
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Classes & Workshops
Welcome to the
Ashland Institute of Massage,
Continuing Education.
We offer an evolving variety of
high-quality continuing education classes and workshops for
licensed massage therapists, other health care workers, and occasionally the general public.
Held year-round, these classes range in topic from therapeutic treatment skills to new bodywork modalities, from ethics to insurance billing.

Registration
You may register online by clicking on the class of your choice below or calling 541.482.5134.
When you register online, you can expect to receive a confirmation email as well as a receipt once processed by the office. You will also hear from AIM staff with details on what to expect regarding your specific course about a week out from the scheduled date! If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to call the office number listed above.
Early Enrollment Discount
We offer an early enrollment discount for registrations paid in full by the noted early enrollment date for each course. See course descriptions for details.
Cancellations
All classes are subject to rescheduling, or cancellation due to COVID or insufficient enrollment of the course overall. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this. Personal cancellations from the course may be made via letter, email or phone. Cancellations with fewer than three (3) days’ notice will be charged half the seminar tuition. Other cancellations will be charged a
$25 cancellation fee.
** There is a special COVID-19 cancelation policy in place in order to protect students and staff so that we may continue to safely meet in person. If you are sick please do not attend in-person classes. You will be given a refund in full if unable to attend last minute due to an illness.
Course Descriptions: Updated 6/24/25
Expect to see more Ethics late fall / winter
Mana Lomi
Level 1

Instructor: Dr. Maka'ala Yates DC
July 10th-13th, 2025 (Thursday-Sunday)
9am - 5pm (32 CE hrs, NCBTMB approved)
$650
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
The Mana Lomi® technique is based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the"mana" of the body, mind, and soul of an individual. Dr. Maka'ala Yates D.C. developed Mana Lomi after years of studying and practicing Hawaiian healing concepts with his Hawaiian teachers. In this 4-day format you will learn: - An effective, 60-90 minute full body sequence to bring relief to many symptoms. - How to release muscle tension with gentle, yet powerful and deep movements “to the bone.” - Balanced body mechanics allowing you to deliver effectively deep yet gentle therapy for relaxation or injury prevention and relief with minimal stress on your own body - A brief history of LomiLomi; Hawaiian healing chants; Ho’oponopono (living in alignment). - Hawaiian body-mind-spirit healing and the use of Ha (breath), Mana (spiritual energy and spiritual centering) to help restore balance. Mana Lomi can be translated as the ”Life-force of Lomi.” Lomi or Lomilomi describes a concept that involves the movement of energy. With the right understanding and training, the practitioner can communicate through the soft tissues of the body, deep into the bones of the individual. The concepts of Mana Lomi are vast and complex, yet simple if you understand the mechanisms, principles and intentions behind this revered form of Hawaiian healing. For example, the concept of “communicating down to the bones” physically and energetically is significant. It gives room for the client to allow the practitioner to go as deep as they can tolerate, yet be non-invasive while achieving the desired outcome. It is at the bone level that all memory is stored from past traumas, injuries or emotional links. As with many indigenous cultures, the bones are the most important and protected part of the physical structure. It is here that specific codes are stored that make up each individual on a DNA level. Tapping into the bones allows the Mana Lomi practitioner to communicate on a soul level so healing can take place. Dr. Maka'ala Yates D.C., is a Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian Ancestry) who specializes in Hawaiian medicine. His studies began at the age of 6. He has been teaching Hawaiian medicine and practices for 35 years. He is the founder of Mana Lomi ®and Indigenous Botanicals. Maka’ala developed Mana Lomi after years of studying and practicing Hawaiian healing concepts with his Hawaiian teachers. Maka’ala received the Kaonohi Award in 2005 for his excellence in Hawaiian medicine and community support. He is the author of "Na'auao Ola Hawaii: Hawaiian Practices and Principles of Being Well." The Mana Lomi® technique is available for all those who are open to learn the traditional, Hawaiian ways of healing. We welcome all backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities, and encourage our connection by eliminating separation. E Komo Mai. Welcome.
Mana Lomi
Level 2

Instructor: Dr. Maka'ala Yates DC
July 14th-17th, 2025 (Monday-Thursday)
9am - 5pm (32 CE hrs, NCBTMB approved)
$650
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
The Mana Lomi® technique is based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the"mana" of the body, mind, and soul of an individual. Dr. Maka'ala Yates D.C. developed Mana Lomi after years of studying and practicing Hawaiian healing concepts with his Hawaiian teachers. In this 4-day format you will learn: - Advanced problem solving lomi techniques, which focuses on the concept of prolonged compression and traction at the musculotendinous junction. - A brief understanding of the relationship between the muscle spindle fibers, the golgi tendon organ (gto) and the pain receptors. - Possibilities for problem- solving advanced physical maladies. - Use of hot towels for chronic and acute conditions. - Kumukahi concept of achieving positive outcomes. - Spiritual Hawaiian chants. - The importance of how to communicate through soft tissues down to the bones. - The importance of the SI joint protocol. Mana Lomi can be translated as the ”Life-force of Lomi.” Lomi or Lomilomi describes a concept that involves the movement of energy. With the right understanding and training, the practitioner can communicate through the soft tissues of the body, deep into the bones of the individual. The concepts of Mana Lomi are vast and complex, yet simple if you understand the mechanisms, principles and intentions behind this revered form of Hawaiian healing. For example, the concept of “communicating down to the bones” physically and energetically is significant. It gives room for the client to allow the practitioner to go as deep as they can tolerate, yet be non-invasive while achieving the desired outcome. It is at the bone level that all memory is stored from past traumas, injuries or emotional links. As with many indigenous cultures, the bones are the most important and protected part of the physical structure. It is here that specific codes are stored that make up each individual on a DNA level. Tapping into the bones allows the Mana Lomi practitioner to communicate on a soul level so healing can take place. Dr. Maka'ala Yates D.C., is a Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian Ancestry) who specializes in Hawaiian medicine. His studies began at the age of 6. He has been teaching Hawaiian medicine and practices for 35 years. He is the founder of Mana Lomi ®and Indigenous Botanicals. Maka’ala developed Mana Lomi after years of studying and practicing Hawaiian healing concepts with his Hawaiian teachers. Maka’ala received the Kaonohi Award in 2005 for his excellence in Hawaiian medicine and community support. He is the author of "Na'auao Ola Hawaii: Hawaiian Practices and Principles of Being Well." The Mana Lomi® technique is available for all those who are open to learn the traditional, Hawaiian ways of healing. We welcome all backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities, and encourage our connection by eliminating separation. E Komo Mai. Welcome.
Harnessing the Power of the Lymphatic System:
Lymphatic Drainage Techniques

Instructor: Helene Houghton
July 26 - July 27, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
9am - 6:30pm (20 CEUs - including a 2 hour pre-class video)
$425 ($445 on July 10, 2025)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
In this 2 day hands-on class you will learn to understand and work with the lymphatic system as either an enhancement to your treatment or a stand-alone session. You’ll also learn easy to understand concepts and wording to share with even your “regular” clients as well as potential referral partners to help them clearly see the benefits this work can offer them. When lymphatic processes become impaired, significant problems can develop, including metabolic waste and fibrotic tissue build-up, edema (fluid retention), chronic inflammation, and swelling. Lymphatic drainage work significantly enhances healthy lymphatic flow, and in cases where the lymphatic system has been damaged it can redirect the flow to other channels. This can significantly help a wide variety of conditions, from post-surgical edema to fibromyalgia, nerve entrapments, Lyme disease, immune challenges, systemic detoxification and beyond. This course will dive into the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and teach you basic Lymphatic drainage treatment sequences for mild, medically-uncomplicated axial as well as upper and lower extremity edema. *Note: working with medically complicated Lymphedema requiring compression garments and bandaging will not be covered in this course. Pre-class Preparation: Watch instructor’s 2 hour video lecture on lymphatic system A&P before class - link provided at registration. Helene Houghton, LMT, is the owner of Body in Context Medical Massage Clinic based in Talent, OR, which specializes in results-oriented manual therapy. Helene is a dedicated body geek who loves to learn and share her discoveries so that others can help make the world a happier, healthier place. She has extensive training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and multiple manual therapy modalities. She is constantly working with, teaching and learning from her awesome team of medical massage therapists in order to improve outcomes for all of their patients. Over the last decade Helene has been an instructor and guest lecturer at top therapeutic massage schools and is currently faculty at the Ashland Institute of Massage instructing Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Visceral Manipulation 1: Abdomen 1 - Barral Institute

Visceral Manipulation 1: Abdomen 1 - Barral Institute
Instructor: Ron Mariotti
August 14th - 17th, 2025 (Thursday - Sunday)
9 am-5 pm Th/Fri/Sat; 8 am-3:30 pm Sunday
$595 ($795 on June 15, 2025) 24 CE hours
*In order to keep VM1 with the Barral Institute coming to our classroom, we need to know how much AIM community is signing up! The sign up button will take you to the Barral Institute’s contact page to register by phone. When you call in to register with the Barral Institute, please make sure you mention that you are a part of the Ashland Institute of Massage community in Ashland!*
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
Please join us for this fortuitous partnership between AIM and the Barral Institute, offering the first in their series of Visceral Manipulation courses! In this course, you will be introduced to the models and concepts of functional biomechanics as viewed from Jean-Pierre Barral's Visceral Manipulation approach. This method of evaluation and treatment is based on the concept that each of our internal organs rotates on a physiological axis. Focus is on the abdominal cavity and includes the organs, their membranes, ligaments, innervation and their spatial functional interrelationships. You will learn basic manipulations for correcting abnormal motions and stress patterns within this cavity. The manual techniques are not advised for pregnant participants. Note: To register for this course please call 561-622-4334 ext 2 and tell the registrar that you heard about the class through AIM! Dr. Ron Mariotti, ND, BI-D is a board certified naturopathic physician who graduated from Bastyr University. He is a member of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the American Society for Nutrition. Dr. Mariotti has over 31 years of clinical experience and has studied extensively with Dr. Barral, the originator of Visceral Manipulation. Dr. Mariotti works with people of all ages, from newborn to the elderly. He is recognized as an expert in visceral manipulation by other physicians and practitioners who routinely seek him out to study and enhance their own skills in this work. Dr. Mariotto lives in Ashland, OR. More information about his practice can be found at https://visceralsynergy.com
Ethics: Nonviolent Communication
Listening Deeply & Expressing Clearly

Instructor: Joanne Lescher
August 22 (Friday) 8 am - 12 pm
(4 Ethics/Communication CE hours)
$85 ($95 on August 7th)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
We all want to be heard and understood! Our clients certainly do, and keeping communication clear and effective can be a challenge of its own. Join Joanne to learn some simple techniques that will help you discover the healing power of empathic listening—for both your professional and personal lives. We will also address your real-life experiences, and you’ll take home fresh ideas and techniques for expressing yourself cleanly and clearly. This course meets the 4 hour Ethics/Communication requirement for Oregon LMT license renewal. Joanne Lescher, CT, is a certified trainer in nonviolent communication. As an experienced mediator and group facilitator, she equips people to dialogue with each other more effectively. Renowned for her warmth, empathy, and humor, Joanne teaches practical skills that clients can immediately exercise in their practices and lives. Her reputation has been affectionately summarized as an “ability to tame lions”.
Ortho-Bionomy® Mini Series
Releases for the Spine and Pelvis (Phase 4)

FOUR individual courses or ONE series ! Classes every four weeks.
Take one by itself, or take them all as a series and receive an additional certification with the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. Please carefully read descriptions below!
Instructor: Melissa Malm, Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructor
August 1, August 29, October 3, & October 31 (Fridays)
9 am-1:30 pm (4 CE hours, NCBTMB approved)
$90 ($100 after 2 weeks prior to course OR purchase all 4 courses as a 4pack at once for the early bird rate)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
August 1, 2025: Releases for the Cervical Spine This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Upper, Middle, and Lower Neck. August 29, 2025: Releases for the Thoracic Spine This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Upper, Middle, and Lower Thoracic Spine. October 3, 2025: Releases for the Lumbar Spine This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for all five lumbar vertebrae. October 31, 2025: Releases for the Pelvis This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Psoas, Ilium Rotation patterns, and the Sacrum. Ortho-Bionomy® uses osteopathic-based, gentle, comfortable body positions and movements to stimulate self-correcting reflexes within the muscles and nerves. This method is specific and structure oriented. The techniques of this foundation class can alleviate tension patterns within 10-30 seconds. It is easy on the practitioner and can be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. This class fulfills a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Associate and Practitioner training programs. The Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Pelvis classes in combination are the equivalent of the 16 hour Releases for the Spine & Pelvis (Phase 4) class. You can take any of the Ortho-Bionomy First Friday classes in a series, mix and match them in any order, or take any individual course as a stand-alone class. Included in the class tuition is access to a prerequisite online video with necessary information about Ortho-Bionomy, so that we can spend more class time doing hands-on work. If you have recently taken an Ortho-Bionomy class this requirement may be waived, please ask for more details. Please note: Participants will be asked to wear an N95 mask while in the classroom for this particular course. Masks will be available if needed. Melissa Malm, LMT, Registered Ortho-Bionomy® Instructor, has been a student and practitioner of massage and bodywork since 1997. She studied in the Bay Area both at the National Holistic Institute in Emeryville and the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley. In 2007, Melissa discovered Ortho-Bionomy and realized she had found her bodywork “home.” She is an Advanced Practitioner and in 2020 became a Registered Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy®. Melissa is thrilled to now be able to share this exciting bodywork with others through her teaching. Ortho-Bionomy® is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and is used with permission.
Introduction to Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

Instructor: Caitlin Fears
September 6 & 7, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
9:00 am - 4:30 pm 12 CE hours
$295 ($325 on August 21, 2025)
*Taking this Intro to Upledger CranioSacral course will qualify participants for a discount of $125 if choosing to enroll in Upledger Institute's CranioSacral Therapy 1. View our courses happening late fall to find CS1.
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
Here is your opportunity to sample The Upledger Institute’s CranioSacral Therapy 1 (CST) workshop studied by more than 1250,000 healthcare practitioners worldwide. This twelve-hour program is a mix of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice designed to teach you the benefits of CST along with some basic techniques you can use in practice and for your own health. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system — the physiological body system comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Among the medical conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective are: -Migraine Headaches -Chronic Neck and Back Pain -Motor-Coordination Impairments -Central Nervous System Disorders -Orthopedic Problems -Scoliosis -Autism -Learning Disabilities -Post-Surgical Dysfunctions -Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury -Stress and Emotional Related Problems -Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction -Chronic Fatigue -Neurovascular or Immune Disorders -Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -Fibromyalgia and other Connective Tissue Disorders Developed by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, CranioSacral Therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes to improve the operation of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance health and strengthen resistance to disease. Students who choose to enroll in the complete Upledger Institute’s CranioSacral Therapy 1 training at AIM will receive a $125 discount from the full course fee if they have taken this Introductory course. Caitlin Fears, LMT, CST-D is a 2008 graduate of AIM. In addition to owning and operating a successful and diverse wellness clinic in Medford, OR, Caitlin is immersed in the deep studies of CranioSacral therapy and Trauma, as well as the ancient science of Astrology. She travels frequently as a Teaching Assistant and Presenter with Upledger Institute. Continuing education for all forms of healing modalities is a regular pursuit. She teaches Prenatal Massage and Ethics at the Ashland Institute of Massage and finds inspiring others to be one of her many passions.
The Art of Abdominal Massage

Instructor: Mali Jarvis
October 4 & 5, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
9:00am - 5pm (13 CE hours with 1.5 hour lunch break)
$295 ($325 after September 18, 2025)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
This workshop is for hands-on practitioners who want to gain more familiarity and confidence incorporating abdominal massage into their treatments. Mali prioritizes creating a safe container and a healing state in recipients. The work is as much about the nervous system and inducing parasympathetic state as it is about how to contact and work with the organs. Mali has a training background and strong influence from Chi Nei Tsang yet has adapted her approach to be gentle and meditative, making it well tolerated and nourishing to receive for most people. Learning will include: - warm-up practices of self bodywork, qigong, and meditation - a guided self abdominal massage treatment protocol - a basic review of internal organ anatomy how to: -create safety and trust before approaching this vulnerable area in your clients -assist breath expansion and diaphragmatic release -assist detoxification with gentle lymphatic massage of the intestines -assist release of fascial adhesions around the organs -work with the navel (hub of the wheel of our bodies) -work with points and the meridian system in the abdomen -a demonstration of how to incorporate the material into a 1 hr full body massage Mali Jarvis, LMT has been in practice as a massage therapist since 2004. She received initial training at The Oregon School of Massage in Portland specializing in Eastern Medicine and Shiatsu. She then trained extensively in Traditional Thai Massage and Chi Nei Tsang in Thailand. Other significant influences in her work are Breema, Craniosacral, Osteopathy, Body-Mind Centering, Feldenkris, Contact Improvisation, 5 Element Chinese Medicine, Qigong, Nei Gong, Taoist meditation, and Soto Zen Practice. Mali offers ongoing classes in Movement and Meditation practices as well as bodywork trainings. Mali's approach in all she does is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with one’s own deep inner rhythms and natural vitality.
Table Thai

Instructor: D'vorah Swarzman
October 18 & 19, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
9:00am - 5:30pm (15 CE hours)
$340 ($360 on October 2, 2025)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
Learn how to integrate Thai Massage stretches, compression, traction, joint mobilization and acupressure into your table/oil massage. There will be a strong emphasis on body mechanics and honoring the traditional spiritual roots of this ancient Thai healing art. This class will enhance your table massage but does not take the place of Traditional Thai Massage, which is performed on the floor. D’vorah Swarzman, LMT, has studied the art and science of Traditional Thai Massage since 1993, returning regularly to Thailand for further study. She is a graduate of Heartwood Institute’s 750 hour Advanced Massage Therapist program. D’vorah has a private practice (Thai Therapeutics) in Ashland, Oregon and is an instructor with and founding member of the Thai Healing Alliance International. She integrates rhythm, improvisation and mindfulness into her teaching and practice.
Advanced Myofascial Techniques
Arm, Wrist, & Shoulder

Instructor: Bruce Nelson
November 1 & 2, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
9:00am - 5:30pm (16 CE hours)
$359 ($379 on October 16, 2025)
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
Learn Advanced Myofascial Techniques that dramatically improve your ability to work with conditions such as wrist, rotator cuff and shoulder issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, and more. The Advanced Myofascial Techniques series presents practicing somatic therapists and qualified students with advanced and little-known myofascial techniques which can be easily incorporated into existing personal styles. Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, the focus is on unusual, interesting, and fresh approaches that will both expand technique repertoire and inspire creativity and innovation. Potential topics include: - Specific techniques for common structural and functional complaints - Relieving pain, restoring lost function, and getting lasting results - Utilizing both active and passive movement to enhance effectiveness - Precision in working with specific tissue types and body layers - Combining indirect or subtle work with deep or direct work - Tracking subtle psychophysiological and nervous system responses - Ways to work sensitively, safely, and comfortably at very deep levels. Bruce Nelson is a Certified Advanced Rolfer™, a Berry Method® Practitioner, a Reiki Master, is Level II Certified in Advanced Myofascial Techniques, and is an Instructor for advanced-trainings.com's Advanced Myofascial Techniques series. Bruce is known for a keen focus on overall wellness, and for his clear, compassionate, and community-minded teaching style. As a person, practitioner and teacher, he describes himself as a "holistic adventure-seeking student of the world." He has been a participant, fundraiser, and coach with Leukemia Lymphoma Society since 2003. He lives and practices in the greater Anchorage, Alaska area.
UPLEDGER: CranioSacral 1

Instructor: Melinda Naye C.M.T., CST-D
November 13th - 16th, 2025 (Thursday - Sunday)
$595 (795 on September 14 2025)
*Discount of $125 for those who have attended the Introduction to Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Course
Full Course Descriptions & Instructions
This course will introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the CranioSacral System through our practical hands-on "learning by discovery" method. You will learn advanced palpatory skills, fascial and soft tissue release techniques, and a concise 10-step protocol for evaluation and treatment of the entire body via the CranioSacral System. To supplement class instruction you will receive a fully-illustrated, comprehensive study guide. You will learn gentle techniques that assess and help normalize components of the CranioSacral System, so the body can begin to self-correct. By unraveling pain and dysfunction at the source, you'll naturally help eliminate stress, strengthen resistance to disease, and enhance health in every dimension. By the end of this four-day workshop you should be able to: Describe the scientific foundation and principles of CranioSacral Therapy - and why it's key to helping clients relieve pain and dysfunction at their source. Identify the subtle CranioSacral Rhythm and interpret its patterns to accurately assess dysfunction and improvements. Locate the source of physical problems by working with the fascial system, that complex web of tissue that encloses all body structures and systems. Demonstrate finely tuned palpation skills you can rely on as sensitive, intuitive healthcare tools. Describe the intra-cranial and spinal meninges and use techniques to release tensions and restrictions that could enhance interactions between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Use techniques that facilitate significant health and relaxation effects, including Direction of Energy and Still Point Induction. Implement new skills to help clients with such common ailments as chronic pain, head and neck injuries, orthopedic problems, TMJ dysfunction, and more. Put a comprehensive and effective 10-Step Protocol into practice right away. If you have never experienced CST for yourself, it is recommended, but not required, that you have a session prior to class. This will help you gain valuable insights into how this modality works and what effects it has on your body. To find a CST practitioner in your area, go to www.iahp.com and Search for a Practitioner, or contact the Satellite/Sponsor in your country. Melinda Naye: Along with teaching CST, Melinda has a full time CranioSacral Therapy practice in Auburn, California. She works on many different types of clients including newborns and children, adults of all ages and the occasional dog, cat and horse! She has been teaching with Upledger Melinda is a Certified CST with Upledger as well as a CSI,SER1,and CSPT Instructor. Massage Therapist, Reiki practitioner and bodyworker, and many other titles since 1993.
If you would like to be added to our Continuing Education Mailing List, please send an email from our Contact Tab (here) requesting for future updates to be emailed to you directly. You may contact the office via email or phone with any further questions.
We hope you’ll join us for a refreshing experience within the bodywork education world.
Teaching Opportunities
Call us at 541.482.5134 , email us, or complete our contact form if you’re interested in teaching Continuing Education classes at AIM.