Neuromuscular Therapy

The Neuromuscular Therapy course of study includes courses focusing on physiological problems and western methods of treatment. This specialization will prepare massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of sports injuries, chronic pain, postural dysfunction and other types of physical problems. The approach is most appropriate for working closely with the western medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear under- standing of medical terminology and the ability to interact with professionals in that environment. This path provides preparation for the therapist interested in techniques desired for working in the Chiropractic Office, Sports Clinic, Pain Management Clinic, Physical Therapy Office, Health Club or Spa environment.
This specialization certificate program further develops the applications of the basic neuromuscular concepts and techniques presented in the introductory class; specifically, the Trigger point theory and treatments of Janet Travell and the assessment and remediation of soft tissue lesions developed by James Cyriax.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements and any prerequisites for any course in this specialization. In addition, students are required to have successfully completed the Contemporary Methods (A & B) courses and Anatomy for the Body Therapist (including Applied Studies) or equivalent.

Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
NMT301		Introduction to Neuromuscular Therapy		2.50		30
NMT322U		NMT- Upper Girdle		1.25		15
NMT322L		NMT- Lower Girdle		1.25		15
NMT322N		NMT- Neck & TMJ		1.25		15
NMT322A		Spine & Abdomen		1.25		15
RSS424		Research: Case Report		2.50		30
Guided Elective(s)		see choices below		2.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150
Guided Electives Include:
PSI318		Principles of Structural Integration		2.50		30
EL304H		Passive Joint/Deep Tissue Blends		2.50		30
EL205H		Feldenkrais		1.25		15
EL205B		Neuromuscular Repatterning		1.25		15

Structural Organization & Integration

The Rolf method of Structural Integration combines touch, movement and awareness to optimally organize the Whole Being in the field of gravity. The human body is designed to relate to the space around it and the earth underneath in a highly dynamic way.  We expand: there is an inherent, spring-loaded, anti-gravity mechanism in the body, which expands us in all directions – down-up, side-to-side, and front-to-back. Structural Integration supports people to unfold this innate potential. When we find this natural state of Expansional Balance we can release pain from its roots.  We develop grace, ease and efficiency on all levels.

The IPSB Structural Integration Program is unique among Structural Integration trainings.  It emphasizes the somatic scope of the work while remaining firmly grounded in the body’s physical reality.   Contacting the fascial connective tissues that envelope muscles and bones, Structural Integration uses the tangible and impeccably honest reality of the body as a door way to unfold the full potential of the Whole Being; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  To that end the IPSB Structural Integration faculty has developed the awareness and movement aspects of the work.  Students new to the field will receive a complete and sophisticated understanding of the work as it was classically taught by Dr. Ida Rolf, the founder of Structural Integration.  Professional Structural Integrators working in the field will refine and expand their skills, developing practical means to efficiently and safely unfold new levels of integration in their clients, and themselves!  The IPSB Structural Integration Program keeps the size of its classes limited In order to support each student to develop their full capacities as a somatically sensitive Structural Integrator.

The IPSB Structural Integration Program offers two certifications.

Certificate in Structural Organization

Successful completion of the Principles of Structural Integration allows a student to continue their training in Structural Integration Phase A.  This course is designed to train students in remedial applications, giving them powerfully effective tools to provide clients relief from many myo-skeletal pains and challenges.  Students become acquainted with the full Structural Integration process.  They begin learning posture analysis, as well as a plethora of hands-on contacts. Each class session includes lecture, demonstration, hands-on individual supervision by the faculty, dialogue on related readings, and supporting movement explorations.  Students are supervised in practice on each other. At the end of Phase A the student is awarded a certificate in Structural Organization and is encouraged to practice for at least 6 months before returning to take Phase B.

Certificate in Structural Integration

The Structural Integration Phase B course is designed to train students in the full Structural Integration process.  Students assist clients to activate their internal “anti-gravity spring”, releasing pain from its roots and unfolding their full potential.   Students learn to integrate core structures, as well as how to teach clients more effective movement patterns.  Applying of the Four Parts of Expansional Balance and client movement training each student works in class taking three clients through the ten-session series as originally devised by Dr. Ida Rolf.  Each of the ten sessions is presented with lecture, demonstration, hands-on individual supervision by the faculty, dialogue on related readings, and supporting movement explorations.  Students are taught how to use the National Institute of Health (NIH) digital imaging system. This is a powerful tool for learning posture analysis.  Students view theirs client photos to reflect upon and dialoguing with clients about their progress.

After the successful completion of Phase B the student returns to the classroom for 30 hours as a Classroom Aide.  The student’s role as an Aide is to return to their “beginner’s mind” by working with less experienced students.  Classroom Aides deepen their understanding of the work through the process of communicating about Structural Integration to others.  The Structural Integration practitioner is ultimately a teacher of movement that uses a “hands on” approach.  The Classroom Aide role provides this “movement teaching’ experience while being supervised by seasoned instructors.  Upon completion of the above stated requirements the student is awarded a certificate in Structural Integration.

The IPSB Structural Integration Program is an approved Structural Integration Training Program by the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI, www.theiasi.org).  After successfully attaining the Structural Organization and Structural Integration Certificates (300 hours), and with the necessary prerequisites (350 hours) listed below, a student is eligible to sit for the international certification test issued by IASI.  Upon passing the exam one is acknowledged by IASI as a Board Certified Structural Integrator.

The IPSB Structural Integration program is designed to accommodate the needs of both the local and commuting student. San Diego International Airport is within 12 miles of the campus. The Introductory course, Principles of Structural Integration, is offered four times a year meeting for two weekends in a row.  The Structural Organization and Integration specialization classes are offered every Spring and Fall semester.  Class meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays for ten weeks.  Students can easily commute to the IPSB San Diego campus, allowing them keep their practices and life going rather that having to take an extensive hiatus from other activities to do their training.

IASI Exam  Additional Prerequisites

Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
EMB101		Essentials of Massage and Bodywork		10.00		120
COMM305-I		Communication I: Client Centered Techniques		1.50		15
ANT104		Anatomy		8.00		80
PHY203A		Physiology/Pathology A		3.00		30
PHY203B		Physiology/Pathology B		3.00		30
CPP208		Creating a Professional Practice		3.00		30
HS204		Hydrotherapy and Self-Care		1.25		15
CL206-30		Clinical Applications II		1.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		30.95		350

Structural Organization

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours for each certificate

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements. In addition, students must have completed Essentials or equivalent. It is strongly recommended that students receive 10 private sessions of Structural Integration. Each Course taken will count toward only one specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
PSI318		Principles of Structural Integration		2.50		30
SP322HS		Structural Integration – Phase A		10.00		120
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Structural Integration

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours for each certificate

Prerequisite:		Structural Organization coursework.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
SP322IS		Structural Integration – Phase B		10.00		120
PSI300A		Structural Integration Classroom Aide		1.00		30
		Total Units / Hours		11.00		150

Tui Na Massage

This Certificate course of study is intended to explore in depth the theory and practice of Tui Na massage.
Tui Na, a traditional Chinese healing system, integrates acupressure and massage by using a variety of hand techniques. The focus of this Certificate program will be on the practical applications of Tui Na massage. It will include: Taoist Chi Gong energy generating exercises, “Shanghai Style” rolling massage techniques, 60 major acupoints-location and function, and treatment protocols for a variety of injuries to primary joint function and internal disorders.
This path will prepare Asian Healing Arts massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of chronic conditions and other types of physical and psychological problems. These approaches are appropriate for working closely with the western medical model and its relationship to Asian energetic healing models, such as acupuncture. This provides the therapist with a clear understanding of the energetic paradigm and the ability to interact with professionals in health care environments.

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements.Each Course taken will count toward only one specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
SP322G		Tui Na Concentration		1.25		60
EL304C		Tui Na Common Ailments		5.00		30
EL304B		Tui Na Hand Techniques		2.50		30
see catalog		Guided Electives- Asian Healing Arts		2.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Seitai Shiatsu

This Certificate course is intended to provide a depth of study in the theory and practice of Seitai Shiatsu. This path will prepare Asian Healing Arts massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of chronic conditions and other types of physical and psychological problems. These approaches are appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and its relationship to Asian energetic healing models, such as acupuncture. This provides the therapist with a clear understanding of the energetic paradigm and the ability to interact with professionals in health care environments.

Seitai Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork developed by Master Kiyoshi Kato in Osaka, Japan. Its purpose is to enhance the circulation of the blood and lymph, and to maximize the quality of blood formation in the body. The technique combines the use of pressure on the tsubos (acupuncture points) with various strokes of massage. The therapeutic technique of cupping is also taught in this course.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements. Each course taken will count toward only one Specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
SP322CI		Seitai Shiatsu Concentration I		2.5		30
SP322CII		Seitai Shiatsu Concentration II		2.5		30
EL304C EL304A		Elective in Acu-point locations, choose one: Tui Na for Common Ailments Acupressure Point Location		2.50		30
EL304J		Essentials of Oriental Theory		2.50		30
see catalog		Guided Elective- Asian Healing Arts		2.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

CranioSacral Therapy

The CranioSacral Therapy course of study will prepare massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting either with techniques specific for treatment of psychological and physical problems. The approach is most appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear understanding of medical terminology and the ability to interact with professionals in that environment.

This path provides preparation for therapists who desire to work in Private Practice or in an Osteopathic, Chiropractic or other clinical/medical setting, addressing a variety of allopathic physical problems, as well as emotional and energetic imbalances. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle non-invasive hands-on modality that addresses every system and function in the human body. Its main focus, however, is on the brain, spinal cord, dural membranes, cerebrospinal fluids and the central nervous system. Being both deeply physical and anatomical it also includes developing levels of perception, awareness and subtle listening skills that fall into the area of energy work. Completion of this course curriculum gives students a deeper understanding of the inner flow and more subtle interrelationships of all systems in the physical and energetic body.

The focus of study throughout the classes will be to deepen and widen our perceptual awareness, enhancing our ability to listen to the body in neutral. This course expands on the physical and energetic anatomy of the body, the vascular, lymphatic and endocrine systems, bones and visceral organs. We will explore what it means and how it feels to hold sacred space not only for our client, but for ourselves as well and develop healthy working boundaries between client and therapist. Somato-emotional release techniques will be addressed from a neutral format, releasing emotions through the depths of dynamic stillness. The specialization in CranioSacral Therapy will also give students experience with an outside research project with individual client case reviews.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements. Courses must be taken in the order indicated. Each course taken will count toward only one Specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
(A) EL304V		CranioSacral Therapy I		2.50		30
(B) EL304W		CranioSacral Therapy II		2.50		30
(C) EL304L		CranioSacral Therapy III		2.50		30
(D) SP322P		CranioSacral Therapy Concentration		5.00		60
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Jin Shin Acutouch

This Certificate course is intended to provide a depth of study in the theory and practice of Jin Shin Acutouch. This path will prepare Asian Healing Arts massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of chronic conditions and other types of physical and psychological problems. These approaches are appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and its relationship to Asian energetic healing models, such as acupuncture. This training provides the therapist with a clear understanding of the energetic paradigm and the ability to interact with professionals in health care environments.

Jin Shin Acutouch is a sacred healing art that was rediscovered in the Shinto Temples of Japan by Master Jiro Murai in 1912. It is considered the “Mother of All Healing Arts” and is thought to be the forerunner of all natural healing arts and folk medicine. This Art was buried in the Shinto temples of Japan in an effort to keep the treasured knowledge secret and intact. The method of Jin Shin Acutouch uncovers life’s mysteries and soothes the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. The purpose of this gentle healing touch is to use the energy anatomy of the body to activate the body’s own healing response, restoring it to balance and health.

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements. Courses must be taken in the order indicated. Each course taken will count toward only one Specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
EL204MV EL204CA EL204OF		Jin Shin Acutouch Electives  (choose 2 of 3) Healing the Spirit Common Ailments Organ Meridian Foundations		2.50		30
SP322E		Jin Shin Acutouch Concentration		5.00		60
		Jin Shin Acutouch Electives (Remaining elective from above list), plus COMM2/305I       Illuminating the Chakras (or) EL204J                   Jin Shin Self-Care		2.50		30
		Guided Elective- Asian Healing Arts		2.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Relational Somatics

The Relational Somatics course of study will prepare massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of psychological and physical problems. It includes classes focusing on physiological problems and Western methods of treatment. The approach is most appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear understanding of medical terminology and the ability to interact with professionals in that environment. This path also provides preparation for the therapist interested in techniques desired for working in Health Clinics, Recovery Programs and Private Practice.

Relational Somatics explores the use of the relationship between bodyworker and client as a central healing tool. Through touch, verbal enhancement, love, humor, courage, therapeutic challenges, stories, song, movement and case studies, we will journey to those places in the soul that we can legitimately go to together. A therapeutic process of 1.) Connecting 2.) Accessing 3.) Externalizing (Releasing) and 4.) Integrating (Internalizing) will be developed along with its necessary questions of intimacy, parallel process, boundaries (& dual relationships), transference and counter-transference.

Additionally we will explore: working with trauma and post-traumatic stress as manifested in the body-soul. We will utilize the principles of structural work and deep tissue sculpting with fascial stretching and holding; creative approaches to working with armoring and defending in our clients; and working alliances with allied health professionals.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements. In addition, students are required to have successfully completed the Contemporary Methods (A & B) courses, as well as Communications I: Client Centered Techniques and Principles of Structural Integration. Courses must be taken in the order indicated. Each Course taken will count toward only one specialization.

Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
EL304P		The Way of the Healer- Intro to Relational Somatics		2.50		30
SP322A		Relational Somatics Concentration		5.00		60
. COMM2/305D COMM2/305I COMM2/305H		Communication II elective – see choices below: Dreamwork I Illuminating the Chakras Mindfulness & Meditation		1.25		15
. EL205NI EL205H ART540B		Movement Elective – see choices below: Nia Feldenkrais The Moving Soma		1.25		15
see catalog		Guided Elective in Somatic Methods		2.50		30
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Sensory Repatterning

The Sensory Repatterning course of study will prepare massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of psychological and physical problems. It includes classes focusing on physiological problems and Western methods of treatment. The approach is appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear understanding of medical terminology and the ability to interact with professionals in that environment. This path also provides preparation for the therapist interested in techniques desired for working in Health Clinics, Spas,Recovery Program, Senior Care Nursing Facilities and Private Practice.

As one of the Somatic Methods, Sensory Repatterning uses the techniques of Undulations and Slow Motion to facilitate change in the client’s body. The practitioner communicates to the nervous system a quality of feeling that elicits response in the tissue. Vision, Intention, sensitivity and rhythm are the cornerstones of this work. Classes will include meditation, breath work and sounding, movement, technique refinement, self-cultivation, dreamwork, journaling, the development of listening skills, group discussion of client situations and creative work around the concept of healing.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements. Students also must complete
the Contemporary Methods (A & B) courses (including the 10 additional Sensory Repatterning I recipe
logs). It is recommended that students receive professional Sensory Repatterning sessions. The students
will need to arrange to work with a client during the specialization.

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements.  Each course taken will count toward only one Specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
EL304G		Sensory Repatterning II		2.50		30
SP322J		Sensory Repatterning III – Concentration		5.00		60
RSS424		Research: Case Report		2.50		30
		Elective in Integrative Somatics; choose one:		2.50		30
EL304P		Way of the Healer
EL304H		Passive Joint/Deep Tissue Blends
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

Somato-Emotional Integration

The intention of the Somato-Emotional Integration specialization is to train therapists to unify the often disconnected energies of the physical, emotional, and intellectual body centers. Students learn to utilize bodywork techniques that reduce soft tissue dysfunction and imbalance for this purpose, including deep tissue/passive joint movement blends, structural integration, sensory repatterning, and strain/counterstrain. Development of Tai Chi principles, empathetic touch, breath, and movement mobilization enhances students’ technique effectiveness. Instruction emphasizes enhancing the students’ ability to interact verbally with her/his client by using active body dialogue, visualization and expressive movements. Students also practice objective and intuitive observation and assessment of clients’ needs. As students apply these techniques and theories, they develop an attitude of non-judgmental, noninvasive, loving embrace of the individual client.

The Somato-Emotional Integration course of study will prepare massage therapists to practice in many settings, equipped with techniques specific for both psychological and physical problems. This path provides preparation for those interested in working in Western medical model practices, Holistic Health Centers, Recovery Programs and in private practice.

150-Hour Specialization Certificate in Somato-Emotional Integration Course Requirements:
Path: Integrative Somatic Methods

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements and any prerequisites for any course in this specialization. Students must also successfully complete the Essentials and Contemporary Methods (A & B) courses, Communication I: Client Centered Techniques, and Principles of Structural Integration.

Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
EL304H		Passive Joint/Deep Tissue Blends		2.50		30
SP322B1		Somato Emotional Integration I		2.50		30
SP322B2		Somato Emotional Integration II		2.50		30
RSS424SE		Research: Case Report		2.50		30
See Below		15 hours from Elective Pool 1		1.25		15
See Below		15 hours from Elective Pool 2		1.25		15
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150
Elective Pool 1:
EL205H		Feldenkrais		1.25		15
EL205C		Taijiquan (Tai Ch’I Chuan) I		1.25		15
EL205D		Taijiquan (Tai Ch’I Chuan) II		1.25		15
EL205NI		Nia		1.25		15
EL205A		Yoga		1.25		15
EL304V		CranioSacral Therapy I (The Healing Power of Gentle Touch)		1.25		15
EL304P		Way of the Healer (exceeds credit requirement)		2.50		30
EL304G		Sensory Repatterning II (exceeds credit requirement)		2.50		30
Elective Pool 2:
EL204CA		Jin Shin Acutouch Common Ailments		1.25		30
EL204MV		Jin Shin Acutouch Healing the Spirit		1.25		30
EL204OF		Jin Shin Acutouch Organ Meridian Foundations		1.25		30
EL204J		Jin Shin Acutouch Self-Care		1.25		30

Sports Massage

The Sports Massage course of study includes classes focusing on physiological problems and Western methods of treatment. This path will prepare massage therapists to practice in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of sports injuries, chronic pain, postural dysfunction and other types of physical problems. The approach is appropriate for working closely with the Western medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear understanding of medical terminology and the ability to interact with professionals in that environment. This path provides preparation for the therapist interested in techniques desired for working with both mature and professional athletes, in Chiropractic Offices, Sports Clinics, Health Clubs or Spa environments.

This course will prepare you for working with athletes and common athletic injuries. You will learn principles integral to therapeutic massage: pre- and post-event treatment, stretching techniques, basic athletic training massage, rehabilitation techniques for the Athlete, recognition of postural distortions and their affect on performance, and the principles of athletic training.

Certificate Course Requirements
150 Clock Hours

Prerequisite:		Students must meet all general admission requirements. In addition students are required to have successfully completed the Essentials of Massage and Bodywork course. Each Course taken will count toward only one specialization.
Required Courses		Course Title		Credit Units		Credit Hours
NMT301		NMT Introduction		2.50		30
EL204C		Sports Massage Weekend Warrior		1.25		15
PSI318		Principles of Structural Integration		2.50		30
SP322KC		Injury and Rehabilitation Massage		2.50		30
SP322KPD		Common Postural Distortions for the Athlete		2.50		30
Guided Elective		Clinical Methods		1.25		15
		Total Units / Hours		12.50		150

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