Courses Offered
WELL 665 Selected Topics in Wellness (0.5- 2 units)
Short courses designed to increase or develop new skills and knowledge related to self enhancement; information for students interested in exploring career opportunities in the Massage/Spa/Wellness fields. Some classes may go beyond the introductory level to assist students and working professionals in expanding current knowledge and skills.
WELL 700 Massage Theory and Practice I (3.5 units)
Exploring massage by introducing students to the history, knowledge, skill development, and practice associated with the massage therapy profession. Topics include massage theory, practical experience, Swedish/relaxing massage techniques as well as fundamentals of deep pressure and an introduction to other popular massage modalities. Students also explore professional standards, ethics, musculoskeletal and associated anatomical and physiological systems among other related topics.
WELL 703 Holistic/Integrative Health Science (3 units)
Holistic approach to understanding the structure and function of the human body, incorporating Western and Eastern perspectives of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology of all the systems. Emphasis is on the fundamental understanding of clinical applications and related physiological indications and implications associated with various holistic/integrative therapies. Understanding the importance of science as well as other respective traditional medical philosophies enables better communication among multi-disciplined practitioners.
WELL 704 Massage Techniques and Clinical/Spa Experience (3.5 units)
Explores specific bodywork techniques with emphasis on grounding, quality of touch, connection, proper application of technique/s, palpation, draping, body mechanics, self-care, and injury prevention. Developing and practicing these various techniques to expand and cultivate the ability to implement bodywork based upon individualized needs while fostering effective communication, assessment and treatment strategies. Skills will be practiced on the general public in a state of the art professional setting.
WELL 705 Massage Theory and Practice II (3.5 units)
Exploring massage therapy by further integrating spa and clinical perspectives associated with professional disciplines, knowledge, skill development, assessment and practice. Marketing, business, government laws and regulations, and maintaining proper documentation will be discussed. Topics include greater depth in massage theory, deep tissue massage techniques, tissue manipulations, and massage associated specifically to various special populations (athletes, physically challenged, among others).
WELL 706 Introduction to Reflexology (1 units)
Exploration of the history, theory, and techniques of reflexology, and how reflex points relate to the body. Learn to apply individualized assessment criteria and associated techniques with various sequences of reflexology in conjunction with hand and foot massage.
WELL 707 Foundations of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (2 units)
Exploration of the history and use of essential oils, focusing on physiological function, extraction methods, safety, storage and purity. Study eighteen essential oils, selection, dilutions in carrier oils, blending, and their different therapeutic properties for sustainable health and well-being.
WELL 708 Pathology and Pharmacology for Massage Therapists (2 units)
An integrative perspective on the causes and effects of disease and the disease process in the context to the massage therapy profession. Focus on physiological mechanisms, disease states and symptoms, clinical assessments and indications / contraindications associated with diseases and disorders. Basic principles of pharmacology and commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals are also covered. This course cultivates greater understanding, dialogue and collaboration between clients/patients and holistic medicine health care professionals. This course does not teach students to diagnose since that is outside the scope of practice for massage therapy.
WELL 709 Aromatherapy Principles and Applications (4 units)
Explores aromatherapy and its therapeutic use of essential oil physiological functions, plant profiles, purity, and safety. The study of selecting essential oils, dilutions with carrier oils and blending is focused on their therapeutic properties associated with specific systems.
WELL 710 Clinical Kinesiology and Applied Biomechanics for Manual Therapy (3 units)
Introducing client/patient assessment through palpation of the structures and landmarks of the human body. Examination and analysis of the functional movements required for assessments. Applied biomechanics specific to neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Palpation skills include functional range of motion assessments such as motion implementation, manual muscle testing, and goniometer readings, among other assessment skills. Principles of structural kinesiology are presented in relation to functional mobility, body mechanics, gait, applied biomechanical analysis and joint specific palpation skills.
WELL 711 Sports Medicine and Manual Therapy (3 units)
Introduction to the theory and practice of various manual therapy techniques used in sports medicine, including sports massage, trigger point, neuromuscular therapy, and facilitated stretching among others. Emphasis is on critical assessment skills for common conditions/injuries and evaluation to determine the treatment strategy for implementing manual therapy, physical medicine modalities and rehabilitation.
WELL 713 Asian Bodywork Traditions Theory and Practice (1 units)
Exploring the foundations of Shiatsu theory, physiological and psychological effects, emerging styles of contemporary Shiatsu modalities, Chinese acupressure, and integrated pressure techniques. Bodywork assessment, treatment strategies using Shiatsu and acupressure points.
WELL 714 Massage Therapy Exam Preparation (2 units)
Preparation and review for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam.
WELL 715 Integrated Massage and Manual Therapy Techniques (3 units)
Explores integrating various bodywork techniques implemented within spa, clinical and private practice employment environments. Reinforces palpation, functional assessment skills, body mechanics and practicing integrating these various techniques to expand and cultivate the ability to implement bodywork based upon individualized needs. Fostering effective communication, assessment and treatment strategies. Skills will be practiced on the general public in a state of the art professional setting.
WELL 716 Foundations of Health and Well-Being (3 units)
Exploration of health and well being focusing on the six dimensions of wellness, core concepts of applied nutrition, fitness and health effects of stress. It also addresses disease progression and weight management, an overview of stress management skills, as well as other lifestyle choices.
WELL 717 Oncology Massage (2 units)
Exploration of the art of touch to create effective and safe massage treatment strategies/sessions associated with oncology. Introduction to guidelines for a range of bodywork that can be used effectively within hospital, private practice, and hospice settings. Review standards of care for cancer patients, research protocols, and other topics related to cancer treatment and survivorship. Focus on body positioning, pressure, and safety aspects working with and around medical devices, hospital standard precautions, inpatient and outpatient care, as well as reviewing medical records for patient information to modify massage treatments based on surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
WELL 718 Stress Management Techniques for Health and Wellness (3 units)
Exploring stress management techniques providing support when dealing with challenging situations associated with every-day stress. Learning the sources of stress, physiological implications, prevention and various stress reducing techniques. Meditation, breathing, and guided visualization techniques, among other stress reduction modalities.
WELL 720 Energy Medicine: Foundation and Therapies (3 units)
An introductory overview exploring the field of energy medicine, various related energy healing therapies and the associated research. These therapies fall under the umbrella Holistic, Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine professions.
WELL 721 Foundations of Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine Theory (3 units)
Exploration of the basic principles and practices of Ayurvedic and Chinese medical theories and their view of the human body as fields of shifting and flowing energy in dynamic relationship with nature and the Universe. Comparative perspectives and benefits of these therapeutic approaches, including channels (meridians - TCM, srotamsi and nadis in Ayurvedic), and points (acupoints and marma), essential oils, the use of finger pressure points and various massage techniques in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine theories.
WELL 722 Integrative Therapies in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (2 units)
Designed to explore and develop progressive rehabilitation/therapeutic modalities that include traditional and integrative approaches to rehabilitation to enhance the repair and recovery of injuries in athletes and non-athletes alike.
WELL 723 Ayurvedic Aromatherapy (1 units)
Ayurvedic aromatherapy is an ancient healing technique with emphasis on using essential oils to bring the body into balance for health and healing. Focus on Ayurvedic foundations, concepts of Dosha, and use of essential oils to support the immune system and counterbalance stress and anxiety. Addresses how and what essential oils are appropriate to balance Chakras and individualized Dosha constitutions for maintaining health and wellness.
WELL 724 Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, Laws & Business (3 units)
Exploring the fundamental principles of coaching knowledge and skills through contemporary evidence-based theories, methods and techniques used in health and wellness. The development and application of the theories and best practices of coaching skills and techniques, that relates to lifelong health, wellness and well-being, as demonstrated through interactive, inclusive and collaborative dialogues to guide and encourage meaningful lifestyle changes. Emphasis will be on core coaching techniques and strategies, laws, regulations, associated business practices and these integrative principles and assessments will be applied to real-world situations.
WELL 725 Introduction to Consciousness, Intent and Meditation (3 units)
Explores energy therapies and consciousness from Eastern and Indigenous traditions of healing and how levels of consciousness are nurtured and cultivated through dynamic relationships between mind, body, and spirit. The focus is to understand energy therapies, its relavance to consciousness and its dynamic relationship with intent and meditation from multiple cultural perspectives. Learning how to integrate these methods into our personal and professional lives to promote individual wellness, health and healing.
WELL 730 Global Perspectives of Meditation (3 units)
Exploring different global perspectives of meditation that fosters self-discovery and expands personal awareness of the health and healing benefits. Designed for the beginning meditator to the healing professional we will implement various meditation approaches that one can choose to practice that fits their lifestyle needs for overall health and healing.
WELL 731 Introduction to Sound Healing (1 units)
Explore sound and healing from comparative global perspectives fostering self-discovery and expanding awareness of traditional knowledge identifying sound as an integral part of healing. Transmit experiential techniques and insights to implement and understand sound and its dynamic relationship with our overall health and wellness.
WELL 732 Introduction to Qigong/Qi Gong (0.5 units)
Exploration of fundamental Qigong/Qi Gong theories and practice. Students learn Chinese Medicine perspectives which combine mental focus, intention, breath and movement to cultivate energy and create a state of balance among mind, body and spirit. Emphasis on understanding the concepts, cultural heritage, and application of specific Qigong/Qi Gong forms for prevention, health and healing.
WELL 733 Tai Chi for Health (1 units)
Exploration of the history, cultural heritage and theories associated with simple short form (24) movement techniques of Yang style Tai Chi. Principles of Tai Chi from its roots in the East, including Western perspectives. Focus on the interrelationship between mind, body and spirit, and the cultivation of internal Qi by using breath and movement to improve and maintain optimal health and well-being.
WELL 740 Conscious Eating: A Sustainable Approach to Health and Healing (2 units)
Explores the connection between our health and eating from various cultural perspectives. Demystifying food used for healing from global medicinal perspectives comparing similarities and differences. Encompassing dynamic relationships between the food we eat, our consciousness, attitudes and the environment with which we live and how it relates to our health. Providing greater clarity and more informed choices promoting a sustainable approach to health and healing.
WELL 742 Herbal/Botanical Medicine and Ethnobotany (3 units)
An introductory overview of various traditional herbal medicine practices, history, and theories. Focus on botanical medicine, ethnobotany, homeopathy, and Chinese and Ayurveda perspectives. The political, socioeconomic, and environmental influences in preserving the cultural heritage of medicinal plants and associated traditional medicine systems will also be covered, along with contemporary herbal practices and related professions.
WELL 743 Holistic Nutrition and Functional Foods (3 units)
Exploration of the holistic perspective of functional foods and principles of nutrition, metabolism, the role of food choices, microbiome and gut health associated with health, development of chronic disease and prevention. Discussion of current trends, theories, practices, research and controversial topics. Analysis of concepts regarding the role of both food and culture specific to diet and chronic disease associated with diverse global populations and in the United States.
WELL 760 Introduction to Holistic, Complementary and Integrative Health/Medicine (3 units)
Interdisciplinary survey of various holistic health disciplines, their history, philosophy, theory, and practice in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) currently used in the United States. Topics may include osteopathic, chiropractic, naturopathic, homeopathic, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, yoga, massage, and meditation, among others. Overview of research, increasingly showing efficacy, for many of these associated therapies.
WELL 765 Everyday Uses of Herbs (3 units)
Designed to explore the use of herbs to maintain health and well-being. Topics include the history, categories, selection process, preparation methods, indications/contraindications with everyday use of herbs. Students are aware that they do not diagnose or prescribe herbs. The knowledge gained can be use in conjunction with, not in lieu of, one's health care provider.