Ahern Massage Therapy School

Hello, I'm Thomas Ahern. The most important thing that I teach is compassion, and you will learn to work from your heart. Anyone who has a body, and anyone who plans on touching someone who has a body, should learn massage therapy. Why? Because we all have the right to good health.

All of the massage techniques I will teach you are naturally easy to learn by anyone truly wanting to learn them ... I guarantee this. Classes are designed so that both the novice and the professional can learn -- and learn more about -- this healing art.

If a school cannot take willing students and make them awesome massage therapists in two weeks, then it should not be in business. I will put the time and effort it takes to ensure that you too will become an awesome massage therapist. This I guarantee provided you truly want to learn -- put in the time and effort by doing the work. I have never had a student fail.

The Mind-Body Connection

This massage, as a healing art, has endless horizons. We need to stop thinking that we are made of mind and body -- separate and distinct from each other. We truly are MINDBODY -- as complete as one (all) can be. Separate the two and that will be the end as we know it.

Feeling the Connection

The key is to learn how to "feel" the mindbody connection -- the flow of the universal life force. Anyone can learn to give a great massage in a day. It takes the other 190 hours to learn how to feel this mindbody connection, as well as to learn the various massage techniques I teach. Once this occurs, you will read, understand, and, most importantly, "feel" what you are reading so that you can continue to teach yourself.

My health center and school is part of my home, because health care is a very personal and caring profession and should never be in a cold, clinical setting. I feel very strongly about having you become the very best you can be. Massage therapy is more than an occupation; it is a way of life. Therefore, I open the safety of my home to my students and clients. Please save yourself time and money by coming to my school.

I Teach and Work From My Heart

I have been warned by many great business people that there is a danger of not charging enough for my classes, because the consumer equates high value with high dollars. They tell that, because of this, I am loosing students and big money by not charging what this class is worth. The truth is, they are right! However, I teach and work from my heart. I do the very best job of teaching and giving of myself that can be found anywhere. It is ever my intent to teach you to do the same. My students are making a huge difference in the world...I thank them, and welcome you to do so also!

Yin and Yang

According to Lao Tzu (6th century, B.C.) everything in the universe arose from the great ultimate source, or "Tai Chi," represented by the famous symbol shown above.

The dark and light parts of the Tai Chi symbol represent the inherent duality in all things. It also shows the interaction of Yin and Yang respectively, the dynamic from which life and all phenomena arise and continue to move and change.

The law governing all these transformations is called the Tao, meaning the way of nature.

In class, we will learn much more about this crucial philosophy as it pertains to life and massage therapy.

Class Schedules

Classes start at 7 A.M. on the first Saturday of each available month. You will need to arrive by Friday night. When you have completed your studies here, you will be able to fly out on Sunday afternoon after the 200 hour course.

This is an intensive program. Class hours are as follows:
7:00 AM -12 PM /lunch/ 1:00 PM- 6:00 PM /dinner/ 7 PM - 10:20 PM

Sounds tough?

I don't feel that it is. Many people work double shifts and still can barely get by in life. Here you will be learning a trade that will last a lifetime.

Think about it!

A good part of the time you will be giving or receiving a massage. Time flies while doing this, so how could it be so tough?

What is the Curriculum?

In the two week, 200 hour course, I will teach you several different types of massage which are explained in detail on the Types of Massage Taught page. In addition, you will receive Reiki training . Help with state and national examination information and business start-ups are also part of the course.

You'll get many different resources as well, such as $150 worth of books and instructional materials, plus a massage table and stool to round out your study program. In addition, once you graduate you will be ready for the countless job and business opportunities available to you in massage therapy.

How I Teach

We all learn at different speeds and styles. I can teach anyone the healing art of massage therapy who truthfully wants to learn, and puts in the time and effort it takes.

A Safe Place

I provide a safe environment for everyone in my classes. And we always have fun while we are learning!

Class Size

You will learn this art best by my keeping class sizes manageable. I teach in this way so you will get plenty of personalized attention. You will learn by doing and sharing. You will learn by experiencing. You will learn by having the time to absorb what you are learning and to evolve into a massage therapist. YOU WILL BE AWESOME!

Cost

A lifetime worth of books, instruction, massage table and stool, and a certificate of being a certified massage therapist are provided for (U.S.) $3,495 for a two week/200 hour course. For every additional 100 hours of course work, the cost is $1,750. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards; Cashiers checks, Travelers checks, and even cash.

Housing The Best Western in Mariposa has offered a special rate for my students. You will need to call them directly at 209-966-7545. Be sure to let them know you are one of my massage students. On a limited basis, tents are available for those who wish to camp on the school property at no charge.

Food A continental style breakfast is provided at the hotel. Everything in town is within walking distance from the school. You will be able to buy a large variety of food from the town's restaurants or stores at about $18-$20 a day. Snacks, lunch, and dinner are not provided.

Here's a great idea! Many students pre sell gift certificates for massages at a bargain price ($100 for 10 massages) to get the tuition needed for class. Many of these pre-paid people become permanent clients of yours after the initial investment is "massaged" off!

Karma Give-away

Too broke to attend? How about a Karma giveaway? The Karma Giveaway program works like this; It is a great honor to be able to offer such a valuable gift to you as I have with so many other students. I will need a written or typed letter telling me: (1) a little bit about yourself, (2) how this will benefit you in your life's path, (3) what your dedication will be for helping others by doing massage, and (4) a promise that you will make good on your word that you will honor this Karma Giveaway Program. If I feel your heart is in the right place, I will provide all the books and your massage table for $100 deposit and a $500 fee. In return, within the first year after graduating, you will put through a student completely for the full price of an equivalent class. In other words, if you attended the 200 hour course you must put someone through the 200 hour course. This is a student of either my choice or your choice if you like. He/she is responsible for his/her own $100 deposit and $500 fee and will continue the Karma giveaway under the same terms. You can call me with questions or send in the registration form.

State and National Examinations

The courses offered here should help you prepare for state and/or national exams. Classes are always available for both the new student and as continuing education requirements. Ahern's Massage Therapy School is registered with the National Testing Board of Massage Therapists.

For different courses to accommodate your local, state, county, or city requirements, please contact me in advance of attending class so that we can discuss and plan for your individual needs.

For current specific requirements in the area you intend to practice, please contact the appropriate local agency, such as your local board of licensing or city council. Please do this before attending class.

Types of Massage Taught

In class, we will learn anatomy, various types of massage modalities, and Reiki. In the art of massage therapy, there is no "one way" that will be best for everyone you will help. I generally give an essential oil massage that combines many massage techniques with aromatherapy.

While I have developed a basic massage "routine," I also tailor my routine to fit individual needs. In the course of discussing different types of massage, we will also discuss aromatherapy as an integral part of many massage techniques.

Anatomy

Please, please do not worry about this class! All of my students have successfully learned this seemingly hard class. It seems as if everyone has had poor teachers who have made learning difficult. I strive to be your very best teacher.

Anatomy is a creative and fun class. We will learn much about the skeletal, muscular, lymphatic and nervous systems, and how they pertain to massage. Learning the terminology is necessary to be able to communicate with each other and the medical community. I guarantee your success!

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses long, sweeping, deep and shallow strokes directed toward the heart. It dilates blood vessels, stimulating circulation, and cleanses the body of toxins through the flow of the lymphatic system. This is a great overall technique, and, when used with essential oils, is one of the few things better than a hug!

Shiatsu

More than just "finger pressure," shiatsu means relationship. Having hands, we reach out to receive and extend ourselves in our work. Being heavy, we need something to lean on. Mother Earth lends us her body for support. Then, rested and strong, we can offer our hands in help.

In this class, we will explore and learn not only shiatsu massage techniques, but body meridians and "tsubos," or pressure points. There are 365 classical points in the body. It's not necessary to remember all 365 tsubos to help yourself or others. However, you will learn many very helpful points to better your health and all those you will work on.

Acupressure

Acupressure uses the same points as shiatsu and acupuncture, only without the needles. These techniques are awesome and should be learned by everyone pursuing massage therapy. As in shiatsu, it's not necessary to remember all 365 tsubos to help yourself or others. In class we will learn to find and "feel" the tsubos.

Kinesiology

This technique incorporates massage, acupressure, neuro-vascular holding points, and proper food and water intake to heal injured muscles and reach optimal health, so that we can maximize our lives.

We work from Touch for Health, by John F. Thie, D.C.. This art is truly amazing. In class we will cross the threshold of learning into this incredible healing art. As with all things, it takes practice, practice, practice.

In the advanced classes, you will learn how to unlock important tsubos to eliminate allergies and substance abuse.

Reflexology

Reflexology activates pressure points in the hands, feet, stomach and ears. There are 144 distinct pressure points in the ears alone, and they have the fastest reaction to their associated body parts. Wow, this is great stuff, and so easy to learn.

Ortho-Anatomy

This art involves position and release. It involves finding the comfort position for injured bodies, thereby facilitating rapid healing. For example -- How about being able to release the muscles in a person's neck who has a whiplash injury so that they have near to full recovery before they leave your office? In this art, we remember that less is sometimes more.

Advanced classes are also available in which you will learn more wonderful techniques for rapid healing, many times with instant results.

Infant Message

Most of us are born balanced. As we grow and age daily, we become unbalanced. Touch is vital to babies for both physical and emotional well being. It is just as vital to all of us. It is even more critical as we age because we tend to deprive ourselves of touch in our hurried and overworked lives. We ALL need to be touched. Therefore, you will always have work to do.

In this class, we will learn the similarities between adult and infant massage, as well as the particular cautions and care necessary to do infant and pregnant massage.

Feng Shui - Wind Water

This is the study of the flow of the Earth's energy upon us, as well as the disruption of this flow by man-made energy. We will learn what to see, look for, and do, so that we may create a more pleasing and healthy environment around ourselves and others.

Reiki

This is a time honored, sacred method of bringing balance and harmony to the body, the mind, and the soul. It operates on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels and acts as a connection with the ever-flowing love light energy of the universe. It carries no religious dogma. It is pure, simple, safe and elegant.

Advanced Classes

Advanced courses are designed to accommodate the different needs of individual students. They are continuously available in 100 and 200 hour courses, and can be combined up to 500 hours.

Office Massage

This form of massage is also known as Chair Shiatsu. I teach the traditional Zen Shiatsu chair massage. You will learn and be prepared to perform office massages immediately upon completion of my course. Workers receiving office massage become more alert, work better, and have fewer absences from illnesses and injuries.

Myofascial Release Therapy

This technique is beneficial to most of the soft tissues, but the biggest improvement can be seen in the tendons, muscles, and the fascia sheets covering these areas. Myofasial release therapy is designed to restore the normal range of motion to the tissues, thus preventing compensations and pain.

Hot Stone Therapy

This part of the advanced course includes an over view of using heated stones to bring the healing energies of the earth in direct contact with your clients. You will learn when to use hot stone therapy and how to use it safely.

Location

The classroom is located in town at 5009 5th Street, Mariposa. This is just outside Yosemite National Park. In the Gold Country foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this majestic and peaceful mountain setting is the ideal locale for learning the healing art of massage therapy. In the time it takes for a vacation, you will have a career for the rest of your life! Please see the directions below.

Weather permitting, we can meet outside; otherwise classes are held in the classroom, which is also the holistic health center. I also have a 26 foot tipi, where I teach Reiki and do other healings.

Contact Us Today!

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.