The word "massage" originated from many different languages. The use of massage has been recorded in China from 3000 BC for promotion and restoration of health as well as for relaxation.
The Japanese used massage with application of pressure (Shiatsu).
In India massage has always been used as part of tradition (Ayurveda).
The Greeks used massage as part of everyday exercise and fitness.
The Romans used massage as an everyday social and business ritual. It was used to treat stiff and sore muscles and joints, for curing diseases.
Modern massage is based on techniques developed by Per-Hendrik Ling(1776-1839).
His massage is known for being both Passive and Active.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century massage was battling for recognition and respect. Massage was used in the two world wars to help relief pain for the suffering soldiers.
Massage now has become a reputable and recognised therapy and is considered to be one of the most used Alternative or Complimentary Therapies used for the benefits for all the body systems both physically and psychologically. Western methods and T.C.M. ( Traditional Chinese Medicine ) are now being combined together for a more beneficial result.
The Syllabus includes:
The study of the history of massage, the Holistic side of massage(how a person may be treated individually, treating the Body, Mind and Spirit). Stress - negative and positive, Alternative therapies, Anatomy and Physiology of the whole body. Disorders and diseases, Contra-indications, referral procedures, Healing process, the Classical movements of massage and the practice of the full body massage itself to include facial and head area. Tests and H.W are given regularly.
Recommended text books:
An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology by Louise Tucker
An Introductory Guide to Massage by Louise Tucker
Grey's Anatomy by Henry Grey
Ross and Wilson: Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness by K. Wilson and A. Waugh
Students sitting for the ITEC exams will need to prepare a case study showing that they have worked with 5 different clients.
Monitoring and explanation of how this may be done will be explained by the tutor.
Practice of the massage sequence may be done at the centre.
Important!
All courses consist of Theory and Practice which will be done during the lesson and practice is to be done extra to build hours of training (except for Diet and Nutrition).
Practice can be done at the Centre. The use of the Centre facilities is included in the fees for/of the courses.
All courses also consist of a Unit which puts together: Ethics, Sterilisation, First Aid, Business Studies. This Unit is compulsory but students sit for the Unit only once and the result of this exam will always be added to the result of each exam that the students sits after the initial one.
Practical examinations will be conducted by ITEC examiners.
Theory examinations are all Multiple choice: Stem, 1 key and 3 distracters.
Seminars or short courses are available for people who are already studying in the field.