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Eastern Bodywork Program

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Eastern Bodywork and Massage Training Program meets NY and NJ massage therapy training program requirements

NEW! Now accepting enrollments for our next Eastern Bodywork Class starting soon in Haskell.

Click here to schedule a meeting with Admissions and take your first step to enroll!

If you’ve decided to pursue a career in massage therapy, then you’re going to want to find a massage therapy certification program. However, not every program offers the same type of massage therapy education. If you want to take a program that is comprehensive in its subject matter, you should take a look at the Comprehensive Massage Therapy Program offered by the Institute of Therapeutic Massage.

The Eastern Bodywork Program teaches students about the Eastern approach to bodywork. All in all, this comprehensive Massage Therapy Program will help you to meet the requirements for additional hours and requirements needed to get a massage therapy New York when taken along with our Massage and Bodywork Program. It will qualify you for a New Jersey license.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have a thorough knowledge of:

  • Anatomy – To learn massage therapy, you need to learn what the different parts of the body are and how they work – which is the study of anatomy.
  • Eastern Massage Philosophies & Shiatsu – Eastern massage focuses more on the stimulation and soothing of the body using pressure points. Shiatsu is a popular form of this in which the thumbs, elbows, hands, knees and even feet are used to apply pressure to the body.
  • Kinesiology – This is the study of how the body moves.
  • Myology – This is the study of the human body’s muscles – their structure, how they’re arranged and what they do.
  • Neurology – Neurology involves the study of the nerves and the nervous system along with disorders that affect them and how massage therapy can help with certain disorders.
  • Pathology – This involves the study of the causes and effects of disease and how massage therapy can help treat certain diseases.
  • Physiology – Physiology is about learning how the body works.

The entire 750-hour program will take approximately 8 months to complete. You will learn the 12 primary meridians along with their major points, stretches, body mechanics, Hara diagnosis and back evaluation. Once you’ve finished the program, you will be able to structuring a Shiatsu session.

The Eastern Bodywork program will teach you a good balance of theory and techniques from both eastern philosophies and methodologies. For more information on this program, and others like it, contact the Institute for Therapeutic Massage today.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Learning Objectives

The science aspect includes basic instruction in Anatomy/Physiology, Pathology, Myology, as well as advanced instruction in Anatomy/Physiology, Kinesiology, Neurology and Neuro-Pathology. Students will learn about all the body systems, their related clinical pathologies as well as the musculature of the body, with an emphasis on the origin, insertion, fiber direction, innervation and actions of the muscles.

The art of massage is taught with an emphasis on both Eastern and Western Massage Modalities. The Eastern approach focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu, while the Western approach combines a variety of modalities commonly used in both the spa environment as well as for clinical application and rehabilitation. Modalities taught include: Therapeutic Swedish Massage, Medical Massage, Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy as well as others.

This program prepares the student for work in a variety of massage therapy settings including: spas and wellness centers, chiropractors and physical therapists’ offices as well private practice.  Students will learn the many aspects of marketing and establishment of a private practice through our comprehensive Professional Development and Business courses.

This program exceeds all the educational requirements needed for New Jersey Licensure, as well as many other states. This bodywork training program also provides the student with the knowledge needed for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), which is endorsed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

This is also an excellent option for existing massage therapy practitioners. ITM will transfer credits for existing licensed massage therapists, allowing them to focus on palliative and oncology portion of the program. Fill out the form or call us to speak to an ITM program advisor.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Eastern Bodywork Program Courses

Sun Anatomy and Physiology Module (40 clock hours)

Sun is an introduction to comprehensive study of the structure and functioning of the human body including the study of chemistry, cells, tissues, the Skeletal and Muscular systems. Students will discuss in this module the homeostatic mechanisms of each system. An introduction to Pathology will teach the students pathological conditions of each system as they relate to the study of massage therapy, medical terminology, the direct and indirect causes of disease, the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery. In Myology, the student’s instruction includes the study of muscle tissue, muscular injuries and implications for massage therapy, and the study of the skeletal system and all major muscles of the body. Students will also cover postural analysis related to the anatomy of the body.

Moon Anatomy and Physiology Module (60 clock hours)

Moon is an introduction to comprehensive study of the structure and functioning of the human body including the study of the Integumentary, Nervous, & Endocrine Systems.  Students will discuss in this module the homeostatic mechanisms of each system. An introduction to Pathology will teach the students pathological conditions of each system as they relate to the study of massage therapy, medical terminology, the direct and indirect causes of disease, the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery.  Myology the student’s instruction includes the study of muscle tissue, muscular injuries and implications for massage therapy, and the study of the major muscles of the body; their origin, insertion and actions related to the upper extremities. 

Mountain Anatomy and Physiology Module (60 clock hours)

Mountain is an introduction to comprehensive study of the structure and functioning of the human body including the study of the Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, & Respiratory systems. Students will discuss in this module the homeostatic mechanisms of each system. An introduction to Pathology will teach the students pathological conditions of each system as they relate to the study of massage therapy, medical terminology, the direct and indirect causes of disease, the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery.  Myology the student’s instruction includes the study of muscle tissue, muscular injuries and implications for massage therapy, and the study of the major muscles of the body; their origin, insertion and actions related to the axial skeleton.

Sky Anatomy and Physiology Module (60 clock hours)

Sky is an introduction to comprehensive study of the structure and functioning of the human body including the study of the Digestive, Urinary, & Reproductive systems.  Students will discuss in this module the homeostatic mechanisms of each system.  An introduction to Pathology will teach the students pathological conditions of each system as they relate to the study of massage therapy, medical terminology, the direct and indirect causes of disease, the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery.  Myology the student’s instruction includes the study of muscle tissue, muscular injuries and implications for massage therapy, and the study of the major muscles of the body; their origin, insertion and actions related to the lower extremities. 

Foundations of Shiatsu (16 clock hours)

A comprehensive study of the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which forms the basis for most eastern modalities of bodywork. Students will learn concepts such as: Yin and Yang, Five Element Theory and the Meridian System. Students will also learn basic acupressure techniques. This class includes extensive lecture combined with practical hands on experience.

Myology & Kinesiology I (60 clock hours)

An introduction to human movement from both anatomical and mechanical perspectives. Neuromuscular physiology, muscle roles, types of muscles, muscle contractions, muscle attachments, and muscle fibers will be studied. Biomechanical principles and laws will be discussed as well as the types of simple machines and examples of these found in the human body. A detailed study of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand will include; the anatomical structures (bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, musculature, and nervous innervations of each muscle), muscle testing, and mechanical analysis of all movements of each joint. Related neuromuscular pathologies as well as common sports injuries and their implications for massage therapy are discussed.

Myology & Kinesiology II (60 clock hours)

A continuation of Myology & Kinesiology I in which a detailed study of the hand, temporalmandibular joint, neck, trunk, pelvic girdle, hip, knee, ankle, and foot will include; the anatomical structures (bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, musculature, and nervous innervations of each muscle), muscle testing, and mechanical analysis of all movements of each joint. Student will also learn to analyze proper and improper postural alignments. Related neuromuscular pathologies for each joint studied as well as common sports injuries and their implications for massage therapy are discussed.

Neurology (60 clock hours)

An extensive study of the nervous system anatomy, physiology and pathology. The course will cover the advanced organization of the nervous system and the properties of nerve cells and supporting cells. We will also cover the structure and functions of the spinal cord and spinal nerves of the brain and cranial nerves. Analysis of the autonomic nervous system and the effects massage therapy has on the system. Students will examine the pathways that convey somatic sensory nerve impulses from the body to the brain and the pathways to convey impulses from the brain to skeletal muscles. In conclusion the students will explore the nervous system and the special senses: smell, taste, vision, hearing, and equilibrium. Neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system will also be studied.

Pathology (65 clock hours)

Pathology is the scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. In Pathology, students study various Anatomy and Physiology of pathological conditions for each system and how they relate to the study of massage therapy. They also learn medical terminology, normal structure and function, disease classifications, the direct and indirect causes of disease (etiology), the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery. Students continue their study of pathology, focusing on the changes in body tissues and organs that cause, or are caused by, various disease states Allopathic (Western) medical treatments will be discussed as well as the role of massage in the treatment program.

Shiatsu I (65 clock hours)

An introduction to Eastern medicine and philosophy. Students study the pathways of the twelve primary and two extraordinary meridians and the major points along the meridians. In Shiatsu I students study the fundamentals of body mechanics, proper placement of the body to access the meridians, as well as stretches, transitions and protocols for each element. Students become familiar with the order of infiltration and evaluation areas of the Hara, and the back zones. Students will be able to perform a full body Shiatsu sequence. As well as be able to understand Five Element characteristics with diagnosis. Students will also understand history and traditions of Chinese medicine.

Shiatsu II (65 clock hours)

Continues the introduction to Eastern medicine and philosophy. In Shiatsu II students continue to practice the fundamentals of body mechanics, proper placement of the body to access the meridians, as well as stretches, transitions and protocols for each element. Students will continue to review and practice the 12 meridians and will learn the Conception Vessel and Governing Vessel. Students learn the Six Division Theory. The Five Element Theory will be reinforced and reviewed. They will learn the basic associations and patterns of disharmony and relationships within the generation and control cycles. Students will utilize the Five Element Theory, Hara diagnosis, and tongue evaluation to structure a one hour Shiatsu session. Students will learn major points on meridians that support specific treatment goals and how to incorporate them into a therapeutic session.

Student Clinic (Shiatsu) (100 clock hours)

clinic provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a supervised setting. While enhancing their hands-on massage skills, students gain experience in working with a variety of body types and physical conditions. Clinic has also proven to be a tremendous confidence builder in working clients.

Professional Development (15 clock hours)

This is an extensive study of proper hygiene, sanitation and safety practices associated with the practice of massage therapy. The application of both Universal and Standard Precautions are discussed in detail. Precautions necessary for working with immune-compromised patients (cancer, HIV/AIDS, the elderly) is an important aspect of this course. Students will also discuss boundary issues associated with the client-therapist relationship. Aspects of transference and counter-transference will be covered, as well as sexual misconduct and issues around the intimacy of massage. New York State Law in reference to the educational requirements and practice of massage therapy will also be discussed in detail.

Business, Ethics & Practice Management (BEPM) (16 clock hours)

The course is a study of marketing, local law, certification requirements, and business logistics. Included in lecture are marketing techniques, legal entity formation, ethics, and insurance requirements.

Heartsaver, First Aid, CPR and AED (8 clock hours)

Is a Rewarding Career in Massage Therapy Right for You?
Get More Info…

For more information on Massage Therapy careers and to see if the Institute for Therapeutic Massage is right for you, fill out the form on the side of the page.

To speak to a friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Advisor directly, give us a call at 973-839-6131. Ask about coming in for a personal tour of our massage facilities.


Ready to take the next step? Schedule a meeting with admissions and begin the enrollment process in our next Eastern Bodywork Program!






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