5-day Certificate course
10-day Diploma course

The Raynor Technique of Therapeutic Massage Certificate
(5 days)
This course is a very intensive full 5 days, which focuses on practical "hands-on" techniques drawn from many of the world's great traditions, or created by Brandon Raynor himself.

The combination of these techniques works towards an overall goal of the total release of all tension in the muscles of the body and the opening up of the channels or meridians through which the chi (life force) flows.

During the morning of the first day of the course, the teacher will cover theory such as the history of massage and the different types of massage, contraindications to massage, how to take a case history, hygiene, draping, professional ethics, qualities of a good massage therapist, the different types of base oils used in massage and the properties of a good massage table.

This will be followed by a demonstration of massage techniques and strategies to loosen up tension and blocked energy in the back, the back of the legs, buttocks, feet, arms and hands. You will also be shown the "bands" of tension that make these areas interconnected.

In the afternoon, students will be asked to pair up and commence working on each other under the supervision of our teacher.

On Day 2, the teacher will cover massage theories associated with the release of tension in the front of the body, especially the abdominal area and the head. Many people store emotional tension in their bellies as revealed by common expressions such as "it gave me knots in my stomach" or "I felt that in my guts". Many conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ulcers, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, menstrual problems etc. can be helped by Brandon's techniques of releasing emotional tension stored in the abdominal area, combined with proper breathing techniques.

All theory associated with the above will be introduced early in the second day of the course, followed in the afternoon by students practicing these techniques on each other. Each day students are encouraged to pair up with different partners, in order to get experience working with a variety of body types. Some revision of the previous days work will also be covered, along with discussion on the concept of the release of toxins in the body and the natural therapies term the "healing crisis" and what it means.

On Day 3, the teacher will cover a side position that we use to release deep seated tension in the sacral area, which when released can help loosen up higher areas in the back, neck and cranial (head) areas - this same position is also used for pregnancy massage. We also introduce some important stretches that can be combined with massage.

Day 4 is spent combining the techniques performed in the last 3 days to perform a complete massage and spent examining how the tension in the muscles on the front of the body can hold the muscles on the back of the body tight.

On the afternoon of Day 5, the teacher will conduct a practical assessment to make sure that students understand the concepts taught.

5 day Raynor Technique of Therapeutic Massage Certificate fee: £995 - £350 non-refundable deposit

The Raynor Technique of Therapeutic Massage Diploma
(10 days)

This 10 day Diploma course combines the first 5 days of the Certificate program with 5 more exceptional information-packed days.

The course can be undertaken in one two week period, or the first 5 days of the Certificate program can be completed first and the remaining 5 days completed some time in the future.

For the description of the first 5 days of this course see Certificate course information.

Day 6 of the course will involve a role play of a full practitioner/client interaction from taking a case history to doing a full massage to suit the client's needs within a certain length of time. There will be a valuable discussion period after this treatment where any areas that a student needs to improve will be highlighted. This will give the student an idea of the areas that they need to focus on in the next 4 days of the course.

On Day 7, the teacher will introduce the use of aromatherapy oils to the massage treatment. He/she will cover the use of 8 to 10 commonly used aromatherapy oils, how to diagnose which ones are suitable for particular clients and their contraindications. You will then explore their use during practice with both deep tissue massage and also lighter massage.

Day 8 of the course will lay emphasis on the reflexology areas of the feet and also the hands. You will explore the importance of the feet and hands in massage and how they affect and benefit the whole treatment. The zone theory of reflexology and the use of reflexology charts will also be discussed.

Day 9 of the course will concentrate on the specific aspects of face and scalp massage and the use of acupressure points in the head to help alleviate stress, tension, headaches, neck problems and the relationship between releasing tension in the head and the effect this has in helping release the emotional tension stored in the belly and chest.

Day 10 of the Diploma will involve any final revision necessary, as well as a 50 point assessment which will grade each student on the following qualities: empathy, communication, techniques, professionalism, correct pressure, and overall effect. The students will also be graded on their understanding of the role of the patient in 3 categories of communication, understanding the importance of breathing with a practitioner, and proper understanding and appreciation of the benefits of massage.

This course also involves between 20 and 40 hours of take-home work as well, and will involve a written test on aspects of professional practice such as hygiene, professional ethics, the meridians of acupressure, contraindications and the strategies of massage treatment covered during the course.

10 day Raynor Technique of Therapeutic Massage Diploma fee: £1795 - £500 non-refundable deposit