Massage course

Course Venue:

University of London Connaught Hall 36 - 45 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9EX

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Advanced Acupressure Massage Diploma Course

   NEXT COURSE STARTS FEBUARY 2009

 Lecture Dates

1. Sunday 15 February
2. Sunday 1 March
3. Sunday 15 March
4. Sunday 29 March
5. Sunday 19 April
6. Sunday 10 May
7. Sunday 24 May

 Course Outline

The course is based on seven Sunday sessions (9.30am to 5.30pm) over four months.

It is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists that want to broaden their knowledge and further their skills. The emphasis of the course falls on the practical application of acupressure massage as treatment for variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

The course includes a general theoretical part - the first three sessions, providing sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Acupuncture Meridian System and the points used in acupressure for common musculo-skeletal problems, as well as practical diagnosis of common pathology and therapeutic principals of TCM and acupressure. The remainder of the course covers the specific treatment for each of the different areas of the body with demonstration, explanation and individual practical work.

Theoretical examination is done by continuous assessment. For the practical examination, the students are required to carry out a full body acupressure massage in real time, demonstrating ability to diagnose, plan and execute an adequate treatment. The practical examination takes place 2 weeks after the end of the course. Those, who successfully pass are awarded a Diploma in Advanced Acupressure Massage.

Successful students are accepted as Acupressure Members of the Acupuncture Society, and are entitled to use the initials MAcSAp after their names.
The annual membership to the Acupuncture Society is 50.

Course Objectives

1.     To give usable theoretical knowledge of the Acupuncture Meridian System - the 12 main  meridians and the 8 extra meridians, the action, location and practical application of their principal points.

2.    To put in practical context Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of  acupressure treatment. Musculo-skeletal and nervous systems - organisation and function on body level. Posture, gravity and weight bearing - the forces, which determine the way the body is designed and the way it functions.

3.    To understand the pathology of injury, the real meaning of pain and the different types of pain - blood and energy stagnation type; damp, cold, heat or wind type; deficiency of energy type.

4.    To develop the ability to diagnose:

    4.1 by interrogation - asking the relevant questions
    4.2 by observation - body shape, posture, movements
    4.3 by palpation - the muscles and bones of the affected areas as well as the related points and meridians

5.    To master the practical application of acupressure for the most common musculo-skeletal problems - neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist; groin, knee and ankle problems. To become a confident and proficient practitioner through correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient stimulation using finger pressure. To develop a real understanding of the concept of "arrival of Qi" and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation.

Course Structure

I - III:    - Theoretical lectures
- Introduction to acupressure massage
- demonstration of a full body acupressure massage with explanation

IV:    Morning
Back of leg
- 30 minutes theory: anatomy, function and  meridians/points of the area;
common  problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

       Afternoon
Lower back and hip
- 30 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

V:    Morning   
Upper back and neck
- 30 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

       Afternoon   
Revision practical work - the back of the body
- 20 minutes revision on the covered theory
- 180 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

VI:    Morning
Upper extremities: shoulder, elbow and wrist
- 90 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

        Afternoon   
Lower extremities: knee, ankle, groin and shins
- 20 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 60 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 90 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

VII:    Morning and afternoon
Revision practical work - the whole body
 

 

Course Cost

The cost of the course is 550.00.
It includes:    

    1.     Seven 7-hour  sessions
    2.     Copies of the theoretical lectures
    3.     Acupressure textbook
    4.     Exam fees and Diploma
    5.     Membership certificate to the Acupuncture Society
            (upon paying the annual membership fee)


  The Lecturer

Dragomir Lubomirov is 43 years old. He has been practicing massage therapy for over 15 years. He has studied  deep tissue, sports and remedial massage both in the UK and Bulgaria. He studied acupuncture and Chinese medicine for 4 years at the College of Chinese Medicine, London and has been practicing since 1997.

Who Can Apply

The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists. The applicants must have completed at least an ITEC level (or equivalent) previous course in massage. Adequate Anatomy & Physiology knowledge is essential.

How to Apply

Fill in the application form and send it together with a deposit of 100 paid to Dragomir Lubomirov to  4 Chelmsford Close, Hammersmith, London W6 8HU

Upon receiving the application an interview will be arranged which will determine if the applicant is accepted on the course. The unsuccessful applicants will have their deposit returned

Acupressure Application Form Acupuncture Society Application Form