Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado: Teaching time-honored methods in massage, healing, and bodywork for over twenty years.
The "Certified Massage Therapist" Curriculum

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Tai Ji and Body Mechanics
Stance, posture and grounding

This course is based on the Chen Style movements which act as a foundation for the solid body mechanics needed to perform massage.

Stance, posture, grounding, centered, movement coordinated with breath, leverage, joint alignment, fluidity, smooth transitions, power and weight transfer are key elements in conditioning for the advantage proper body mechanics offers the massage therapist. Ideally an integrated massage flows like the smooth and powerful dance that is Tai Ji.

Students will practice the movements at the beginning of massage class to develop focus, poise and balance and to prepare for the practice of massage. Tai Ji has been refined over many centuries and incorporates a deep understanding of proper application of body mechanics.

Students will learn to identify and use correct body mechanics for massage work and for assessment of clients.

Students learn how to use the body effectively for massage with correct posture, stance, and body positions. Chen style Tai Ji movements and exercises condition the student to use the body correctly. Students will learn to identify proper use of body mechanics for each other and how to apply body mechanic corrections for their massage clients.