900-Hour Professional Massage Therapy Program

Eastern Abdominal Massage:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 16
Description: Eastern Abdominal Massage blends Traditional Thai and Chinese abdominal massage techniques to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of the client. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the abdomen is the “seat of emotions” and that specific negative emotions correspond with and are sometimes held in the location of specific regions of the abdomen. By acknowledging and stimulating pressure points in these regions it is believed that negative emotions can be released. With this foundational understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s emotional correspondences, students learn a specific treatment protocol and a set of techniques to support the client’s physical and emotional health. The treatment protocol includes both manual hands-on techniques and the use of Thailand’s Herbal Compresses and Tok-Sen (tapotement tools). Within Thailand, abdominal massage often incorporates the use of Herbal Compresses and Tok-Sen therapy in addition to hands-on techniques. Students learn indications, contraindications, caveats, and boundaries as well as important ethical considerations for giving an abdominal massage.

Anatomy and Physiology Level I:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 36
Description: This Anatomy and Physiology I course provides the foundational platform for the general study of the
human body’s structure and function. Emphasis is placed on the complex nature of the body’s chemical level,
cellular level, histology, integumentary, skeletal, joints, muscles, and tissues.

Anatomy and Physiology Level II:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 36
Description: The Anatomy and Physiology II course focuses on musculoskeletal anatomy. In this course, students
focus attention specifically on learning Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the upper body, including the location, origin
and insertion, actions, and synergistic movements of the musculature. Students learn to identify and palpate the
musculature to become familiar with the underlying structures of the human body. Through lecture,
demonstration and palpation, students learn to clearly understand and communicate the way in which massage
works to assist in the maintenance, healing, and support of the client’s muscular and skeletal systems.

Anatomy and Physiology Level III:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 36
Description: The Anatomy and Physiology III course continues the study of musculoskeletal anatomy with a focus
on the lower body. Students are taught how a clear understanding of Musculoskeletal Anatomy provides the
foundation for an effective massage therapy session. In this course students focus attention on the location, origin
and insertion, actions, and synergistic movements of the musculature. Students learn to identify and palpate the
musculature to become familiar with the underlying structures of the human body and to clearly understand and
communicate the way in which massage works to assist in the maintenance, healing, and support of these
structures.

Anatomy and Physiology Level IV:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 36
Description: In the Anatomy and Physiology IV course, students review all the body systems with emphasis on the
complex nature of the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, respiratory,
skeletal, urinary, and reproductive systems of the body, the interrelationship of the organs, and the body’s ability
to adapt to the environment.

Ashiatsu and Chivutti Thirumal:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 24
Description: In the Ashiatsu/Chivutti Thirumal course students learn how to use their feet to apply deep
restructuring massage techniques, which balance, relax, and align the client’s body, mind, and spirit. Ashiatsu is
like receiving a deep, flowy Swedish Massage with broad, consistent pressure, which is applied by the therapist’s
feet. In addition to learning the practical application of the modality, students learn the martial arts and cultural
theory and trace the Ayurvedic roots of Ashiatsu and Chivutti Thirumal.

CranioSacral Therapy:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 24
Description: In the CranioSacral Therapy course, students learn foundational principles in administering this gentle
form of bodywork, which evaluates and treats the body, mind, and spirit. CranioSacral Therapy utilizes a whole
person approach to balancing these three aspects of the client. CST focuses its attention and treatment on the
bones of the cranium, spine, sacrum, meninges, and other supporting tissues. The theory of CST utilizes the
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to regulate the rhythm, flow, and direction of this vital substance. Students learn how to
feel and support these bodily rhythms to help the client release negative patterning.

Exam Prep:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 24
Description: In the Exam Prep class, students learn critical thinking skills and other test taking skills and tips to
help them to understand and answer the types of questions that they will encounter on Massage Therapy
Licensure exams.

Gua-Sha Massage:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 12
Description: In the Gua-Sha Massage course, students learn the theory and practical application of Gua-Sha
Massage. This style of massage/bodywork is commonly practiced within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gua-Sha
massage involves gently rubbing the skin, using friction, along the Chinese Acupressure Meridians. Students learn
to treat client’s musculoskeletal complaints by using a special tool that is utilized to loosen fascia and tight
musculature. This traditional massage modality is well known in China and throughout Asia for general
detoxification, increasing the metabolism, relieving muscular tension, restoring proper circulation to the body and
for relieving the symptoms of the flu and colds. Students also learn the TCM theory behind the use of Gua-Sha to
tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and to combat the signs of aging. The practice of Gua-Sha has stood the test of time;
per Chinese history, the practice of Gua-Sha was popularized during the Tang and Ming Dynasties, which date back
to 618 AD.

Hydrotherapy and Spa Therapy Techniques:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 16
Description: In the Hydrotherapy and Spa Techniques course, students learn how to enhance a massage practice
using Hydrotherapy and the use of hot and cold treatments. Students learn how to apply hydrotherapy and based
spa techniques to relax muscles, reduce swelling and to speed injury recovery time. In addition, students learn the
history of and present-day use of common hydrotherapy-based spa therapies.

Kinesiology:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 36
Description: Kinesiology is the study of human movement. This course will help students see how understanding
structure, posture, and normal human movement is instrumental in the application of physical assessments,
understanding mechanisms of injury, and selecting the most appropriate therapeutic interventions. The skilled
recognition of structural imbalances—as well as limitations of movement—is an essential component of
determining the best treatment goals and then designing an effective treatment plan for each unique client
situation.

Lymphatic Techniques:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 24
Description: Students learn the basic techniques needed to gently stimulate the lymphatic system and support
fluid movement. Students review in depth the lymphatic system along with the manual techniques to support fluid
movement. Students will be able to identify common lymphatic disorders, understand the anatomy and physiology
of the system, and will learn the primary catchments and watersheds in the body. Students learn how to apply
lymphatic techniques within their scope of practice and just how important gentle touch can be

Massage Therapy Core I:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 40
Description: In the Massage Therapy Core I course, students learn the five basic Swedish Massage strokes of
Effleurage, Petrissage, Vibration, Tapotement and Friction along with basic and intermediate techniques, which are
needed to give a safe and effective full body Swedish massage. Students learn to address and avoid basic ethical
dilemmas such as transference and countertransference. They learn and demonstrate proficiency in conducting
client assessments and in creating custom protocols to meet the specific needs of the client. In addition to
massage technique and application, this course provides a strong emphasis on indications and contraindications to
massage, along with appropriate responses to common pathological disorders. Students develop their sense of
touch awareness and are prepared to begin giving massages in the student clinic.

Massage Therapy Core I:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 40
Description: In the Massage Therapy Core I course, students learn the five basic Swedish Massage strokes of
Effleurage, Petrissage, Vibration, Tapotement and Friction along with basic and intermediate techniques, which are
needed to give a safe and effective full body Swedish massage. Students learn to address and avoid basic ethical
dilemmas such as transference and countertransference. They learn and demonstrate proficiency in conducting
client assessments and in creating custom protocols to meet the specific needs of the client. In addition to
massage technique and application, this course provides a strong emphasis on indications and contraindications to
massage, along with appropriate responses to common pathological disorders. Students develop their sense of
touch awareness and are prepared to begin giving massages in the student clinic.

Optimal Health for the Massage Therapist:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 20
Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s 900 Hour Professional Massage Therapy Program
Description: Optimal Health for the Massage Therapist course focuses on self-care for the Massage Therapy
Professional. As a Massage Therapist, you model health for your clients. It is important to continually monitor and
tend to your own physical, emotional, and spiritual health so that you can begin each client’s session relaxed,
focused and present. In this course, you will learn a variety of ways to improve and sustain your overall health. As
you progress through the course, you will design your own custom and sustainable routine, which addresses your
nutritional, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Topics addressed in this course include: Understanding
Yourself and Others, Building Rapport & Managing Expectations, Breathing Strategies, Meditation Strategies,
Posture: Body Mechanics & Movement (hint: move in every direction), Energetic and Emotional Health Strategies,
Utilizing Nature as an Anchor in Maintaining Optimal Health

Pathology:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 52
Description: In the Pathology course, students learn how massage influences the disease and healing process and
how massage therapists can provide clients with maximum benefits while minimizing risks. Students learn to work
with other medical providers to assist the client and to refer clients to the appropriate medical provider.
Throughout the course, identification and knowledge of indications and contraindications for massage, etiology,
signs, symptoms, and standard treatment approaches for common diseases and conditions is emphasized.

Professional Ethics and Business Standards:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 56
Description: In the Professional Ethics and Business Standards course, students learn the important principles and
guidelines for beginning an ethical and successful career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Students learn how to
create a solid business plan and resume and how to effectively answer interview questions. Students learn to
specify and target their specific career goals in the field of massage therapy. An emphasis is placed on general
business knowledge and practices, career opportunities, tax reporting, ethical and legal issues surrounding a
massage therapy career.

Reflexology:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 20
Description: In the study of Reflexology, students learn how the systems, organs and muscles of the body
correspond with specific pressure points on the hands and feet. Reflexology teaches that these pressure points
stimulate and encourage healing of the body. Students learn how to massage and apply pressure to these
Reflexology points through various soft tissue manipulation techniques. The healing practice of Reflexology dates
as far back as ancient Egypt and ancient China. Many ancient religious and spiritual texts also mention the feet in
symbolic and actual references to points throughout the body.

Sports Massage and PNF Stretching:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 24
Description: The Sports and Athletic Massage course teaches students how to work with tissues of the body to
eliminate and reduce pain and to create structural/postural changes in their athletic clients. Students learn how to
conduct assessments of client’s postural habits and structural imbalances and how to implement change, through
tissue manipulation, stretching and take-home exercises for the client. Students learn massage protocols to
support their clients’ musculature in pre-event, post-event, and recovery phases. In addition, students learn how
to utilize this knowledge to enhance their own lives and to support a long healthy career in massage therapy and
bodywork.

Standard Precautions, Sanitation, and CPR:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 16
Description: In the Basic First Aid, CPR and Universal Precautions course, students learn basic Universal
Precautions and how to prepare for a variety of emergency situations by making sure that the scene is safe, giving
basic care and getting help in a quick and efficient manner. In addition, students learn basic CPR and First Aid Skills
and are required to become certified as First Aid Responders through the American Red Cross.

Structural Concepts:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 64
Description: In the Structural Concepts course, students learn to manipulate connective tissues of the body to
eliminate and reduce pain and to create structural/postural changes in their clients. Students learn how to conduct
assessments of client’s postural habits and structural imbalances and how to implement change, through tissue
manipulation, stretching and take-home exercises for the client. In addition, students learn how to utilize this
knowledge to enhance their own lives and to support a long healthy career in massage therapy and bodywork.

Student Massage Clinical Internship:

Prerequisite: Massage Core I
Clock Hours: 180
Description: Students apply their knowledge and skills learned in ZMC courses through practicing massage therapy
on the public population. Qualified ZMC staff members will be present always during the clinical internship to
oversee safety and protocol issues, to provide instruction and to answer questions from students or clients.

TCM Cupping Massage, Herbal Liniments and Moxibustion:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 20
Description: TCM Cupping Massage: Students learn to use special suction cups that act as the inverse of
compressional style massage. When air is removed from the specially designed cups, a negative pressure is
produced that creates a therapeutic vacuum effect, which is utilized to massage and loosen tight musculature,
restore proper circulation, reduce the appearance of cellulite and to cultivate homeostasis. Liniment Creation and
Application: Students learn to create TCM sports liniments, which are each designed for specific healing purposes.
These liniments are based on traditional recipes from the Chinese Martial Arts tradition. Moxibustion: Students
learn to safely apply the TCM herb moxibustion for self-care. Moxibustion is said to relax the body and mind,
decrease pain and increase energy for health promotion.

Thai Massage:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into ZMC’s Professional Massage Therapy Program
Clock Hours: 60 hours spread over two 3-day weekends during the program (typically held Friday through Sunday).
Dates released in January of each year. Exact dates can be found at www.zmc.edu.
Description: The Thai Massage course establishes the foundation of a professional Thai Massage practice. The
course blends Traditional Thai Massage stretches (emphasized by Northern Style Thai Massage), Sen points
(emphasized by Southern Style Thai Massage), proper use of body mechanics and body weight with techniques,
which utilize the therapist’s feet, knees, elbows, and palms. Students learn how to incorporate gentle rocking and
rhythmic movements, which relax the client and promote the meditative experience of receiving Thai Massage. In
addition, students learn how to customize and modify Thai Massage techniques to accommodate client body size,
physical limitations, and client preference.