Training Descriptions
	Each of the workshops described on this page are designed to teach a number of different and instantly usable treatments. This outcome-based approched makes these workshops practical and popular with participants. Custom designed training programs are described on the custom training page.

The Essential Spa Workshop This 16 hour workshop teaches core spa techniques for the delivery of popular spa treatments in a dry room setting. Participants will learn the treatment steps of a number of popular exfoliation treatments, a spa foot treatment and how to provide several body wraps. Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail 'tie-ins', treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed for each service.

Aromatic Body Stone Therapy Workshop In stone massage, both hot and cooled stones can be combined with various massage techniques to produce a unique treatment that can be adapted to meet the needs of each client. Stone massage can be used for relaxation, injury rehabilitation, energy balance, deep tissue, reflexology and many other types of massage. It can also be incorporated into spa treatments as an accent or to provide textural variety. This 16 hour workshop teaches participants everything they need to know in order to deliver both a 60 minute and 90 minute stone massage session. In addition, participants learn about the healing powers of essential oils and how to research, design and blend a therapeutic massage oil and a refreshing body mist to add an interesting and textured ‘smell-scape’ to the hot stone treatment or any massage. Aromatic Body Stone Therapy (ABST) was founded in 1998 by Bill Langford and Anne Williams in Seattle, Washington and is currently offered at massage schools on both the East and West coast. This is not a typical stone massage workshop. Both Anne and Bill are treatment-oriented therapists, and aim to teach a variety of deep and satisfying techniques that go beyond effleurage with stones. Aromatic Body Stone Therapy has trained over 1800 therapists to date! Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail 'tie-ins', treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed in relationship to each service. Stone massage equipment can be ordered at any time through Sonja's Stones. Please e-mail ussports@msn.com for information about Aromatic Body Stone Therapy stone sets and equipment.

Ayurveda Inspired Body Spa Workshop In this 16 hour workshop, participants are introduced to ayurveda and ayurveda inspired spa treatments. Ayurveda, the science of life, is the extraordinary natural healing system of India that dates back over 5000 years. This system offers new skills for finding balance and harmony in life; it is currently a popular offering on luxury spa menus across the country. Ayurveda body treatments bring a spiritual element to a massage practice with deeply relaxing treatments that support detoxification, relaxation, insight and mindfulness. Participants will learn about their individual dosha, marma points and core concepts in ayurveda that support an understanding of external body treatments. Participants give and receive an Indian head massage, an abhyanga tandem massage, an udvartana treatment (massage with a special herbal paste), and a shirodhara treatment. Shirodhara is the practice of pouring a fine stream of warm sesame oil on the point between the eyes. This special treatment is deeply relaxing and provides the space for the body, mind and spirit to rest, reflect and renew. Equipment sources, traditional product recipes, and herbal enhancers will also be discussed. Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail tie-ins, treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed in relationship to each service.

Reflexology Foot Spa Workshop

While massage therapists cannot provide pedicures (services that aim to beautify the feet and trim the nails and cuticles), they can offer foot services that decrease foot pain, revitalize tired feet, enhance or promote relaxation and support the balance of the body. This 16 hour workshop teaches participants the elements of a spa foot treatment, and how to mix and match elements within a treatment concept to create a one-of-a-kind foot spa menu for a massage practice. One of the elements taught in this workshop is a reflexology routine. Reflexology is a therapy based on the belief that there are points on the feet, hands and ears that stimulate the function of different parts of the body. Reflexology is most often used as a therapy that aims to soothe the nervous system, reduce stress and relax the body. Reflexology techniques quickly gain popularity with clients and round out the foot treatment making it a special experience. These techniques can also be used as an enhancer for other spa services or integrated with massage in a full-body session. Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail 'tie-ins', treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed in relationship to each service.

The Classic Spa Workshop

Fangotherapy and thalassotherapy are the focus of this workshop, which also explores the evolution of the spa industry and its treatment-oriented roots in Europe. Fangotherapy (fango is the Italian word for mud) is the use of mud, peat and clay for therapeutic purposes. The sensation of being covered in thick, warm mud is a unique experience for clients, so services featuring fango are a popular item on spa menus. Thalassotherapy (Thalassa is the Greek word for sea) is the use of marine algae and seawater for health and wellness. Empirical evidence, clinical studies and research suggest that seaweed treatments can be used to support endocrine balance, support detoxification, support the elimination of excess fluid in body tissues, decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia, decrease muscular pain, stimulate lymph and blood circulation and boost general immunity. Participants will learn the treatment steps in a fangotherapy sports treatment, therapeutic spot treatments, enhancing services and full-body seaweed slimming cocoon. Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail 'tie-ins', treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed for each service.

The Creative Spa Workshop

Participants explore the textural elements that make up a spa treatment and learn how to create original spa services in this unique workshop. It is helpful if the participant has some prior spa experience as limited time is spent on core spa techniques. Instead, the focus is on developing an exceptional experience for the client using core services as a starting point, and adding artistic flourishes through the visual, auditory and olfactory textures that are chosen for the treatment. This is Spa Theatre! If you are a “massage artist” and can view the services you offer as performance art and not just as treatments, than this workshop is for you. Sanitation protocol, contraindications, equipment options, retail tie-ins, treatment concepts and marketing tips are discussed in relationship to each service.

Tsenden Aromatherapy
	Aromatherapy is a complex and dynamic art/science that uses natural plant products called essential oils for wellness. Tsenden Associates was founded in 1999 by Anne Williams and her husband Keith Shawe. The aim was to develop a set of live trainings and a home study program that would provide a strong foundation in aromatherapy to massage therapists.

Aromatherapy Foundation: This 16 hour workshop is ideal for the massage therapist or spa. It teaches core aromatherapy theory, aromatherapy consulting, essential oil blending techniques, safety, methods of application and full-body treatments.

Aromatherapy Intermediate: This 16 hour workshop is suitable for the serious student of aromatherapy. It teaches aroma chemistry, advanced therapeutic blending, essential oils for specific body systems and full-body treatments.

Botany for Aromatherapists: This advanced workshop is taught by botanist Keith Shawe, and gives in-depth information on plant families, specific essential oils, aromatic plant chemistry, aromatherapy histroy and plant collecting skills.

Aromatherapy Advanced Home Study Program: This advanced home-study program is designed for the serious student of aromatherapy to give in-depth background that informs a professional aromatherapy practice. This program is currently being rewritten and will not be available until 2007.

Custom Trainings
	Click on the custom training page to find out about spa training developed especially for your business or school.