Copyright 2006 Sheena Brearley
Diploma in Holistic Massage


The syllabus covers three units.

Unit 1 - Anatomy & Physiology
  • Coverage of all the body systems
  • Understanding and explaining common ailments
  • Benefits of massage treatments
  • Contra-indications to treatment


Unit 2 - Holistic Massage; Practical & Theory
  • Understand and explain the history and development of massage.
  • Understanding and explain the Holistic Approach.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate the classical massage movements and the physiological and psychological effects.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate the methods of consultation.
  • Understand and explain the importance of referral procedures.
  • Understand and explain the importance of reviewing the treatment program.
  • Understanding and explain the body structures to be worked over and their function.
  • Recognition of common ailments and contradictions to massage.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate client care before, during and after treatment.
  • Explain and demonstrate the need for the therapist to maintain good body posture.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate the hygiene procedures for massage treatment.
  • Understand and select the appropriate medium for the treatment and the clients skin type.
  • Understand and explain the legislations applicable to massage treatment.
  • Understand and explain other complimentary therapies.
  • Understand and explain basic first aid.
        (students are advised to take a first aid certificate.)

Unit 3 - Professional Conduct & Business Awareness
  • Professional conduct and business awareness.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate the requirements for professional appearance and conduct.
  • Understand, explain and demonstrate the requirement of safety hygiene and sterilisation in the clinic.
  • Understand and explain relevant laws and requirements in relationship to massage treatments and starting up a business.
  • Understand and explain the benefits of belonging to a professional body and the benefits of continual personal development.

For this section of the course guest speakers are invited to give talks on specialist subjects relating to business practices.

Case studies are an essential part of the course and must be completed before the examination date. The number of case studies required is five people four times.

On completion of the above units and case studies students can be entered for the ITEC diploma.

The examination consists of:
  1. A practical examination. Work files must be presented on examination date.
  2. Theory examination consisting of three 2 hour multiple choice papers.

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