Natural Healers



    
Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage

Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage

Suite 230 - 220 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2M9
Canada


About the School

The Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage (VSBM) is a boutique institution offering an unparalleled educational experience. Our programs reflect our passion for holistic wellness and are specifically tailored to suit the needs of the expanding spa and wellness industry. Our beautiful brick and timber loft space is in an award-winning heritage building in downtown Vancouver and is accessible by public transit from anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Class sizes are limited to 24 students, creating an intimate and personal environment. Instructors are of the highest caliber: PhDs and MDs, chiropractors, physiotherapists and naturopaths. The collective knowledge and experience of our faculty is astounding, but what truly sets our instructors apart is that they are people of integrity and heart. The supportive learning atmosphere at VSBM fosters exceptionally caring and capable practitioners who graduate well-equipped to make a positive contribution to the world of holistic health.

Spa Therapy Program

The Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage is pleased to offer a state-of-the-art career program. The spa therapy program is designed for individuals who want to learn massage in order to work in the spa industry or be self-employed. The accelerated, 18-week program runs twice annually, commencing in February and September, and is offered on a part-time basis once a year with a September start.

This program is intensive and comprehensive, covering several different disciplines. We start with a strong foundation in the human sciences, Swedish techniques, deep tissue massage and body-mind integration. During the second half of the program we move on to introductory courses in many popular spa modalities. Instruction will include the integration of these various techniques, providing a well-rounded perspective on the healing qualities of bodywork.

Participants will graduate with spa-ready skills that will enable them to take up professional practice immediately. The accelerated format allows students to be certified in under 5 months, and they can expect to see a return on their educational investment within their first year of practice. The curriculum is based on the standards set by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

The accelerated, 18-week format is a full-time program; students are in class 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Those enrolled must be prepared to completely focus on their studies as it will be an intensive immersion into holistic health and hands-on healing. The part-time program starts every September and takes just under one year to complete. The program is divided into three 15-week terms (starting September, January and May). Classes run every Monday and Wednesday evening from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, and every other Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

The Spa Therapy Program Curriculum

Human Sciences: 132 hours

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Kinesiology

Manual Skills: 213 hours

  • Swedish techniques
  • Deep flow
  • Deep tissue
  • Body-mind integration
  • Sports
  • Joint release

Spa Modalities: 140 hours

  • Aromatherapy
  • Reflexology
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Ayurveda
  • Hot stone
  • Shiatsu

Professional Development: 110 hours

  • Body-mind integration
  • Communication skills
  • Business skills
  • Ethics
  • Yoga
  • CPR

Student Clinic: 105 hours

Total: 700 Hours

Shiatsu Program

Each year, VSBM runs a 150-hour Shiatsu program, in five levels.

Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in oriental medicine. Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" in Japanese, and is traditionally performed on the floor. Natural body weight is used while pressure is applied to meridians and tsubos (pressure points) with palms, thumbs, and elbows. In addition, shiatsu involves gentle stretching and range of motion techniques.

Shiatsu aims to regulate the energy, or chi, in the body which flows through the meridians, nourishing the organs, muscles, glands, nerves and blood. Shiatsu treatments help relieve stress and pain, and improve muscle and joint function. Shiatsu can strengthen the body and improve overall health and well-being. This deep but gentle approach to preventive health care has long-term benefits.

Other Programs

Weekend Introductory: This course is recommended for any prospective spa therapy program students, but is open to anyone. No prior experience required.

Continuing Education: VSBM offers a variety of courses throughout the year in different bodywork and massage disciplines from beginner to advanced levels.

Yoga Teacher Training: We offer a 200-hour Yoga Alliance approved yoga teacher training that is inspired by the teachings of Anusara. Part-time and full-time options.

Request Information

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.


                                        

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