Elective Descriptions
ACUPRESSURE (100 HOURS)*
TEXTBOOK: The Web That Has No Weaver - by Kaptchuk, T.
This is an introductory course designed to enable the massage therapist to incorporate some basic acupressure techniques
during their massage. Basics to be covered: The 12 major meridians - introduction to the 5 elements and the yin/yang theory,
along with a basic acupressure attunement and how to address specific ailments the therapists' clients might be dealing with.
ADVANCED CURRICULUM (25 HOURS)*
REQUIRED TEXT: Review For Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification
This class is designed to refresh and reassure students of their education in human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, clinical
pathology, massage therapy and bodywork theory, assessments and application, as well as professional standards, ethics and
business practices to prepare a student to take the National Certification Exam and any city testing that might be necessary for
licensing purposes.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (30 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE: Massage Therapist II, or Equivalent
This class is designed to refresh and fine tune basic therapeutic techniques of Trigger Point Therapy, Stripping, DTF and PNF
Stretches. It addresses common ailments such as pseudo sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, common lesion sites and others.
This course will be listed as "Deep Tissue" on issued Certificate and Transcript.
AMERICAN HERBAL STUDIES (25 HOURS)
This course may have additional costs associated with the class.
This course is a comprehensive study of the local herbs and plant life in and around Southern California, those indigenous to
this area and those that have been transplanted here. Within this class, the therapist will learn how to identify these plants and
what healing properties they have. This information will be used by the students for self-treatment in the healing process for
various ailments.
ANIMAL MASSAGE (25 HOURS)
MATERIALS FEE $30.00, PAID TO THE INSTRUCTOR
This class provides a beginning understanding of all aspects of animal massage, which includes anatomy and
kinesiology. The course will cover how to get into all the different animal massage businesses.
AROMATHERAPY I (25 HOURS)
MATERIALS FEE $30.00 FOR THIS CLASS
Different essence have special powerful properties, which can enhance the massage therapist's work. Discover the
fundamental principles of aromatherapy by using essential oils with curative properties to heal, rejuvenate and balance the
mind, body and spirit. Learn how to choose and benefit from the unlimited combinations of essential oils. Additional lab fees
will be announced at time of class.
AROMATHERAPY II (25 HOURS)
MATERIAL FEE $30.00 FOR THIS CLASS
PRE-REQUISITE: AROMATHERAPY I
This class is designed to take the information already given to the therapist in the Aromatherapy I class and expand further
on their knowledge. In addition to experiencing new essential oils that were not covered in the first class, we will be showing the
therapist how to use different blends and combinations to generate a healing atmosphere for their clients.
AURICULOTHERAPY - EAR REFLEXOLOGY (25 HOURS)
This course may have additional costs associated with the class.
This class is designed to train the therapist in applying pressure to points located on the ear, brought to us from the ancient
method of healing from Chinese medicine. We will be training the therapist in guiding the body to better health and to apply
these techniques to facilitate healing of specific ailments for the client.
AYURVEDA I - TRIDOSHA THEORY (50 HOURS)
This course could have additional costs associated with the class.
Ayurveda is the worlds' oldest recorded healing system from India. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve health by working
toward balance and harmony, not by fighting disease. This class will provide detailed knowledge of the five-element theory and
the Tridosha theory. And we will be learning how to bring the body back into balance through foods, herbs and taste therapies.
AYURVEDA II (50 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE - AYURVEDA I - TRIDOSHA THEORY
This course could have additional costs associated with this class.
Containing the study of Ayurveda - Tridosha theory from the earlier class, the therapies in this class include making herbal oils
and lotions, full body massage, the art of Shirdara and aromatherapy in order to bring the body back into balance.
BAREFOOT COMPRESSION MASSAGE (25 HOURS)
This unique bodywork protocol is taken primarily from John Harris's barefoot compression massage affectionately referred
to as "The Walkaround". Footwork is modified based upon trigger point therapy and sports massage. No oil or lotions are used
in this fully dressed massage. No table either; with barefoot massage we use the floor and futon as with some TCM modalities.
The advantages of using the lower and more powerful half of the body for the "sweat work" of the massage is obvious to any
seasoned body worker. There is a strange mix of sedating and relaxing results while still remaining incredibly effective in
regards to pain relief, muscle conditioning and alleviating/treating soft tissue trauma.
BOWEN TECHNIQUE (25 HOURS)
Australian based, this technique uses a series of gentle, transverse strokes to manipulate fascia tissue and thereby re-
aligning the body and balancing and stimulating energy flow.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONALISM (25 HOURS)*
TEXTBOOK: Business Mastery 3rd Ed. - by Sohnen-Moe, Cherie
This class will provide training on how to start your own massage business and to keep business records. Also provide
training on how to do insurance billing for your massage business.
CHAIR MASSAGE (25 HOURS)
This class will provide you with techniques and body mechanics for a massage chair and/or a regular chair. Part of the
class will be dedicated to on-site health fair or events. This continuing education will provide you with proper skills in dealing
with a diverse clientele, as well as marketing skills necessary to open an on-site business.
CHAKRA BALANCING (25 HOURS)
This course may have additional costs.
The Chakra Balancing class teaches students the location and purpose of the seven chakras. Students will be able to
identify the movement of each chakra and use various techniques to help balance the chakras. The techniques include the use
of color, music, crystals, essential oils and directed energy.
CHINESE HERBS (50 HOURS)
This course may have additional costs.
This class is designed to help the therapist get an understanding of the different herbs associated with Chinese medicine
and how best to use these herbs to facilitate the healing process for the therapist and their clients. Within this class there will be
trainings in different blends of herbs that will help the therapist and clients, as well as field trip and exploration into where to
locate these herbs with ease.
COMMUNICATION & THE HEALING PROCESS (40 HOURS)
This class presents techniques used to help clients process and communicate. It includes teaching the therapist to
effectively communicate with a client, techniques for observing and bringing awareness to a client's experience and deepening
the results of the healing arts by creating a safe, neutral space for healing.
CRANIOSACRAL BALANCING I (20 HOURS)
This course could have additional costs associated with the class.
This course consists of lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice. Topics covered are the history of CranioSacral
Therapy, the anatomy of the connective tissue system, listening to the body and its rhythms through the primary respiratory
mechanism and the cerebral spinal fluid. Establishing a "practitioner's mind" and negotiating boundaries with a client are
emphasized throughout the class. Students will apply this knowledge by practicing and experiencing a full body protocol of
techniques for therapy.
CRYSTAL & DRUM HEALING (25 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE: 100-HOUR MASSAGE TECHNICIAN COURSE
Material Fee: $60 Paid To Instructor
This class is an introduction to incorporating the use of crystals and sound to the healing experience of massage. The
student receives information about the use of crystals and their natural traits, along with the traditions of the Native Americans
with healing and energy balancing. During this class you are shown the powers of drumming and using different instruments to
raise sound energy and have the opportunity to make your own drum.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE (50 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE: 100-HOUR MASSAGE TECHNICIAN COURSE
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the
chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following
or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Students will learn techniques for a 60-minute and 90-minute
massage, as well as focusing major parts of the body.
FIRST AID & CPR FOR THE MASSAGE THERAPIST (15 Hours)
STUDENT RECEIVES AMERICAN RED CROSS CERTIFICATION FOR ADULT CPR AND AED CARD (Good for 1 Year) AND
FIRST AID (Good for 3 Years)
Massage licensing in most areas require CPR and First Aid. You can take these courses at many locations. However if you
take the class from CalCopa you will not only receive your proper certification, you will also receive Continuing Education Hours
(CEH) which count toward your Myotherapist or Holistic Health Practitioner certification. In addition to First Aid and CPR
procedures, you will also learn how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) . This device is commonly found in doctor &
dentists' offices as well as all public places where crowds gather; airports, malls, stadium, Disneyland, etc
GERIATRIC MASSAGE (25 HOURS)
This elective provides special techniques useful in dealing with the elderly. This much-needed specialty field is now
opening for the therapist wishing to expand his/her practice into the community service area. This elective includes both lecture
and lab.
HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI I (25 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE: 100-HOUR MASSAGE TECHNICIAN COURSE
MATERIAL FEES: $30.00 PAID TO THE INSTRUCTOR
This class will provide the student an understanding of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is an ancient
healing art that was taught within a family and handed down only to family members. Along with teaching the actual Lomi Lomi
massage, you will also learn Lomi Lomi breathing techniques, Hawaiian folklore and the interrelationship of healing ones self
and others.
HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI II (25 HOURS)
PRE-REQUISITE: HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI I
MATERIAL FEES: $30.00 - PAID TO THE INSTRUCTOR
This class will provide an understanding of injury and sports Lomi Lomi strokes that can be incorporated into the basic Lomi
Lomi massage. You will also learn more Lomi Lomi breathing, Lomi Lomi dance techniques and Hawaiian healing process.
HOT STONE MASSAGE (25 HOURS)
MATERIALS FEE: $30.00 PAID TO THE STUDENT STORE
Hot stone massage involves the application of heated stones within the context of a therapeutic massage. The heat from
the stones will penetrate the muscles and offers multiple benefits such as complete relaxation, increased detoxification and
needed relief to muscles suffering from deep muscular tension, fatigue and stress. Learn the layouts and techniques the honor
the use of natural materials and their properties.