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Learn how to grow your career! Job opportunities for a certified holistic health practitioner

Posted on June 17, 2013 by lwesterfield

Interested in becoming a holistic health practitioner, but uncertain about career opportunities in the field? In today’s world of high-speed and increasingly impersonal medicine, demand for holistic healers is on the rise.

According to the online resource hub Natural Healers, career options for holistic professionals are many and varied, ranging from health and fitness educators, energy healers and massage therapists to meditation leaders, skin care and aesthetic professionals, acupuncturists and nutrition counselors. Natural Healers cites a study conducted by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicating that 38% of adults throughout the United States use some type of alternative health practice in their daily lives. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows considerable growth in the holistic health and alternative wellness fields since 2002, with continued growth expected through the year 2020.

Because most holistic health modalities are not covered by insurance, popular interest in these therapies indicates a growing movement towards a greater investment in individual health and well being. People are increasingly willing to pay out of pocket for attentive, holistic care; and that means that right now is the perfect time to start a career in one of the many areas open to those with an HHP, or Holistic Health Practitioner certificate. 

HHP: A gateway to career success

HHP certification requires 1,000 hours of training, and covers a diverse range of alternative and complementary therapies including massage, nutrition and herbal medicine. Depending on the students’ preference, it is possible to tailor a completely individualized curriculum within the 1,000-hour requirement. For example, one might study and complete a 500-hour Massage Therapy certification program, the focus on courses in Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and energy healing in order to open an integrative bodywork practice upon graduation. Others might combine nutrition and herbal medicine courses and specialize in nutrition and health coaching. Whatever your interest, an HHP provides the depth of training and breadth of experience to prepare you for an exciting career in the holistic health field.

Find holistic health practitioner programs in San Diego

At the School of Healing Arts, we offer a flexible, affordable and unique holistic health practitioner program designed to accommodate students of all ages, schedules and experience levels. Start a whole new career, build on existing certification in the alternative health field, or work towards a new skill set while maintaining a day job. With our accessible payment plans, evening and weekend classes and friendly, helpful faculty and staff, your pursuit of an HHP just got easier – not to mention a lot more fun! At our Pacific Beach massage school, we like to embody the laid back, colorful atmosphere of a classic San Diego beach town – all while providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of busy Garnet Avenue and the nearby beach. Learn more about our campus and programs by stopping by to check out the school, or visit our homepage for more info at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Behind the scenes: a day in the life at a San Diego massage therapy school

Posted on June 10, 2013 by lwesterfield

What happens behind closed doors at a San Diego massage therapy school? Whether you are a new student considering a California massage certification program or a massage practitioner looking to brush up on your skills, it helps to know what life is like at any given school in order to find the right program and ensure a good fit. After all, no two schools are the same: while some massage programs are purely technical, others focus on a more holistic approach to mind/body education for prospective massage therapists – and still others offer integrative curricula with opportunities in other healing arts and modalities to help students craft an individualized program.

At the School of Healing Arts, we offer a host of course and program choices at our Pacific Beach massage school, each designed to make learning accessible, affordable and enriching for each and every one of our students. Our location in bustling downtown Pacific Beach means there is always something fun to do between classes – be it a trip to the beach, a yoga class, shopping or dining along colorful Garnet Avenue or simply talking and relaxing with friends from your program. As for the classes themselves, we believe in offering a diverse range of options to help students tailor their programs to their individual passions. In addition to our Massage Therapy Certification Program, we also offer the following programs:

  • Massage Practitioner Program
  • Zen-Touch™ Shiatsu Technician Program
  • Whole Foods Nutrition Counselor Program
  • Holistic Health Practitioner Program

Beyond our state-approved programs, we hold dozens of courses each quarter in modalities ranging from massage and bodywork to nutrition, energy healing, herbal medicine, physical fitness and meditation. All our classes are open to the public, and our teachers are local experts in their fields with unparalleled experience and perspective on the healing arts.

The school office is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 am to 3 pm on Friday. During these hours, you can find our friendly administrative staff on hand to answer questions, assist with registration, handle payments and generally offer help and guidance for all our students. After hours, the school stays open for evening classes and workshops, including our Miraculous Mondays series of free wellness clinics, held the first Monday of each month.

Throughout the day, students might attend a single class or many courses, depending on their schedule and program requirements. Our comfortable student lounge, complete with refrigerator, toaster oven, couches and peace and quiet, is the perfect hideaway between class meetings to rest, study, eat a meal or even take a quick nap. On weekends, you’ll find many of our students at the beach before or after a morning lecture class or interactive herb walk through one of the local nature preserves. 

Whether you decide to drop by for a single class or sign up for a 1,000-hour program, the School of Healing Arts welcomes you to join our vibrant, friendly and nurturing community. Come to learn about massage – and leave with new friendships, a sense of purpose, and a greater knowledge of yourself and the living world around us.

For more information, contact us via email at info@soha.com, or visit our homepage at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Learn the key to career success at a top San Diego massage therapy school

Posted on June 4, 2013 by lwesterfield

What is the key to a successful massage career? It turns out that students seeking their California massage certification can get a leg up by choosing a San Diego massage therapy school with an integrative curriculum focusing not only on massage, but also on communication skills, ethics, and the importance of creating a comfortable, relaxing environment.

According to a press release from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy is increasingly becoming the alternative healing practice of choice for individuals seeking greater health and well being. As the massage industry grows, AMTA encourages practitioners to learn the skills they will need to create a successful business – chief among which are effective communication and dialogue skills.

The AMTA press release offered tips for massage therapy clients and practitioners, highlighting communication as a chief means for “selecting the best massage technique based on the client’s health” and establishing an environment that lends itself to healing, comfort and respect for both parties involved. While most massage schools will undoubtedly prepare their graduates to perform various types of bodywork, not everyone places an equivalent emphasis on the big picture: the ethical education and communication skills required to excel in the massage industry.

At The School of Healing Arts, students receive an integrative education designed to prepare them not only for careers in massage, but for excellence in the holistic health industry. Our Pacific Beach massage school offers certification programs for massage therapists, Whole Food Nutrition counselors and holistic health practitioners, all in accordance with city and state regulations and guaranteed to enrich the lives of our students.

With complementary communication courses like Compassionate Communication and Neuro-linguistic Programming, and core requirements including Ethics, First Aid and Holistic Business Basics, graduates from the School of Healing Arts learn the tools necessary to take on the growing massage field and achieve success in everything they do. Learn more about courses and programs at SOHA today: simply stop by our campus at 1001 Garnet Avenue, Suite 200 in Pacific Beach, or get in touch online at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Miraculous Mondays FREE Health Clinic

Posted on June 1, 2013 by amansker

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Celebrate AMTA’s Massage Therapy Tour with classes at a San Diego massage school

Posted on May 28, 2013 by lwesterfield
San Diego massage school

American Massage Therapy Association

Considering taking courses at a San Diego massage school? Why not begin your education this month in conjunction with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Massage Therapy Tour? On May 29, AMTA kicks off its second annual Massage Therapy Tour in an effort to spread awareness and demonstrate the many benefits of therapeutic bodywork. Tour stops include Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Little Rock, Atlanta, Daytona Beach and Dallas, and will focus on bringing out volunteer massage therapists and potential clients for fun and education-filled events to support the massage industry.

While there is not a San Diego stop on the schedule, that shouldn’t stop local massage enthusiasts from getting in the spirit of the AMTA tour. Take advantage of the national momentum and consider signing up for a continuing education course to refresh your skills, advance your practice or network with other massage therapists. For new students, summer is an ideal time to begin a career in bodywork: with longer days and more free time, students can get a solid introductory education completed before the autumn season – and perhaps even earn their 250-hour California Massage Practitioner License in time to begin work by the end of the summer!

Regardless of where you are in your massage career – or even if you simply love to receive massages from San Diego massage therapists – the timing couldn’t be better to celebrate and spread the healing power of massage. Learn more about various massage modalities, start a California massage certification course, or find a qualified massage therapist in San Diego today: visit us at the School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach for a one-stop resource covering “all things massage” in your area.

To learn more about classes, certification programs and massage and wellness services, contact the school today. Visit www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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In the news: uniting massage and whole food nutrition for the most effective holistic health careers

Posted on May 23, 2013 by lwesterfield

Throughout their training, many massage therapy students learn the importance of whole food nutrition, and proceed to carry that knowledge into their holistic health careers. However, while an awareness of holistic health is certainly beneficial to a professional massage therapist, a skillful integration of nutrition and bodywork can provide a significant boost when it comes to helping clients heal. Not only that, this approach can also help in building a more successful business. Read on to learn about common nutritional deficiencies and concerns that come into play for bodywork professionals – and consider adding a whole food nutrition certification to your massage license for a more multifaceted practice.

When nutrition is the culprit 

According to a recent article for Massage Today magazine, nutrition can often prove the underlying culprit when massage, chiropractic or other forms of therapeutic bodywork fail to effect positive changes in a client’s physical condition. Christopher Oswald, DC, CNS, notes that such clients, the so-called “non-responders,” are often those in need of the most help – frequently due to malnourishment and deficiencies in nutrients that support vital musculoskeletal health. Such deficiencies, Oswald explains, can contribute to inflammation, tissue abnormalities and muscle pain, making nutrition for tissue support a vital cornerstone of vital health and successful bodywork.

Among the key nutrients Oswald recommends for improved tissue health are the following:

  • Fish oil: shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory
  • Vitamin D: protects against muscle weakness and bone fractures
  • Vitamin C: soft tissue support, encourages collagen and L-carnitine production
  • High-quality multi-vitamins: for general tissue support 

Taking a whole foods approach 

While it is easy enough to suggest one or more of these nutrients in the form of a supplement, bodyworkers with training in whole foods nutrition know the importance of getting as much nutritional value as possible from healthy, natural, whole food sources as opposed to processed formulas. Therefore, with the advantage of professional training in holistic nutrition, any massage therapist could also provide basic nutritional counseling for better musculoskeletal health, and recommend foods that might help alleviate certain types of pain and weakness for better physical integrity and, ideally, more effective bodywork into the bargain.

Integrative wellness education at the School of Healing Arts

Here at the School of Healing Arts, we believe in providing a customizable, integrative curriculum to our San Diego massage students – and that means offering courses in nutrition as well as massage modalities and applications.

This summer, consider supplementing your California massage certification requirements with a state-approved certification in Whole Food Nutrition Counseling, or combine a 500-hour Massage Therapist training program with nutrition courses as part of our comprehensive Holistic Health Practitioner program. To learn more about these and other courses offered at our school, visit our homepage at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Massage Modalities: Spotlight on Deep Tissue Massage

Posted on May 15, 2013 by lwesterfield

Deep tissue massage is one of the most commonly offered and requested modalities – and yet it is also one of the most frequently misunderstood. Many clients believe that deep tissue massage is “supposed to hurt,” and that the more pain they experience during their massage, the more effective it must be. Others often misconstrue the term “deep tissue” to mean consistent, heavy pressure. In reality, deep tissue techniques can be performed with minimal discomfort and various types of pressure. Read on to learn what deep tissue massage is all about – and how you can learn to incorporate the benefits of this massage modality in your own practice.

Defining “deep tissue”

Deep tissue massage is intended to address tension in the sub-superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is this feature that differentiates deep tissue from the more surface-oriented style known as circulatory massage. Deep tissue is especially well suited to those who experience repetitive or consistent pain or stress, such as athletes or physical laborers, and can result in highly focused, therapeutic sessions targeting specific points on the body.

Many individuals are apt to confuse “deep tissue” with “deep pressure” – that is, stronger, more sustained pressure than is typically used in a circulatory massage. While a lighter or stronger touch may come down to personal preference on the part of the client, a full-body deep tissue massage would likely be too intense (and even potentially harmful) for most individuals. For this reason, many massage therapists employ a mixture of circulatory and deep tissue techniques when providing massage so as to maximize the therapeutic benefits of both modalities while maintaining a relaxing experience for their clients.

Learning deep tissue massage

Deep tissue work can be some of the most effective work performed during a therapeutic massage, and as such it is an integral component of any California massage certification course. At the School of Healing Arts, we offer a 24-hour program of study in Deep Tissue Massage, taught by expert faculty and featuring instruction in both traditional and modern methods of this slow, penetrating form of work. Teachers will offer students a systematic framework for effecting therapeutic change in dysfunctional and disorganized myo-fascia. This technique is also effective in releasing congestion and emotional trauma, and restoring muscle balance, and is thus applicable in a variety of scenarios. By addressing the ubiquitous fascia system both energetically and through manipulation, deep tissue massage permits the practitioner to facilitate healing on multiple levels.

To learn more about Deep Tissue Massage studies at the School of Healing Arts, or to find out about our California massage certification programs or San Diego massage classes, visit our homepage at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Healing the hara: Eastern massage and bodywork techniques for the abdomen

Posted on May 14, 2013 by lwesterfield

What is “healing the hara?” The Japanese term “hara” refers to the energetic center housed in the abdomen, lower back and the belly. According to Japanese healing traditions, this area of the body is our core, both physically and energetically. On an anatomical level, we take in, assimilate and release nutrients within this part of the body. It is also home to our sexual organs, and thus the literal heart of our desires, passions and creative urges.

While many people may think of massage as focusing primarily on the back, neck, arms and legs, the hara is in fact a critical “center” crucial to our overall health – and subsequently, always in need of therapeutic bodywork.

Japanese forms of bodywork, including traditional Shiatsu and the contemporary discipline of Zen-Touch™ Shiatsu pioneered by School of Healing Arts founder Seymour Koblin, advocate bodywork to balance the hara as part of any massage training program. While certain practices are particularly complementary to Eastern modalities, massage practitioners of any discipline can incorporate techniques for healing the hara into their practice. 

Students learning to provide hara-healing to their clients will learn how to integrate abdominal massage into their routine, as well as how to assess and facilitate healing through the internal organs and energetic centers found in the abdomen.

To learn more about healing the hara, or to register for San Diego massage classes in Eastern Healing Arts, Zen-Touch™ Shiatsu or other forms of massage, contact us at the School of Healing Arts today. Give us a call at (858) 581-9460 or visit our homepage at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Free wellness clinic TONIGHT! Yin, Yang and cultivating healthy relationships

Posted on May 13, 2013 by lwesterfield

Join us at the School of Healing Arts tonight for our last free wellness clinic with SOHA founder Seymour Koblin before he returns to Eastern Europe.

Featuring one hour of holistic health education followed by free Zen-Touch™ bodywork, tonight’s Miraculous Mondays clinic will focus on improving male/female relationships through a better understanding of yin and yang. With complimentary refreshments and an exciting door prize raffle to benefit the SOHA scholarship fund, Miraculous Mondays offer fun and healthful learning for the whole family.

All Miraculous Mondays events are held at the School of Healing Arts San Diego massage school in Pacific Beach. Lecture begins at 6:30 pm, and is followed by free massage and bodywork until 9:00 pm.

To learn more or get directions to the school, visit us online, at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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Massage Modalities: Spotlight on Russian Sports Massage

Posted on May 7, 2013 by lwesterfield

What is Russian Sports Massage? Created in the former Soviet Union and designed to offer minimally invasive and relaxing relief for stress, sleeplessness, headaches and many other disorders, Russian Sports Massage is a type of therapeutic massage based on four main techniques: effleurage, friction, petrissage and vibration.

History of Russian medical massage

According to a history of Russian medial massage published in Massage Today Magazine, Russian Sports Massage as we know it in America was relatively rare until recent years, with Russian massage techniques making their U.S. debut in the 1980s. Because massage is an integral part of traditional Russian medical practice and rehabilitation techniques, many of the therapeutic applications for Russian Sports Massage have been tried and tested over hundreds of years. From ancient medicine women to contemporary medical practitioners, massage has been a staple of Russian healing culture for centuries. 

Today, an increased awareness of and exposure to Russian healing arts has made it possible for practitioners in the United States to learn and benefit from the unique qualities of Russian Sports Massage. With an emphasis on deep yet painless strokes, this type of massage is broadly applicable and especially well suited to elderly clients. While it is also ideal for athletes, it is by no means limited to use with athletic clients.

Russian Sports Massage 101 

At the School of Healing Arts, we offer an intensive introductory course in Russian Sports Massage that includes twenty-eight hours of lecture and hands-on applications under expert instruction. Students will learn how to use minimal oil and specific bolstering to go deep into a client’s tissues with mutual comfort and ease. The course includes training protocol and introduces the therapeutic, pre/post event and seated applications of Russian Sports Massage. Meticulous study of hand techniques and body dynamics will help students learn how, when, where and why to utilize this unique style of bodywork. Students will also discuss how Russian Sports Massage benefits various body systems and review study results with both athletic and non-athletic applications.

Russian Sports Massage at the School of Healing Arts is appropriate for all students who have completed a massage trainee course or equivalent. It is also an ideal supplement for licensed practitioners looking to build their knowledge of new massage modalities and styles of bodywork. This spring’s class is scheduled to run May 30-July 18, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday afternoon. To learn more about this course, sign up or register for other San Diego massage classes, contact us in the office at (858) 581-9460. We also welcome new students to stop by our Pacific Beach campus for a tour at any time during our regular hours (8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday). Feel free to pay us a visit, or simply check out our website at www.schoolofhealingarts.com.

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