Unit 1- Deep Relief for the Low Back and Sacrum
Saturday, October 23 / 10am-5pm / 6 hours / $135 + $10 text & supplies + HST

Unit 2- Exploring The Legs and Gluts
Sunday, October 24 / 10am-5pm / 6 hours / $135 + $10 text & supplies + HST

Unit 3- Free The Wings: The Shoulder Blades and Upper Back
Saturday, Nov 6 / 10am-5pm / 6 hours / $135 + $10 text & supplies + HST

Unit 4- Lengthen & Open: The Neck & Chest
Sunday, Nov 7/ 10am-5pm / 6 hours / $135 + $10 text & supplies + HST

Multi-unit rates when paid one month in advance
2 Units: $250/ 3 Units: $360/ 4 Units: $450 (+ text & supplies + HST)

Pre-requisite: Spa Therapy Program, Deep Flow Level I or equivalent professional training

Deep Flow is an alignment-based approach to relaxation massage. Originally created in 2006 for VSBM; Deep Flow has become one of the core components of the VSBM Spa Therapy Program. Although the workshops build on the program curriculum, the Level II workshop units are open and accessible to anyone with equivalent professional training in massage and bodywork.

Deep Flow Level II has been divided into 4 single-day units and each unit will focus on a specific area of the body. The objective of the workshops is to introduce innovative techniques and concepts that will improve the ability of the therapist to sense, pinpoint and relieve common tension patterns found in the body. The material taught is easily integrated within the context of a full-body relaxation massage. Participants will explore various approaches such as joint movement, trigger point, yoga alignment, deep tissue, fascial lines and breathwork to meet their clients' need for deeper workin a structurally correct manner. Bio-mechanics will be revised and renewed to ensure a safe, healthy and prolonged career in massage.

The units build in increments and so it is recommended, but not mandatory, to take them in the sequence presented. Each unit completed will result in a $50 rebate towards the full 100-hour Level II Training, which is next offered in Feb 2011 in Costa Rica. (Go to www.deepflow.ca for details)

Instructor: Mylène Bergeron

June 19, 20 / 12 hours / Sat, Sun 10am–5pm / $250 tuition + $10 text and supplies + HST
Pre-requisite: Prior massage training

This course is an introduction to profoundly therapeutic massage techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the body's healing response. The methods explored will support a deeply meditative state for both client and practitioner, increasing awareness of the body-mind connection as well as encouraging systemic release and integration.

The overall emphasis of this course will be placed on practical ways to begin to develop or enhance the ability to be deeply present. Participants will learn to “listen” both through their hands to information available in the client’s body, and kinesthetically - using intuition while working with the physical, emotional and energetic bodies of the recipient.

Other topics covered:

• Long, integrative stroke techniques
• Working underneath the body
• Passive manipulation and stretching
• Energetic drainage techniques
• Engaging parasympathetic nervous system
• Use of breath and sound
• Introductory fundamentals of incorporating meridians
• Varied use of our “tools” - palms, knuckles, forearms, elbows
• Movement exercises

Instructor: Joy Kerfoot

Joy brings to her teaching a rich and diverse experience with mind-body and somatic work gathered over a decade of service and study. Her therapeutic massage practice is sourced in Esalen Massage, Reiki, Thai Massage and an intuition which comes from deep kinesthetic listening. In concert with these modalities, she draws upon her degree in Psychology, training in Spiritual Guidance, Yoga and the practice and facilitation of conscious movement through meditative dance forms.

Joy’s teaching philosophy, born of working with children, teens and adults, is that growth, discovery and ability blossom in a creative, collaborative and safe learning environment. She is passionate about exploring the depth, vitality and freedom that can be found in this work for practitioner and recipient alike.

Currently living and working in the Cortes Island community, Joy’s massage practice is based at the Hollyhock Retreat Centre. She also shares her unique talents at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, the Four Seasons Spa in Whistler, BC and in the Lower Mainland.

September 24 - 26 / 18 hours / Fri 6-9, Sat+Sun 9-5:30 / $360 tuition + $25 text & supplies + HST
Pre-requisites: Spa Therapy Diploma or equivalent

This 18-hour course covers massage for healthy expecting mothers, appropriate for the spa environment.

Course will include:

• Anatomy and physiology review
• Contraindications review
• Massage appropriate for each trimester
• Massage for labour and post-partum

Instructor: Paula Jaspar