Massage course

The course is based on 15 three-hour sessions over 16 weeks.

It is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists who 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  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 therapeutical principals of acupressure. The remainder of the course (10 sessions) 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 ApMAcS 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 -organization 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 - V:      Theoretical lectures

VI:        - Introduction to acupressure massage
             - 30 minutes theory - putting the knowledge in
                practical perspective
             - 90 minutes demonstration of a full body acupressure
                massage with
                explanation
             - 60 minutes practical work - investigation of problems of the back
             - observation and palpation. Experiencing the results of a
                calf muscle stretching
             - 30 minutes discussion - questions & comments

VII:        Back of leg
             - 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

VIII:      Lower back and hip
             - 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

IX:         Upper back and neck
             - 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

X:           Practical work - the back of the body
            - 20 minutes revision on the covered theory
            - 150 minutes practical work in pairs
            - 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
XI:       Shoulder, side of neck and face
             - 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

XII:        Front of leg ­ knee, groin ankles 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

XIII:      Arms and hands
             - 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

XIV:      Practical work - the whole body
            - 20 minutes revision on the covered theory
            - 150 minutes practical work in pairs
            - 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

XV:        Practical work - the whole body
            - 20 minutes revision on the covered theory
            - 150 minutes practical work in pairs
            - 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments

Who Can Apply

The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage and other physical therapists. The applicants must have completed at least an ITEC - level previous Anatomy & Physiology. Practical experience is welcome but not essential. 

 

How To Apply

Fill in the application form and send it together with £100 deposit to Dragomir Lubomirov, The College of Chinese medicine, 26-28 Finchley Road, St Johns Wood London NW8 6ES.

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 Course Application Form

Acupuncture Society Application Form

Course Costs

The cost of the course is £550.00.
It includes:     

            1.         15 three-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 42 years old. He has been practising 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 practising for the last 10 years.

  For more information about this course please contact
  Dragomir Lubomirov 07976253682 dragomirl@btinternet.com