Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy
Class Descriptions
Acupressure I
Understanding the concept of Yin and yang, how to locate acupoints, contraindications, how to develop basic point formulae. Students will learn the tui na style of acupressure
Acupressure II
Introduction to five element theory, wu shu points, and sho fa techniques combined in a full body treatment.
Advanced Anatomy
Detailed anatomy of neck and spine, detailed massage work n neck spine, hands and feet. Follows Deep Tissue Massage I. Prerequisite: Kinesiology.
Ayurvedic Bodywork
Ayurvedic therapy includes diet, exercise, herbs, and body treatments. In this class students learn three luxurious Ayurvedic body treatments suitable for spa or private practice, as well as understanding the doshas, background of ayurvedic therapy, dietary recommendations and more.
Kinesiology
Identify the origin, insertion, and actions of 120 muscles studied, as well as how to locate them by palpation.
Aromatherapy/Spa Services
Basic principles of hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, indications and contraindications, use of basic spa equipment, wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy massage, and other spa services.
Business and Ethics
Topics covered include business basics, communication, boundaries, ethics. Students will create a business plan in class, and will develop a notebook with resources for their future career.
Deep Tissue Massage I
Techniques to release the connective tissue involved in hyper-contracted tissues plus appropriate stretches to help the muscles return to their resting length. Contraindications, how to work with acute and chronic conditions, postures associated with biomechanical dysfunctions, muscle memory and emotional release.
Deep Tissue Massage II
Application of deep tissue massage techniques to common pain syndromes, including TMJ, shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, hip, knee, and ankle injuries with emphasis on current medical research.
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage and Kinesiology
Holistic Theory
History of holism, scope of practice and legal issues, vital force, healing crises, micro-systems, movement training and self-awareness, breath, meditation.
Lymph Drainage Massage
Students will learn lymph drainage massage techniques for the face and neck, and for the full body, plus an introduction to the energetic effects of lymph drainage massage, and cellulite massage.
Pathology
This class is required for licensing in some states, covers pathology (disease processes) of the body systems.
Anatomy and Physiology
Study of the systems of the body and how they are affected by massag.
Polarity
Provides the student with the basic principals of Polarity Therapy as well as practical experience in various Polarity modalities. Each class meeting includes movement training.
Sports Massage I and II
Sports Massage, including pre and post event, therapeutic massage, trigger point therapy, stretches, theory, including increasing range of motion, enhancement of athletic performance, and prevention of injury. Prerequisite: Kinesiology and Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage
Students learn to give a cohesive, one-hour Swedish massage, using the strokes of the Swedish repertoire. Covers contraindications and indications, health and safety, self-care, muscular anatomy, introduction to business and ethics.
Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy
2100 N. Palm Canyon C100
Palm Springs CA 92262
Contact Us
800-270-1175 or 760-323-5806