This course is designed for massage and bodywork professionals who want to deepen their understanding of what science says about mind and body practices and how these concepts can be applied in their work. Through evidence-based case studies and research, students will explore the role of complementary, alternative, and integrative health practices in modern healthcare. The course will focus on the safe integration of these therapies into bodywork practices, highlighting contraindications for specific health conditions and providing evidence-based guidance for informed decision-making. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of mind-body practices for the physical and mental wellbeing of massage therapists themselves. Additionally, students will gain insights into how medical professionals view the integration of mind-body therapies in patient care and how these approaches contribute to holistic healing within the broader healthcare system.
Course Objectives
- Gain a thorough understanding of the physiological and psychological mechanisms behind mind-body therapies.
- Differentiate between complementary, alternative, and integrative health practices, and understand their application in massage therapy.
- Explore the use of various mind-body techniques for addressing specific health conditions.
- Evaluate the benefits and limitations of mind-body approaches in clinical settings.
- Review real-world case scenarios on the effectiveness of mind-body therapies for common health conditions.
- Identify contraindications in massage and bodywork based on scientific evidence and client health conditions.
- Develop criteria for evaluating client health history and determining when to adjust or avoid specific treatments.
- Learn mind-body techniques that promote physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and preventing burnout.
- Design treatment plans incorporating scientific evidence, client goals, and individual health histories, integrating mind-body practices as appropriate.
- Examine the perspectives of medical professionals on integrating mind-body practices in patient care, and explore opportunities for collaboration with healthcare providers.
- Identify methods massage therapists can use to stay informed and integrate scientific knowledge into their practice.
