ASHLAND INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE

*Come for CEs, stay for Ashland’s First Friday Art Walk! February 7, 2025 - Releases for the Shoulder- Anterior & Clavicle (Phase 4) This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the general Shoulder, two specific Shoulder Points, and the Clavicle. March 7, 2025 - Releases for the Shoulder- Posterior & Scapula (Phase 4) This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for six specific Shoulder Points and the Scapula. April 4, 2025 - Releases for the Elbow & Wrist (Phase 4) This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Elbow Points, general Elbow, general Wrist, and general Hand. May 2, 2025 - Releases for the Hand (Phase 4) This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Carpals, Metacarpals, and Phalanges. 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 Hand, Elbow & Wrist, and two Shoulder classes in combination are the equivalent of the 16 hour Releases for the Upper Extremities (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: Because of her specific health history, the Instructor strongly requests (but does not require) participants 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® and Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® are registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission.

An ethics class for body nerds! Dive into the science of fostering safety within clinical relationships to achieve exceptional therapeutic outcomes. This training is designed for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and application of cutting-edge physiological and psychological theories in their practice. Here’s what we will explore: - The nitty gritty of how to apply polyvagal theory in your practice - Understanding the dance of the autonomic nervous system in the stress response- what it physiologically means for you and your client, and how you can work with your own body to help your client feel safer. - There is a science to touch! How to optimize your speed, pressure, heat and other factors to create a “neuroception” of safety- learning how to best interact with your client’s proprioceptive and social grooming nerve receptors. - How all this combines to help you create a more Trauma Informed Care Environment and better outcomes! This course offers not only in-depth insights and “aha” moments, but also practical skills you can use right away. By the end, you’ll be equipped to foster a more responsive and effective therapeutic environment, leading to great results for your clients. 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.

A course for bodyworkers of all different trades - LMT’s, PT’s, DC’s Rolfers, NMT’s or anyone with a professional license to touch! Learn highly effective Advanced Myofascial Techniques that dramatically improve your ability to work with conditions such as ankle injuries, strains, sprains, pronation/supination patterns, movement restrictions, foot / lower leg pain, 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.

A course for bodyworkers of all different trades - LMT’s, PT’s, DC’s Rolfers, NMT’s or anyone with a professional license to touch! Learn highly effective Advanced Myofascial Techniques that dramatically improve your ability to work with conditions such as hamstring injuries, knee / ankle issues, hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis 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.

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.

June 6, 2025 - Interosseous Membrane Releases for the Forearm & Lower Leg (Phase 4) This 4 hour class will include hands-on techniques for the Radius & Ulna of the Forearm and the Tibia & Fibula of the Lower Leg, to help release each area’s Interosseous Membrane. 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 as a four-hour “Phase 4” class, and compliments any other 4 hour Ortho-Bionomy class taken as part of AIM's First Friday Series. 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: Because of her specific health history, the Instructor strongly requests (but does not require) participants 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® and Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® are registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission.

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.

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.