Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy

New Financing now Available!

Philosophy

The courses of study offered at The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy are structured to prepare graduates for professional careers as Licensed Massage Therapists. This profession has increased in consumer awareness and today is positioned at the cutting edge of the preventive and rehabilitative healthcare industry.

The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy's program helps to restore a sense of perspective to its students by teaching the ancient and contemporary methods of healthcare. These methods are rooted in universal principles of healing.

History

The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy was founded by Isabelle Dunkeson and Jerry Wexler. They are the sister schools modeled after "The Sarasota School of Natural Healing Arts" in Sarasota, Florida. This internationally acclaimed school was founded by Isabelle Dunkeson in 1976 and was southwest Florida's first massage school and today offers professional educational courses and graduate level studies. The schools in Mississippi bring to their students the benefit of the experience and resources of the Florida school. The schools in Mississippi are a Mississippi corporation formed in 1996.

Licensure

The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy is licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. Lic. #C114

Massage Therapy Program
700 Total Hours

Massage Theory and Practicum
Hours: 200
This course is an overview of Massage Therapy as a professional career. It covers related theory which leads to the development of skills necessary to the beginning massage student. These studies include history of massage philosophy, professional ethics, benefits, indications, contra-indications, career opportunities and different types of massage techniques. Students discover the art and science of massage techniques through learning a set of full body routines. This gives the students the development of skills related to depth of touch and sensitivity. Range of motion movements, stretches, table use, draping methods and body mechanics will be covered. This includes 100 hours in Massage Demonstration and Supervised Practice.

Mississippi Massage Law and Ethics
Hours: 10
Covers the current Mississippi statutes and National Certification rules governing the practice of massage. Ethical, legal and business considerations will be discussed and studied.

Science Of The Human Body
Hours: 200
Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Neurology and Myology/ Kinesiology - This course involves learning the structure and function of the body from a cellular to a systemic level. Special emphasis is placed on the muscular, skeletal, nervous and lymphatic systems as they relate to the practice of massage. Pathology classes are integrated into the systems, including medical terminology. They involve learning diseases & disorders that relate to the practice of massage. Indications and contraindications for massage as related to pathology. The rationale for determining the indication for massage within scope of practice or professional referral will be discussed. Case studies & client problems will be examined individually.

Aids/HIV
Hours: 3
A study of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome with emphasis on prevention, universal precautions, and care of clients with this disease.

Allied Modalities
Hours: 200
These classes cover related theory and experiential modalities which are integrated within the practice of massage. The classes included are:

• Swedish Massage - Swedish massage relaxes and warms the muscles, assess problem areas, and increases circulation. This massage is considered the standard massage and consists of a series of manipulations that, when performed correctly, result in a therapeutic, graceful massage. Deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being are the rewards of a professional therapeutic massage.
• Neuromuscular Massage- This is a method by which a balance is brought about between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal systems. Clinical massage techniques of the soft tissue are used to produce pain relief. This therapy uses trigger points throughout the body.
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage- A system of massage which is designed to improve metabolism by accelerating the flow of lymph which helps rid the body of toxins.
• Reflexology- Foot reflexology stimulates the reflexes in the feet which correspond to the rest of the body and can bring the body into a more balanced state.
• Craniosacral Therapy- A gentle, non-invasive technique helping to remove obstacles which the normal self-correcting physiological forces have been unable to overcome.
• Sports Massage- Prepares an athlete for an upcoming event, and aids in the regenerative/ recuperative capacities of the body after a rigorous workout. The wellrounded training program of any sport would do well to include massage bringing vital nourishment to vital muscle groups.
• The Muscle-Massage Connection- A continuing study of the anatomy and physiology of the muscles, their location and action. The muscles are isolated and identified and massage techniques chosen that fit the problem areas.
• Referral Methods within the healthcare system and scope of practice.
• Business/Marketing Massage-These classes deal with topics relating to the successful practice of massage as a career. Related topics are covered such as; Marketing Bodywork, Advertising, Public Relations, Business Planning, Record Keeping, Account Management, Insurance/Taxes, Charting and Documentation with Soap Notes.
• Medical Massage Techniques-This course is a review of Basic Swedish Massage and related anatomy, physiology and applicable pathologies. The curriculum evolves toward a deeper understanding of medical conditions related to the massage industry. The classes include the study of pain and injury, the causes of injury, evaluation techniques and treatment choices. Students learn documentation skills related to the insurance industry.
• Rehabilitative Techniques - Treatment choices for fatigue, muscular spasm, lack of flexibility, strengthening structural alignment and muscular imbalance. Pathologies related to tendon, ligament, bursa, facia and joint dysfunction will be addressed with special interest in PNF.
• Oriental Techniques - Involves an understanding of Oriental philosophies of health and disease. Meridians and the five element theory as well as energetic functions of organs will be included.
• Nutrition for Health-This class studies the foods that can create health. Theory of digestion, fasting, detoxification and special diets will be taught.
• Therapeutic Touch- This technique, developed by Dolores Krieger, R.N., uses special touch therapy to communicate and enhance the healing process.
• Aromatherapy- The use of essential oils to obtain the effects of relaxation, stimulation and healing. These oils may be used in massage lotions. Aromatherapy principles are complimentary to all forms of the healing arts.
• Polarity Therapy- This class involves learning a natural healthcare system of gentle bodywork techniques that release locked energy in the body. Polarity uses gentle touch techniques to restore the balance of body, mind and spirit.
• Shiatsu- Japanese finger pressure method based on Oriental concepts that the body has a series of energy points that may be affected by touch pressure. This method is applied through the clothing and is very effective in creating homeostasis.
• Reiki - Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Breath of Life. It is an energy system used to increase the Life Force promoting health and well-being. The power of Reiki is found in its simplicity.

Hydrotherapy
Hours: 25
This course involves studying the theory and practical application of water for healing. Hydrotherapeutic applications such as fomentations, herbal baths, clay or seaweed packs, wraps and soaks for cleansing and detoxification will be covered in these classes. Natural herbal remedies such as teas and infusions that can be added to baths will be introduced.

Student Internship Clinic
Hours: 100
These classes include student clinic which provides hands-on training in massage to students in a setting which is similar to a professional practice. They involve massage, rehabilitation or Shiatsu sessions that are unique to client situations. Students learn to plan, execute and evaluate 40 one-hour sessions in the student clinic or on location if approved by the school. Advanced students meet with the instructor each week to discuss cases and receive feedback from fellow students and instructors. Students must provide approved massage lotion, sheets and towels for clinic as well as class-two sets of single sheets, two pillow cases and two towels. The school provides all massage tables. There will be 30 documented practical hands-on one-hour massage therapy sessions outside of class. Each session will count as 2 hours of student clinic.

Locations

Tupelo School
The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy in Tupelo is located at 4008 West Main Street (Hwy 6 West), Suite #2 , at Cliff Gookin and Coley Road (next to furniture market), 1 block west of the Natchez Trace. It has a colorful, spacious classroom. A full time professional massage clinic is in the same building, giving students a first hand look at how a successful clinic operates.

Southaven School (Close to Memphis)
The Natural Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy in Southaven is located at 1769 Stateline Road in the building with "Nails by Yvonne". It is 5 blocks west of I-55 on Stateline Road just before Highway 51. A full time professional massage clinic is adjacent to the school.

New Financing now Available!

Contact Us Today!

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