Hands For Healing

Needles of Light, Inc.

2031 Fourth Street North Suite #1

St. Petersburg, FL 33704

(727) 823-9000

www.handsforhealing.com

Continuing Education Classes for 2009

This course is an introduction to Shiatsu or acupressure therapy. The student will learn some of the many theories that underpin this treatment approach such as Qi, Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, Meridian/organ relationship, and cun measurements. The student will learn how to locate and trace the 12 Major Meridians or channels of the body. Knowing the location of the channels and the direction of the Qi (energy) flowing through them allows the practitioner to speed up or slow down this flow, depending on the patient’s condition. Participants will learn how to balance the 12 Major channels that are each associated with a different internal organ. Shiatsu, while based upon the same theories as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and using the same points as are used in acupuncture, uses fingers instead of needles. This treatment method is very effective on a wide variety of conditions and is a valuable addition to the treatment methods that you are already familiar with.

This course is designed for a student who already has a good understanding of the theories of Shiatsu and is able to accurately trace the 12 Major Meridians or channels of the body. In addition to a brief review of Shiatsu I, the student will also learn about: Front Alarm points, back shu points and what are the common pathologies associated with each meridian and it’s associated organ. The students will learn how to correctly identify which channels are involved in a particular condition, how to determine an effective treatment plan, and then to actually provide this treatment to one of their classmates. Participants will practice providing Shiatsu for headaches, and neck pain. If time permits, participants can present an ailment or condition for the class to analyze and develop a treatment strategy for.

This course is designed for a student who already has a good understanding of the theories of Shiatsu and is able to accurately trace the 12 Major Meridians or channels of the body. In addition to a brief review of Shiatsu I, the student will also learn about: Front Alarm points, back shu points and what are the common pathologies associated with each meridian and it’s associated organ. The students will learn how to correctly identify which channels are involved in a particular condition, how to determine an effective treatment plan, and then to actually provide this treatment to one of their classmates. Participants will practice providing Shiatsu for low back pain and Sciatica. If time permits, participants can present an ailment or condition for the class to analyze and develop a treatment strategy for.

This course is designed to teach the L.M.T. how to safely stretch the muscles of the shoulders, hips, and knees using an active isolated movement. This method of stretching uses reciprocal innervation/inhibition of the appropriate muscles while isolating the movement to a single joint and single plane of movement. The participants will learn how to safely assist their clients in performing these stretches, thereby augmenting whatever bodywork that the L.M.T. may already be providing. Knowing how to lengthen muscle and fascial tissue that has shortened enables one to assist the client into a more balanced and erect posture, thus reducing the stress on the postural muscles. Not only can this form of stretching be used to treat various musculo-skeletal problems, it can also be used as a preventative tool to help avoid injuries and as a means to enhance an athletes performance.

This course is designed for those familiar with the active-isolated methods stretching. This class will review all of the stretches used in Flexibility I (a prerequisite for Flex II). and then add active isolated stretches for the muscles that cross the ankles, elbows, wrists, and spine. In addition to the reciprocal innervation/inhibition type of stretches, the participant will also learn and apply a form of P.N.F. (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching known as Contract/Relax. As with Flex I, the L.M.T. will first learn how to do these stretches on their own body, and then will learn how to safely and effectively assist their clients in performing these stretches. These stretches can be used to speed recovery from injuries or postural distortions, to help prevent future injuries, and to improve athletic performance.

Teacher Qualifications:

*Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine

*Licensed Massage Therapist since 1988

*Teacher at Suncoast School of Massage Therapy for 20 years

*Continuing Education Provider with the State of Florida since 1996 (50-10126)

*NCBTMB Provider (312997-00)