Holistic Health Therapist (Level 4)

Be really whole and all things will come to you."

- Lao-Tzu

All illness is a manifestation of imbalance somewhere in the human makeup, these manifestations or imbalances are the body's attempts to re-create balance.

This innovative diploma course is designed to provide opportunities for students to work as Holistic Health Therapists in their own work settings.

The continual assessment method employed by the College with tutor support and motivation throughout the duration of the course will ensure that you achieve your goals. It will enable the therapist to use treatment tools such as Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Massage.

Module 1 - Brief Overview of the Systems of the Body
Examine the anatomy and physiology of the human body
Identify the 8 different systems of the body
Discuss the location of the liver and heart
Evaluate the number of kidneys there are in the body

Module 2 - Anatomy of the Subtle Body
Discuss the physical, biological and chemical systems of the physical anatomy and physiological functioning of the human body
Summarise what HEF stands for
Introduce and analyse the Astral body
Examine the purpose of the Chakra system

Module 3 - Meridian Therapy
Introduce ch’i and explain the position and direction of energy flow within the various meridians
List the 12 meridians
Summarise what occurs when the yin/yang balance between organs is interrupted
Describe how the flow of energy is affected by our thoughts and feelings

Module 4 - Nutrition
Summarise the general adaption syndrome and explain the benefits of vitamins to the body
List and describe the 5 stages of the general adaption syndrome
Analyse the significance of Vitamin D
Evaluate why Vitamin K is so important to the body

Module 5 - Nutrition Continued
Examine the different minerals and evaluate the importance of water to the body
Explain why water is necessary to the functioning of the body
Discuss uses, deficiency indications and food sources of:
Magnesium
Potassium
Iron

Module 6 - Massage
Discuss the benefits of touch and detail preparations required prior to commencing massage
Evaluate the benefits of massage, introduce the oils used in Aromatherapy and identify the principle massage strokes
List the disadvantages of massage
Describe the 4 principle massage strokes
Discuss the purpose of the ‘feathering’ massage showing how it is performed

Module 7 - Massage Techniques
Examine percussion and deep tissue massage, analysing 7 areas to concentrate on and list illnesses benefiting from massage
List the percussion strokes identifying areas and circumstances they would be used in
Summarise the way in which you would carry out a lower back massage
List in what order treatment should be applied to the front of the body

Module 8 - Essential Oils
Analyse essential oils, the methods of extraction and scales of evaporation
Discuss carrier oils, the extraction process and classification
Summarise the meaning of ‘carrier oil’
List 4 top, middle and base note oils used in Aromatherapy massage

Module 9 - Therapeutic Use of Oils
Introduce and formulate a table showing the essential oils of particular importance to various ailments
Identify the oils that should be used cautiously. Explain their contra-indications

Module 10 - Aromatherapy/Massage techniques
Examine the pros and cons of Aromatherapy massage and analyse the different types of movements
Evaluate how to perform the following movements:
Effleurage
Petrissage
Discuss how to perform a massage to the stomach area

Module 11 - Zones of the Body
Discuss in detail the different zones of the body and evaluate how the specific systems relate to the location of reflexes
Identify the 10 energy zones
Introduce the transverse zones found in the body

Module 12 - Client Consultation and Reflexology Techniques
Explain how to establish contact with a client, taking a history and analyse the treatment process itself
Describe the way in which you would begin a treatment session
Summarise the importance of commencing massage on the left foot
Analyse the massage procedure below:
Toe Rotation
Wringing the foot
Ankle Rotation

Module 13 - The Treatment Process
Analyse the principle area of reflexology, identify areas affected by reflex points and list common ailments
Discuss the Press and Roll method of massage
Describe the location of the Solar Plexus
List characteristics and treatment for:
Candida
Cystitis
Diabetes
Migraine
Depression
Vertigo

Module 14 - Counselling Skills
Identify the purpose of counselling and introduce listening and interview skills
Describe what listening skills consist of
Explain why the ‘tone’ of a clients voice is important to the counsellor
Examine the importance of ‘paraphrasing’

Module 15 - Counselling Skills Continued
Discuss the importance of an effective relationship between the client and the counsellor
Explain the meaning of ‘empathy’
Summarise how the counsellor uses ‘objective signposts’ to direct the counselling process
Describe how a therapist would elicit a self-motivating statement from a client
Examine the term ‘roadblocks to communication’; give examples

Module 16 - Health and Safety
Identify the health and safety aspect of essential oils, and examine the pros and cons of massage
List 5 disadvantages of massage
Introduce 4 toxic oils which are unsuitable for massage
Discuss the rules for using essential oils during pregnancy

Module 17 - Case Histories
Evaluate how case histories provide facts and inferences to consider prior to prescribing a treatment
Judge whether or not you are agreement with the observations, treatment and conclusions of the 3 case histories
Summarise areas in which you might do things differently

Module 18 - Starting Your Business
Examine the setting up of your therapy practice as a business opportunity
Evaluate ways in which you can develop growth areas your the business