This correspondence course includes distance-learning materials and a 3-day hands-on training module.  You will learn the use of essential oils and explore the many other ways scents affects animals, including flower essences, tinctures and hydrosols.  Joan Sorita, a master in the field, developed and teaches this fascinating course.  Add this skillset to your existing animal practice or study it independently.

Enroll to have your course materials delivered.

Welcome to our Small Animal Acupressure Foundation program.

The Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM) is excited to have brought three of the acupressure community’s top names together to develop this 200 hour Foundation Acupressure program. Kim Bauer is both an Animal Acupressure master and an Animal Massage Practitioner with a successful practice in Hood River, OR. She has been practicing and teaching acupressure for over a decade and is highly regarded here in the U.S. and internationally. Angie Hughes is a Licensed Human Acupuncturist, a Small Animal Massage Practitioner and a long-standing professor at Bastyr University, world-renowned for their Acupuncture and Naturopathic programs. Our veterinary advisor and guest lecturer is none other than Dr. Michael Salewski, DVM. Dr. Salewski practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and is the author of two textbooks on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This trio of masters bring tremendous knowledge and compassion to our program.

We believe you need a strong background in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory to be an effective acupressure practitioner. Therefore this Foundation program was designed not only to teach you about TCM theory but also how to locate and perform acupressure on acupoints and meridians. This information is spread out in the following 5 chapters:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Concepts
• Understanding Zang-Fu Organ Systems
• Anatomy and Acupressure Points, Channels & the 8 Extraordinary Vessels
• Assessment, Acupressure Point Classifications & Point Work Techniques
• Bi Syndromes, Contraindications and Equine Common Conditions

There is a great deal of material to learn and it will require effort to put it to use. Please be prepared to take notes, do the learning activities for each chapter, participate in the hands on practical, take part in classroom discussions, complete the case studies after the practical, and keep an open mind. During the practical we will use the information in this curriculum to observe, discuss, assess and practice the application of acupressure on dogs. By the end of this course you will have a specialized level of training that will equip you to uniquely address the specific needs of canines.

At NWSAM, we supply the information for your mind, which will guide, supplement, and magnify what your heart and body learn through touch. Over time, your touch will become increasingly more effective and efficient at influencing positive changes for your animal clients. Rather than teaching you a specific routine, our goal is to provide you with a variety of tools and a process of assessment, decision-making, and application that empowers you to treat each animal as an individual.

Always remember, some of the most important learning comes AFTER graduation. As you continue to spend time touching animals with your focus on connecting the mind, body and spirit, your level of learning will increase. We anticipate you will refer back to your class materials for years to come and practice, practice, practice. In time, the information presented in your curriculum and during the practical will become second nature. Do not feel pressure to memorize the information it is your very own resource. The wise person is not the one with all the knowledge; but rather the one who knows where to find it.

Namaste,

Lola Michelin
Founder and Director of Education
Northwest School of Animal Massage

We believe you need to be well-versed in five basic areas of study. During this course you will be exposed to this information through these five subject areas:

• Behavior and Handling
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Massage Techniques
• First Aid and CPR

Each area of study is vital to learning massage as taught by NWSAM. Our philosophy is fairly simple. We want to provide an experience for the dog that will help to optimize its performance potential from a physiological and a psychological aspect. We believe the physical and mental states are inseparable and the glue that binds the two together is the nervous system. Therefore, our massage techniques are designed not only to address the immediate needs of the tissues but also to educate the dog’s body and mind of a more flowing and efficient manner of movement. Providing this level of benefit to the dog requires understanding and applying these fundamental concepts.

Topics Covered in This Course

Swedish Massage

Fascial Anatomy

Massage for Health Maintenance

Geriatric Massage

Range of Motion and Safe Stretching

Conformation and Gait Analysis

Business Practices and Ethics

At NWSAM, we supply the information for your mind, which will guide, supplement, and magnify what your heart and body learn through touch. Over time, your touch will become increasingly effective and efficient at influencing positive changes for your animal clients. Rather than teaching you a specific massage routine, our goal is to provide you with a variety of tools and a process of evaluation, decision-making, and application that empowers you to treat each dog as an individual.

Certification is awarded after completing this course, the 5-day practical and required case studies.

Namaste,

Lola Michelin, Director of Education
Northwest School of Animal Massage

We believe you need to be well-versed in five basic areas of study. During this course you will be exposed to this information through these five subject areas:

• Behavior and Handling
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Massage Techniques
• First Aid and CPR

Each area of study is vital to learning massage as taught by NWSAM. Our philosophy is fairly simple. We want to provide an experience for the horse that will help to optimize its performance potential from a physiological and a psychological aspect. We believe the physical and mental states are inseparable and the glue that binds the two together is the nervous system. Therefore, our massage techniques are designed not only to address the immediate needs of the tissues but also to educate the horse’s body and mind of a more flowing and efficient manner of movement. Providing this level of benefit to the horse requires understanding and applying these fundamental concepts.

Topics Covered in This Course

Swedish Massage

Fascial Anatomy

Massage for Health Maintenance

 Range of Motion and Safe Stretching

Biomechanics

Business Practices and Ethics

At NWSAM, we supply the information for your mind, which will guide, supplement, and magnify what your heart and body learn through touch. Over time, your touch will become increasingly effective and efficient at influencing positive changes for your animal clients. Rather than teaching you a specific massage routine, our goal is to provide you with a variety of tools and a process of evaluation, decision-making, and application that empowers you to treat each dog as an individual.

Certification is awarded after completing this course, the 5-day practical and required case studies.