The East West Experience
East West College offers students a rigorous and balanced massage education experience. We combine thorough study of the human body – kinesiology, anatomy & physiology and pathology – with extensive explorations in the art of performing massage to meet client needs. East West College instructors are warm, experienced and highly knowledgeable. Our Faculty includes massage therapists, naturopaths and other health care providers, with over 325 years of combined clinical experience. The East West Experience is supportive, professional and highly rewarding for our students.
Our Program Goals
Our program is carefully designed so that East West College graduates will be able to:
- Describe their philosophy of the role of massage and bodywork in client health and healing.
- Create, implement and document personalized treatment plans through the integration of client goals, assessment findings, knowledge of the human body, understanding of the effects of massage and bodywork, and intuition.
- Perform massage and bodywork safely, effectively, compassionately and in response to client needs.
- Establish and maintain professional therapeutic relationships with clients.
- Develop and implement strategies for attaining a satisfying, successful and ethical professional practice or employment situation.
- Develop and implement strategies for supporting a life-long practice, through self-care, professional development, and professional support and referral networks.
Class Options
Learning massage therapy and its related sciences requires intensive study and practice. In order to allow time to integrate and absorb the material, we offer our 800 hour Professional Massage Program in both a 12-month and a 15-month format.
East West College’s massage programs begin four times each year — in January, April, July and October. Academic quarters are twelve weeks in length with a one-week break between quarters. We also offer a verity of schedule options in the morning, afternoon and evening/weekend. For more information on available schedules, please contact our Admissions Team.
The Student Experience
East West College’s supportive environment blends with a comprehensive program whose graduates are in high demand — and for good reason. Our training program is both thorough and extensive in order to best prepare you for the field, so that you will emerge from East West College feeling confident about starting your new profession.
Your massage therapy training begins with the fundamentals: How to apply Swedish massage techniques, an introduction to kinesiology and the major muscles in the body, and how to establish healthy therapeutic relationships with clients.
In the second quarter, you will move into learning the incredible complexities of the anatomy, physiology & pathology of the body, dive deeper into the skeletal & muscular system and explore the major approaches of several western massage & bodywork modalities.
In the third quarter, you will continue to grow your knowledge of anatomy, physiology & pathology and use your newly acquired bodywork skills to address the disorders and conditions typically encountered in massage practice. You will also be learning the major bodywork approaches of several eastern and energetic massages and begin to prepare for your clinic session in your final term with our Intro to Clinic course.
And, in your final quarter, you will put all the massage education you received into actual practice in the EWC Student Clinic — a very exciting time! Plus, you will be able to take two specific bodywork electives (you choose from a variety of options), learn the basics of the business practices to help you succeed financially, and explore the needs of specific populations such as the elderly and athletes.
Our electives are available to all LMT’s.
East West College offers our massage program students a series of elective classes to enhance their abilities to provide skilled and effective bodywork. Classes meet once a week for 11 weeks, deepening the learning process through allowing time for integration, practice and follow-up.
We’ve opened these advanced classes to all LMTs who want to participate in this comprehensive approach to learning with a manageable time commitment. Classes may be audited or taken for credit, and count as 33 hours of CE for your massage license renewal. Not all classes are available each term. See additional details below.
Please check with Admissions for more information and requirements.
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda, the indigenous medical system of India, has found a place in today’s holistic health care as a powerful healing tool. This class explores basic concepts of Ayurvedic bodywork and the Abhyanga, the warm oil massage that is the foundation of all Ayurvedic bodywork. The Abhyanga powerfully settles the nervous system and its techniques can be used to enhance any bodywork session. Additional $50 lab fee.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle yet potent bodywork, enhances overall health by directly influencing the central nervous system. It evaluates and improves cerebrospinal fluid motion in the dural tube, a key component of the body’s fascial network, using subtle touch to release restrictions and activate natural healing processes. Developed by osteopathic physicians, these safe and effective techniques are applicable to diverse populations. The course focuses on refining palpation skills, deepening intuition, and teaching students to assess and release craniosacral system restrictions. By the end of the course, students are proficient in conducting full craniosacral therapy sessions and integrating these techniques into other bodywork modalities.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a powerful tool that focuses on pain relief, performance enhancement and rehabilitation using a variety of techniques to bring the body’s central nervous system and musculoskeletal system into balance. A primary component of neuromuscular therapy is deactivating trigger points in muscles or fascia, which can cause pain and tension as well as decrease sports, recreational and occupational performance. Trigger points can also refer pain to other areas of the body, creating problems that are difficult to analyze and treat. This course teaches students how trigger points develop and persist, how to assess for them, how to map and track their pain referral patterns, and how to relieve them with safe, effective and comfortable techniques.
Spa Therapies
Spa Therapies
Students learn the historical roots of effective spa therapies and trace them forward to their modern applications. Students become familiar with each branch of spa therapy, practicing basic techniques aromatherapy, exfoliation treatments, body wraps, foot treatments, fangotherapy (mud and clay), thalassotherapy (seaweed), ayurvedic techniques, stone massage. Additional $50 lab fee.
Thai Massage
Thai Massage
Derived from traditional Thai medicine, Thai massage employs therapeutic techniques like compression, passive stretching, and joint mobilization to promote energy flow in the body. Typically performed on a mat with the client clothed, therapists use hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet for massage and stretching. Rooted in Buddhist principles of mindfulness and loving kindness, this course introduces students to Thai massage theory and practice. Students acquire skills for standalone application or integration with other massage forms, culminating in the ability to deliver basic full-body Thai massage sessions by course completion.
Tui Na
Tui Na
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses massage, acupuncture, and herbs to encourage healing. The massage aspect of this healing approach is called Tui Na, which means “push, grasp.” In this course, students will learns how to use soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization techniques and acupressure points to enhance energy flow and increase client health and wellbeing. In this process, they will apply the TCM concepts of Qi, the Five Element cycle, the fourteen meridians, and the Qi points. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform a basic full-body Tui Na routine that can be easily integrated into a general massage practice.
Reserve Your Spot!
Join us for a complimentary introductory class! Explore the fundamentals of massage therapy in a delightful one-day session tailored for beginners. Whether you’re new to the world of massage or curious about our program, this introductory class guarantees a blend of enjoyment and enlightenment.
Meet with a member of our admissions team either in person or virtually, for a one-on-one information session and a tour to register. Our friendly representatives are available Monday through Friday to assist you in your decision-making process.
You must be at least 18 years old to attend. Secure your spot by pre-registering for the class, ensuring we have a spot reserved just for you!
Begin Your Career in Massage Therapy
For over 50 years, East West College has been dedicated to educating and enriching our community through the art and science of massage. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of others through caring, professional, educated touch. From our focus on developing a comprehensive curriculum, to creating an environment that fosters support and growth for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and our community, we strive to be the kind of school you can be proud to attend. Welcoming, knowledgeable, inclusive–this is what East West College of the Healing Arts represents. We look forward to beginning your journey with you as you navigate your unique path of increasing health and healing in the world.