Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage

About the School

Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage, located in beautiful downtown Vancouver, is the first of its kind in British Columbia. Our programs are specifically tailored to suit the needs of the spa industry and we provide training in all of the most popular modalities offered in spas today.

VSBM offers an unparalleled educational experience. Class sizes are small and program instructors are of the highest standard. Starting with a strong foundation in the human sciences, our students gain a thorough understanding of the manual bodywork techniques which are the basis of any solid professional practice. We combine this foundation with a cross cultural perspective on the body and healing, including exploration of various Eastern and Western disciplines consistent with our holistic approach to therapy.

Spa Therapy Program

The spa therapy program is a state-of-the-art career program designed for individuals who want to learn massage in order to work in the spa industry or be self-employed. The accelerated 18 week program (with a one week break mid-term) runs twice annually, commencing in January and September.

The spa therapy program is intensive and comprehensive, covering several different disciplines. From the foundation in human sciences to the basic Swedish strokes, from deep tissue massage to the most popular spa modalities, students will learn to apply their touch therapeutically, integrating their skills and knowledge from each discipline. They will learn to cultivate sensitivity, intuitive awareness, and confidence in their work.

Participants will graduate with spa-ready skills that will enable them to take up professional practice immediately. The accelerated format allows students to be certified in four and half months and they can potentially see a return on their educational investment within their first year of practice. The accelerated 18 week format is a full time program; students are in class 8 hours a day, five days a week. Those enrolled must be prepared to completely focus on their studies as it is an intensive immersion into holistic health and hands-on healing.

A part-time spa therapist program starts each September and takes one year to complete. It is divided into three 15 week terms and classes run Monday and Wednesday evenings and every other weekend, both Saturday and Sunday.

The Spa Therapy Program Curriculum

Human Sciences: 132 hours

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Kinesiology

Manual Skills: 213 hours

• Swedish techniques
• Deep flow
• Deep tissue
• Body-mind integration
• Sports
• Joint release

Spa Modalities: 140 hours

• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Hydrotherapy
• Ayurveda
• Hot stone
• Shiatsu

Professional Development: 110 hours

• Body-mind integration
• Communication skills
• Business Skills
• Ethics
• Yoga
• CPR

(Student Clinic) (105 hours)

Total: 700 Hours

Shiatsu Program

Each year, VSBM runs a Shiatsu massage program.

Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in oriental medicine. Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" in Japanese and is traditionally performed on the floor. Natural body weight is used while pressure is applied to meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) with palms, thumbs, and elbows. In addition Shiatsu involves gentle stretching and range of motion techniques.

Shiatsu aims to regulate the energy, or chi, in the body which flows through the meridians, nourishing the organs, muscles, glands, nerves and blood. An imbalance of this energy network can lead to fatigue, pain and illness. Shiatsu treatments help relieve stress and pain, and improve muscle and joint function. Shiatsu can strengthen the body and improve overall health and well-being. This deep but gentle approach to preventive health care has many long term benefits.

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