Internship - 120 hours

The internship provides students with the opportunity to practice TuiNa Chinese medical massage techniques at a hospital in the Republic of China. During this internship, the Colorado massage therapy students will enhance their abilities and gain clinical experience by performing massage treatments under the supervision of Chinese doctors who speak fluent English. This internship will last about three weeks.

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