Institute of Natural Therapies

"Teaching massage therapy is not just our passion,
it’s our way of life.”

The Institute was founded because of many requests from the community. The modern culture of this region is strongly influenced by Finnish and Nordic immigrants. Massage and Sauna are integral facets of the region’s traditional life style and philosophy of family.

We have established this school to serve the community and provide a positive creative outlet for those who hold natural therapies arts close to their hearts. With our world class curriculum you will discover the differential advantage that sets I.N.T. professional graduates apart.

We are committed to provide professional training programs designed not only for students to successfully compete but allow them to become innovators and leaders in the therapeutic massage field. “Teaching massage therapy is not just our passion, it’s our way of life.”

Massage Professional 906 Graduation Requirements

Professional Massage Therapist Training is designed to provide students with the world's most renowned massage techniques. In order to graduate, students are required to create and develop their own personal massage based on the various techniques presented in class.

Early in the course, student’s perception, sensitivity, and transpersonal growth are stimulated using exercises that will become a foundation to build on throughout their training and careers.

SECTION 1: Traditional Swedish Massage as developed by Per Heneric Ling in Sweden, is the focus of the first 142 hours. "The Swedish Movement Treatment" became world famous in the 1800's for its great healing effects: lessening the pain of arthritis, improving circulation, and relieving sore, aching muscles. We also study anatomy and physiology, bones, blood, lymph, foot reflexology, and skin systems. In a classic sense, we investigate hydrotherapy, yoga, and living foods. We learn to deliver a classic stress free, relaxing wellness massage which envelopes the body with a warm, healthy glow.

SECTION II: C.P.R. and First Aid SECTION III: Deep Muscular Therapy is an indepth view of the body's muscular system with Kinesiology provided during this 95 hour section. An Orthobionic position release exercise (similar to strain-counter strain) for important muscles is presented. We use a system of colored tissue paper to "shape and tape" muscles applied to the human skeleton. We combine sports massage, crossfiber, and deep friction styles to enhance range of motion in the active client. We center on freeing specific muscles of the shoulders, pelvis and legs to improve athletic performance.

SECTION IV: Neuro-Muscular Therapy (N.M.T.), is the modality of trigger points, and precise muscular palpation including a core examination of the nervous system, Cranial Sacral systems, and related movement therapy. We learn prescription trigger point therapies for whiplash, sciatica (hip and leg pain) headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder and back stress.

SECTION V: Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and techniques examines all the meridians, extra meridians, and major holding points. Yin and Yang, Five-Element Theory, Zang-fu Theory, tongue and pulse diagnoses as well as moxibustion and hot cupping will be taught. A look at Qigong, Tuina, and T'ai Chi will accompany the lectures. We learn Chinese acupressure techniques for sinus drainage, T.M.J. (jaw disfunction), headaches, irregular menses, birthing, and indigestion. We will learn auricial (Chinese ear points) to treat various addictions such as smoking and overeating. We will lightly touch on some East Indian Ayurvedic points for chakra opening and balance. We learn to give a most excellent and ethereal world class acupressure treatment.

SECTION VI: Myofacial Release Therapy and Connective Tissue Techniques, focus on the facial entrapments, compartments, and sheaths which surround the muscles, organs, and bones. Techniques of regional unwinding of superficial and deep myofacial release are explored as well as postural analysis of all dimensions of the body profile and applications in Structural Integration and alignment. This section involves developing intuition and sensory reception of the body as a three dimensional being.

SECTION VII: Business Ethics and Clinic Responsibilities students receive supervised work experience with clinic patrons from the community. Students will be responsible for the entire massage process: making the appointment, greeting the client, in-take forms, and giving the massage as well as exit, clean-up, and documenting their work. Clinic business lectures include Michigan and Wisconsin laws, advertising, insurance forms, business communication skills, male/female issues, work environment, and general business ethics.

In addition to the 500 in-class hours, an option of an additional 100 in-class curriculum hours is available for 3 weeks of study in Thailand. Also required are 306 hours of state approved supervised distance learning including 100 hours of student logged massage work (approximately 2-3 massages per week). There are also two workbooks to complete: The Anatomy Coloring Book (selected pages) and The Structure and Function of Human Body Workbook (selected pages). Finished work will be inspected.

Classroom Environment

Being human we store a variety of energies, memories, subconscious and conscious emotions in our tissues. The classroom community provides a safe place to experience the therapeutic relationship. Together we tap into the power motivation of massage therapy allowing students the process of edification. We appreciate and respect our bodies, minds, souls, and emotions which are the tools we have to explore and co-create our future professions. We accept each other and come together with a common vision. Frequently students tell us how much they look forward to the class weekends. They say it’s a perfect retreat from their normal lives, a “spa weekend.” Students bring foods to class and pot luck lunches become elaborate buffets. They have nights out, study parties, massages, and after class time to build friendships and focus on their new profession. All our facilities have pools, saunas, and hot tub access. Students usually return home feeling accomplished, relaxed and grounded.

Teacher-Student Ratio

Our classes are exclusively limited to 22 students per class. We offer very specialized multi-level advanced training which requires explicit individual attention. During our foundations period we usually have one practical instructor to four students. We offer occasional class mentoring days where students work one to one with a professional C.M.T. We guarantee never less than a 1:11 practical student teacher ratio although 1:22 for lecture. Recently our classes have had a waiting list by late August so please enroll early. We plan to not expand our student enrollment and to keep this a very special program.

Student Profile

The students we attract to our school have a passion for the pursuit of professional massage and the healing arts as a way of life. They realize wisdom is not a product of learning, but a lifelong attempt to acquire it. Our oldest graduate was 70 years old and our youngest graduate was 16 years old. Classmates consist of nurses, physical therapists, lay people, high school students, or those who have not finished high school, and professionals with masters degrees, all with the common energy of becoming the best therapist they can be. The way is long and at times difficult, but challenging, so we achieve together as a group. We value life as a celebration of our highest selves and the spirit within us.

Class Locations

Classes available in Houghton/Hancock and in Northern Lower Michigan in St. Ignace. In the class of ’97 the students voted and decided to meet every other weekend, which proved to be a major success and convenience for everyone! There are two weeks between classes to study, and students do not sacrifice every weekend away from family and church. It is also great for long-distance commuters who only have to travel twice a month.

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