Course Descriptions
Module 1 - Spa History and Concepts – Vacek (20 hours)
This course will introduce the student to a history of spa treatments used by different cultures for centuries and will explore a variety of spa operations. The course will also introduce different spa operations in use today. Common characteristics will be identified and analyzed. Focus will be on importance of professional and ethical standards as well as succesful business strategies.
Module 2 - Client Management – Geier/Masri (40 hours)
This module provides the basic foundation of how to be successful in a spa or clinical environment with the skills and practices that support successful client base building. This module will cover the basics of professional communication skills, client relationship building, client assessment, presentation of programming, homecare, and retail sales. In-house spa marketing tools and principles will also be covered.
Module 3 - Spa Regulations and Safety – Regulations Health Department (24 hours)
Spa Canada Practice Standard, hygiene requirements and regulations for spa operations are taught. (See Appendix A)
Module 4 - Energetic Relaxation & Swedish Massage (121 hours)
This course will introduce students to basic energetic relaxation massage and Swedish Massage.
Module 5 - Thai Massage and Reflexology – Kai (180 hours)
A – Thai Massage and Practice I
This course explores the theoretical base of traditional Thai massage therapy including history, styles, indications, and contraindications. The topics covered are: Sen Sib theory, meridians, energy lines, and pressure points. Students are provided with techniques of manual pressure in the supine, prone, side, and sitting positions. Basic stretching techniques, a complete relaxation treatment, proper postural alignment, breathing, and intention are emphasized. Students will also learn the basics of reflexology.
B – Thai Massage and Practice II
Building on the first level, students learn to apply pressure with the elbows, knees and feet. Deeper sensitivity and awareness combined with new theory and stretching techniques using thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet create a dynamic repertoire for the full applications of “Nuad Thai”.
C – Thai Foot Massage
The Student will learn and hands-on step-by-step of practicing on Thai traditional foot massage originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. The massage starts with a warm footbath and then continues with light pressure from the giver’s fingers, hands, and a traditional wooden stick. All parts of the foot & lower legs are included and involved hands-on stretching, massage, stimulating reflex points, and followed the Thai energy lines (Sen). It is said to stimulate the activity of internal organs and thus is hugely beneficial for optimum internal health.
Module 6 – Professional Practice – Turner (21 hours)
The class content will help the students gain knowledge of the components of a professional practice. Students will then apply this knowledge in the clinical setting during individual treatments, case studies and the practicum project. All instructors and teaching assistants will support the inclusion of professional practice in the program both by role modeling and providing feedback to the students. Evaluation will occur through attendance, participation in class, written assignments, and conduct in the clinical practice settings.
Module 7 – Energetic Aromatherapy Foundational Applications and Massage –Edel (233 hours)
The Aromatherapy portion of the spa practitioner program is written in accordance to the course curriculum as established by the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy. Students will be able to apply for the Legal Occupational Title of Registered Aromatherapist with the BCAOA upon successful completion.
This unique course teaches basic to advanced principles of aromatherapy in the spa environment. Students will learn the most important applications of essential oils in spa therapies. The practical, hands – on preparation of safe, effective therapeutic blends will form the foundation of the course. Students will learn how to assess and prescribe essential oils and apply them to spa clients through inhalation, compress, and massage. Students will also learn various types of aromatherapy treatments designed especially for the spa environment. Upon successful completion, students will be able to apply for Legal Occupational Title Registered Aromatherapist with the BCAOA.
Module 8 – Managing Your Energy System: Healing Touch Levels 1 & 2 –Anderson (46 hours)
Healing Touch Level 1 and Level 2 are the first two levels of the 6 level Healing Touch Program. Healing Touch is a complementary (or integrative) energy therapy, that utilizes light or near-body touch to clear, balance and energize the human energy system in an effort to facilitate the self-healing process of others. It can promote healing for the mind, body and/or spirit, and complements other approaches to health and healing. Please check the website www.HealingTouchProgram.com for more information.
Module 9 – Ayurvedic Health – Samrai (36 hours)
This course will explore the mind body connection as it relates to Aryuvedic philosophy. The ancient Indian health ideas of Prana will be explored. This is the fundamental life force which makes each of us unique individuals. Each student will explore his/her own doshas as they relate to their own well-being. At the end of the course students will be able to assist clients in this exploration.
Module 10 – Body Treatments in Spa Environment – Instructor TBA (96 hours)
This course will teach the basics of anatomy and physiology of skin, the target organ of body treatments. The focus will be on the principles of different applications, procedures, product formulations and the role body wraps play in spa treatments. Advanced body treatments addressing specific needs such as cellulite management and anti-aging treatments will be taught. Indications and contraindications will be discussed and hands-on experience provided.
Module 11 – Integration of mind-body-spirit -Techniques for Spa –Turner (42 hours)
This course will provide a unique perspective on mind body spirit techniques that can be applied in the spa setting. Contents include theoretical, practical and experiential training in the following: Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), autogenic relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation and relaxation with visualization. This course will teach participants to explore their inner world of mind/body and to recognize how to mobilize their inner psychological resources for self-care. Students will then practice how to teach their clients what they have learned.
Module 12 – Mineral Waters and Therapeutic Uses of Water –Vacek (30 hours)
This course will teach the basic properties of water including physical, thermal and mechanical effects of water on the human body. The physiological components of hydrotherapy applications, baths, thallassotherapy, steam, saunas and Kneipp Water Therapy will be introduced.
Module 13 – Hydrotherapy – Instructor TBA (75 hours)
This course teaches about physical, thermal and mechanical applications of water therapies on the human body (Hydrotherapy). The mineral and aromatic soaks, affusions, steambath and saunas , Kneipp therapy applications and Thalassotherapy (seawater and products applications) will be introduced and technical properties explained.
Module 14 – Herbs and Nutrition for Spa – Ziccarelli (72 hours)
This module covers nutrition emphasizing wellness promotion, weight management, and disease prevention. Emphasis is on optimal nutrition for healthier skin, hair, nails, and energy levels. Detoxification strategies are reviewed while highlighting sensible yet gentle detoxification with dietary fiber and proper hydration. Students learn to critically assess the evidence and the safety on natural health products specific to the spa environment.
Module 15 - Integration of Yoga in Spa Programs – Gulamhusein (48 hours)
This course will help students build a solid knowledge base and understanding of practical applications of yoga philosophy and therapies in spa programs. An overview of scientifically documented health benefits and contraindications will provide the student with the ability to critically assess their use in spa programming. A practice of yoga for self care will be introduced to student.
Module 16 – Advanced Treatments and Procedures for Spa – Instructor TBA (24 hours)
This course offers an overview of additional techniques used in contemporary spas including an introduction to principles of selected modalities commonly complementing a wide range spa therapies and treatments. These include Light Treatments, oxygen applications for spa and Color Therapy.
Module 17 – Spa Treatment and Medication Awareness – Persad (28 hours)
The Pharmacology course introduces the learner to general principles of pharmacology including common terms used, the major drug classes and their mechanism of actions, and offers guidelines for working with guests who are taking medications. Learners will also be given guidelines for working around injection sites and implanted devices and they will be able to discuss the potential interactions between the concurrent use of medications and receiving a massage therapy session. Learners will be encouraged to apply the information learned in the classroom into their clinical internship.
Module 18 – Practicum to Consolidate skills (320 hours) and Clinical Practice
The student practicum will be a 320 hour practice in either a local spa in Vancouver or in one of our international locations including Mexico and Thailand. Students will be expected to practice the skills that they have learned over the past year and to demonstrate excellence in professional practice skills. The purpose of the practicum is to consolidate the skills learned.