IMBP
Integrative Massage & Bodywork Program
550 HOURS
The 550 hours Integrative Massage & Bodywork Program provides in-depth experience in various bodywork techniques, body mechanics and self-care practices with a Deep Tissue/Sports Massage focus. This program covers the required content to become a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) with the CAMTC.
As one of the oldest massage schools in the country, IPSB has a long-standing reputation for training skilled, sensitive, well-educated bodyworkers who are in high demand no matter where they work, with some of the longest, injury free careers in the industry.
Tai Chi Lineage
IPSB has a direct lineage to the
Tai Chi Master, Chen Man-ch’ing
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who brought the practice to the United States - through his student Abraham Liu, who, in the late '70s and '80s, trained Eileen “Hamsa” Henry, owner of the school from the ‘80s to early 2000s, and Leslie Prell, recently retired long time IPSB teacher. Bringing Tai Chi into the classroom revolutionized the program and set the tone for innovation as the field expanded.
Tai Chi Body Mechanics
The key to our unique approach to massage and movement comes from Tai Chi Chuan. In the Foundations class, the first of this program, you will learn the Yang Short Form of Tai Chi as the basis of how you will move around the massage table.
Focusing on efficiency of movement, protection of your tools (your hands and arms) and power vs. force, Tai Chi informs everything you learn in this course and after. Using Tai Chi body mechanics, you can become a deep tissue practitioner who works deeply in the body without causing injury or pain, to the client or yourself.
Self Care
This approach prioritizes you, the practitioner, by teaching proper body alignment and self care, in order to prevent the many repetitive motion injuries so common in this field. The focus is on caring first for the you (“filling your cup”) and then caring for the client.
We teach many self-care practices and tools that are woven throughout the program - from Qi Gong energy generation exercises to stretching and self-massage. One of the core philosophies of this work is that it should be easy and energizing, no matter how deeply you are working in the tissue.
In addition to the profound change you will experience from receiving bodywork in class during hands-on practice, you will come out of the program stronger, more flexible, and more grounded in your body than when you started.
The program is designed to ensure that you have a comprehensive grasp of traditional massage techniques – from Deep Tissue to Prenatal. It touches on a variety of offerings to allow you experiences that may help you decide if you want to specialize in any of the other, expanded offerings.
INTEGRATIVE ​
MASSAGE &
BODYWORK
PROGRAM
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Advanced Modalities
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Anatomy & Physiology
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Anatomy & Kinesiology
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Aromatherapy: Essential Oil Basics
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Business & Marketing I
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Business & Marketing II
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Contraindications & Pathology
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CPR/First Aid
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Deep Tissue I
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Deep Tissue II
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Elder Care Massage Intro
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Ethics & Boundaries
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Human Energy Systems
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Hydro & Spa Therapies
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Myofascial Massage
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Polarity Immersion
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Practicum (IMBP)
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Prenatal Massage
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Sports Massage & Stretching
UPON COMPLETION OF ALL COURSEWORK, STUDENTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A
- IMBP CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION -
After program completion, to receive a certification as a Certified Massage Therapist in the state of California, apply through CAMTC
Integrative Massage & Bodywork
TAI CHI
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Proper body mechanics can be felt in both the practitioner and the client. If the massage therapist does not feel any strain while working, the client will not feel any extra tension that could be transmitted through the touch.
We are honored to have a
direct lineage to the teacher who brought Tai Chi to the US,
Chen Man Ching.
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​1. Chen Man Ching
2. Abraham Liu
3. Leslie Prell (IPSB Instructor)
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BODYMIND
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The second core focus that sets us apart is the focus on body/mind integration. Our philosophy is that our body is often an expression of our experiences and emotional state.
We believe that when you touch the body, you touch the soul.
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This means there is a focus not only on the physical anatomy, but also the study of how our experiences and the way we move through our lives can affect and change our physical state. Through fostering personal development with an emphasis on developing health boundaries, our program teaches students that the practitioner can hold space for the client’s experience in a healthy, professional manner with clear communication.
BALANCED
EDUCATION
The program is designed to ensure that you have a comprehensive grasp of traditional massage techniques – from Deep Tissue to Prenatal and touches on a variety of offerings to allow students experiences that may help them decide if they want to specialize in some of our additional expanded offerings.
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Our programs take roughly 18 months to complete, with the intention that you should have time to assimilate the information, practice your work on family and friends, and embody the approach to what you are learning. You will have a thorough understanding of how the body works and how to access it with a variety of approaches and techniques.
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- REASONS TO BECOME A -
Massage Therapist​
According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
THE DEMAND FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS IS EXPECTED TO GROW BY 26% BY 2026.
MASSAGE THERAPISTS HELP IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE.​
Massage therapists provide an invaluable service to people who are in pain, recovering from injuries, or experiencing stress. Massage therapy speeds up the healing process for ailments, improves circulation, releases tension, and can even restore emotional balance.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Most massage therapists choose which hours they’d like to work (or not work)! This profession is great for individuals who have children in particular because it allows them the flexibility they need.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK IN EXCITING & EXOTIC LOCATIONS
Tourist spots and cruise ships all over the world employ massage therapists, making it a great occupation if you enjoy traveling. Being open-minded to relocating allows you the opportunity to work in a resort on a tropical beach or a lodge surrounded by snow-covered mountains.​​​ ​For those who enjoy peaceful and relaxing environments, this IS a dream come true!
BE YOUR OWN BOSS.
46% of all massage therapists are self-employed.​​
​​They work out of their homes, have their own office space, visit clients’ homes, or travel to various locations. It’s important to know though that those who are self-employed are responsible for all their overhead, booking and scheduling, and client retention.
A CAREER THAT
KEEPS YOU ACTIVE.
​If you love the idea of a job that gets you on your feet and engages your entire body, as opposed to one that forces you to sit at a desk all day, massage makes a great option. If fitness and health are priorities for you, why not pursue a professional that naturally encourages your own wellbeing?