CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in ENTIRE COURSE
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Need a modality that can take you anywhere and work with the widest variety of clients? Acucraniatsu is that modality. It is extremely versatile with the full range of touch possibilities from deep tissue to subtle touch. The work is done over clothes, and can be used in any environment. Whether in your studio or onsite, Acucraniatsu can take you anywhere and can be used with virtually any client. In this 3-day workshop, we will learn the basis of techniques for the three modalities and their applications for specific situations. This class is suitable for experienced practitioners of all modalities, and for beginners who may be interested in exploring these modalities and deepening their skills. Everyone will come away with something they can use!
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): None
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Acucraniatsu™
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This 24-hour course will focus on working with clients as they most commonly present: with complaints and diagnoses that they want addressed. We will look at the commonalities of certain conditions, and also the way that underlying causes may differ from one client to the next. Working with the tools of assessment, we will allow the body to lead us beyond the symptoms to the root causes, which are often less obvious, but are most important in effecting lasting change. We will also work with communication skills and helping clients understand the nature of this subtle and extremely effective work.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Craniosacral Certificate
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Advanced Craniosacral
The objectives of this course are to expand the use of tools and techniques within the context of Swedish massage, to make the practitioner more comfortable in the use of their body during massage, and to expand on the concepts of client assessment, session planning, and goal setting.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Swedish Certificate
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Advanced Swedish
This popular and specialized class is designed to teach students basic oil massage strokes and techniques for encouraging relaxation in the tension-prone areas of the back, neck, and shoulders. This is a perfect class for beginners or those just wanting to have fun giving mini-massages to their friends.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Back Neck and Shoulders
This class is designed for practitioners who find themselves in pain during or after giving a session, feel tired after giving a session, or simply want to improve the way they work. Better body mechanics can also help practitioners apply greater pressure for 'deeper work' and can increase their work efficiency and vitality, enabling them to see more clients.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Swedish or Esalen
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers
In this course we will discuss where you are at in your massage career, where you would like to be, and the steps required in getting there. You will create a business plan, marketing strategy, marketing materials and explore your personal path for achieving your goals. This class can help you determine what business structure will work best for you and define what steps to take to get there.
You also have the option of earning your hours for this course by meeting one-on-one with Instructor Selena Lee for personalized coaching sessions. Meeting weekly or bi-weekly with Selena, you can tailor your training experience to your own needs in setting and meeting goals for establishing your practice. For more information, e-mail Selena at selena[at]mckinnonmassage.com
Required Book(s): Business Mastery by Cherie Sohnen-Moe Prerequisite(s): Basic Massage Certificate and deisre to advance your business or career
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Business for Bodyworkers
Learn to work effectively with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, one of the most common repetitive stress workplace injuries. Anatomy of the carpal tunnel and related structures will be covered. Strategies for working with this injury will include techniques for working with the arm, hand, shoulder, neck, and upper back. Ergonomics and proper body mechanics will also be discussed.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Swedish or equivalent
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Carpal Tunnel
In this 8 hour class we will focus on the HOPRS orthopedic assessment protocol. You will learn to improve your intake and assessment skills and thus your ability to plan your therapeutic massage sessions. Following a step by step assessment can help you identify contraindications, document client progress, and locate the specific tissue involved. We will utilize a postural grid for body readings and you will have practice time for assessments and range of motion tests.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Deep Tissue
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Clinical Assessment
In this class, you and your partner will learn how to effectively and caringly massage each other. Different strokes will be taught and attention will be given to stance, presence, and listening to your partner. This is a wonderful class for couples to learn to skillfully touch and share with their companion. $115.00 per person. No Prior Experience Needed.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Couples Massage
This course covers ways for massage professionals to create a safe and consistent therapeutic environment We will cover the terms "transference," "countertransference," "confidentiality" and "dual relationship".
We will also cover ways to minimize problems related to client transference and "red flags" that can often indicate an ethical decision point.
By understanding what we bring to the table, we can be better at setting and enforcing boundaries.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Ethics For Bodyworkers
Learn and practice three different methods of stretching to use with your clients: passive, resistive, and active isolated stretching. We will review the physiological principles behind stretching, stretching benefits, and strategies for helping clients adopt stretching as part of their lifestyle. You'll have lots of hands-on practice. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Sports I or Deep Tissue I
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Facilitated Stretching
Humans have recognized the healing benefits of hot stones for eons. The earliest records of using hot stones date back to the ancient Egyptians, and span throughout the ages. Modern Hot Stone Therapy combines the benefits of heat application and massage. The heat begins to relax the muscle fibers and warms the skin, allowing the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils while simultaneously preparing the tissue for deeper work. In our Hot Stone class you learn the use of hot stones blended with various traditional massage techniques. We go over stone placement, the importance of it, and how each body's uniqueness calls for different stones. In addition to using hot stones, we discuss and practice different temperature variations and the inclusion of cold stones. We provide various types of rock warmers, rocks, and essential equipment and set up so that you can learn which will work best for you in your practice.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Swedish or Esalen equivalent.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Hot Stone Therapy
Come learn how to work with babies! In this course, we will go over various techniques and considerations that are useful for working with little ones. We will discuss the various stages of development from newborn to early childhood and how to adapt massage to all stages. Many courses focus only on the brief period of time that infants are able to make eye contact, smile, and NOT roll away from you! This class will help you transition your massage with them past this point. This class is primarily for massage therapists who are interested in working with little people and how to teach their clients how to provide massage to their little ones.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Infant Massage
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy based on the principals of cranial osteopathy. It uses light touch and subtle movements to unwind holding patterns in the body and to release restrictions in the craniosacral system. Releasing those restrictions improves nervous system function, which can have a positive effect on all the tissues of the body. This subtle form of bodywork can help bring a deeper sense of balance to clients and allow the therapist to practice listening in a more profound and meaningful way.
This course will cover basic history, relevant anatomy and physiology, technique, and a basic treatment protocol. Students will refine palpation skills for tuning into very subtle systems of the physical and energetic body. All of the techniques presented in this class can also be incorporated into other bodywork modalities.
Required Book(s): Rhythm & Touch by Anthony Arnold Prerequisite(s): None
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Intro to Craniosacral
Considering the relatively small size of the neck area, it is amazing how many complaints and dysfunctions originate in the intricate musculature of the neck. Up to 92% of headaches are due to tension and/or trigger points in neck muscles; referral pain from neck trigger points often affects both the anterior and posterior thoracic region, and can be felt all the way into the wrists and hands. The scalene muscles of the lateral neck can contribute greatly to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Not only is it necessary for the skilled massage therapist to be familiar with the structure of the neck musculature, it is equally important to know and understand all the vascular and neural structures and endangerment sites in order to effectively and safely work with the neck. Just Neck focuses on gentle myofascial, deep tissue, and neuromuscular techniques (post-isometric relaxation & reciprocal inhibition techniques, trigger point release, positional release, facilitated stretches) designed to relieve muscular tension, trigger points, and to increase range and ease of movement.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Just Neck
Study the form and function of the musculoskeletal system. Learn how understanding the anatomy of movement can enhance your assessment skills and bodywork practice.
Required Book(s): Anatomy of Movement Prerequisite(s): Swedish & Anatomy, Muscles, Movement & Massage
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Kinesiology
Lymph Drainage is an extraordinary body movement technique that focuses on the congestion and restricted areas of the Lymphatic System. Congestion of the lymph nodes, Lymphoid tissue, and the lymph glands is the cause of many of our illnesses. This class teaches how to help clients release stored up toxins using hands-on techniques that give amazing results. You'll also learn other strategies for cleansing and strengthening this system.
Required Book(s): Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage Prerequisite(s): No Prerequisites
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Lymph Drainage
Required Book(s): Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage Prerequisite(s): None
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Lymph Drainage II
If you're new to self-employment (either part-or full-time) or you are considering earning money on your own as a massage therapist, this 8-hour course is for you. We'll cover the basics of record keeping, look at ways to structure business activity to minimize taxes, and discuss expenses common to massage therapists and bodyworkers. We'll also cover fundamentals about categories of income, glance at insurance billing, and explore attitudes and feelings about setting fees, asking for money, and communicating with clients along the way. There is a materials fee for this course ($10.00), payable to the instructor by cash or check, on the day of the class.
Required Book(s): $10 Materials Fee paid to teacher Prerequisite(s): None
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Making Money & Paying Taxes
Myofascial Release (MFR) refers to a group of manual techniques used to reduce Myofascial restrictions. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds all internal structures in the body. If it becomes adhered, dysfunctions can develop. The Myofascial Release class teaches you to move away from confrontational pain management techniques by using gentle techniques that enhance the effects of neuromuscular trigger point techniques as well as by addresses the whole body. This modality can be incredible effective in chronic Myofascial pain cases. In addition, you will understand how M.E.T. (Muscle Energy Techniques) interrelate in reinforcing ease of movement and pain free mobilization permanently.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Myofascial Release
The objective of this 16-hour course is designed to teach you to use chair massage as an adjunct to your table practice. It is a unique tool to educate the public in the therapeutic value of massage. Learn hands-on techniques to relieve mental and physical stress, calm the nervous system, release tight muscles and increase circulation.
Required Book(s): McKinnon Onsite Reader Prerequisite(s): Swedish or Asian Certificate
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in On Site Chair Massage
Working with women who are expecting can be an incredibly rewarding experience for a bodyworker -- and it is imperative to be familiar with the precautions and adjustments in techniques necessary to work safely with a pregnant woman. The 32-hour Pregnant Women Massage course is designed to teach students how to provide safe and supportive massage during pregnancy, birth, and after. Students will learn about anatomical and physiological changes throughout the trimesters, as well as potential contraindications and how to recognize complications. The class emphasizes the various positioning choices appropriate for each trimester, and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a valuable asset to a pregnant woman's support team.
Required Book(s): Pre- and Perinatal Massage by Carol Osborne-Sheets Prerequisite(s): Swedish or Esalen equivalent.
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Pregnancy Massage
Effective practice of bodywork requires the practitioner to be proficient in recognizing anatomical structures, locating individual muscles, and differentiating the consistency of tissues. In this class, basic skills will be demonstrated and practiced on a simulation/model and on student clients. Activites will develop sensitivity and perception. Students will practice additional hands- on skills and learn how to accurately locate particular landmarks and muscles. Refined palpation skills can improve your ability to find particular muscles and deliver confident bodywork sessions.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Anatomy-Muscles, Movement, & Massage or equivalent and Swedish or equivalent
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Refined Palpation
This 24-hour Reflexology class explores the reflexes of the hands and feet and their relationship to corresponding parts of the body. History and theory will be discussed, students will learn the thumb and finger techniques (grip sequences) of reflexology, and will be able to perform a 60-minute session by the end of class. The student learns to use reflexology as a tool to release tension and help the client's body seek its own equilibrium.
Required Book(s): Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet by Hanne Marquardt Prerequisite(s): none
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Reflexology
This form of Reiki comes to us directly from Japan, without western interpretations. The founder, Mikao Usui (1865-1926) taught Reiki as a healing art and a spiritual practice. The First Degree workshop includes basic instruction in self-care, meditation and breathing practices to develop inner light, the same techniques taught by Usui. Students will learn how to give hands-on energy treatments to others without depleting their own vital force. Each student will receive four attunements from the teacher and exchange Reiki treatments with each other.
$10 manual fee due first day - payable to teacher.
Required Book(s): Komyo Reiki Kai Manual Prerequisite(s): No prerequisite
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Reiki I
Second Degree training is comprised of techniques to intensify the effect of Reiki treatments. Students will learn the original three symbols used in Japanese Reiki including a highly effective absentee healing technique and a technique for balancing the emotions, relieving mental stress and unwanted habits.
Required Book(s): Reiki manual insert $5 payable to teacher Prerequisite(s): Reiki I
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Reiki II
Are you considering -- or have you begun -- earning some or all of your living as a massage therapist or bodyworker? Will you be or are you self-employed? Do you work as an independent contractor? If so, even if you don't do your own taxes, you may find "Taxes 4 Bodyworkers" useful and informative.
Through lecture, discussion, and group exercises, we'll explore fundamentals of tax planning and tax preparation -- and learn about allowable business expenses relevant to those of us in the bodywork professions. Come learn the difference between an expense and a deduction; the importance of separating personal and business finances; how to read and fill out relevant IRS Forms; tips for minimizing your tax liability, and more.
Please note that this workshop provides information and resources only and does not convey legal advice. The instructor is an experienced massage therapist interested in helping to demystify tax preparation so that bodywork professionals can confidently manage financial aspects of being in business -- and keep as much of their gross income as possible!
And yes, the course fee ($75) can be taken as an allowable business expense.
To register, please call McKinnon at 510.465.3488. If you'd like more information about the workshop, call Linda Aldridge at 510.540.6897.
There is a $10 materials fee due in class - payable to the instructor.
Required Book(s): $10 materials fee paid to teacher Prerequisite(s): none
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Taxes for Bodyworkers
This class builds upon the instruction in Thai 1 where students were introduced to the basic form, principles and techniques of Thai Massage. More manipulations are introduced for each of the primary positions: Supine, Prone, Side-Lying & Seated. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on both working out of sequence as well as designing sequences that are useful for treating a variety of common structural ailments such as sciatica, low back pain, frozen shoulder etc. In the final section we will also explore the new and exciting arena of Tandem Thai where two practitioners work on once client. After taking this course, students will be better prepared to apply their knowledge of Thai Yoga bodywork towards helping clients coping with injuries and pain.
Required Book(s): None Prerequisite(s): Thai I or Equivalent
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Thai II
Learn to open the energy lines of the body with movement, stretching and compression. This ancient and dynamic form of bodywork opens the joints and releases blocked energy and can be practiced in its traditional form or integrated with other forms.
Required Book(s): The Encyclopedia of Thai by Pierce Salguero Second Edition Prerequisite(s): none
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Thai Massage
Required Book(s): McKinnon Trauma Reader Prerequisite(s): Swedish or equivalent
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Touch and Trauma
Trigger Points are defined by Dr. Janet Travell as "highly irritable localized spots of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut band of muscle tissue." Trigger Points can cause referred pain, burning, tingling or numbness throughout the body. In this class, students will learn the techniques for locating and treating these tender spots in order to give their clients relief from pain, better circulation to affected areas and better muscle performance and range. Prerequisite for this course : Deep Tissue I
CLICK HERE to view dates and enroll in Trigger Point