In a nutshell: massage is the manipulation of soft tissue. As a tool for healing, massage probably dates back to prehistoric times. The earliest reference recorded was before 2500BC, in the Nei Ching which is a Chinese medical text. The term massage can be traced from the Greek word masso, which means to knead. Massage is well known for how it can positively affect the wellbeing of an individual through relaxation of both the mind and the muscles. In addition it can have a beneficial effect on the circulation, respiratory functioning, the nervous system, the lymphatic system, digestive organs, joint mobility and the skin. Various techniques are used including: effleurage, petrissage, frictions, vibrations and tapotement. Holistic Massage aims to treat the individual as a whole, so that the massage is chosen and applied specifically for the individual in view of their physical, emotional and spiritual state. -- MTI (Massage Training Institute) Level 4 ITEC (International Therapies Examination Council) Level 3 -- Learn how to be a massage therapist who is confident in the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge required to be able to practise professionally, and give a massage that is relevant to the client's needs. -- What is covered on the course? Full body, head and face massage Massage techniques including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, passive joint manipulation and deep tissue/advanced massage Massage oils and their therapeutic use Benefits and contraindications of massage History of massage Communication skills and the use of therapeutic language Taking case histories and treatment planning and giving aftercare advice Postural assessment Clinic sessions: experience working with 'real' clients Client care and hygiene Professionalism and ethics Posture, movement and looking after yourself Awareness of the human energy field, holism and mind, body, spirit links Stress management and relaxation Setting up a massage practice: starting out, marketing, financial and legal aspects of business Structure and functions all the systems of the body: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestion, urinary and reproductive Pathologies and their relevance to massage Appointed Person's First Aid qualification