Diploma in Holistic Massage
A Diploma in Holistic Massage is a professional qualification for people wishing to work in massage therapy/ wellness, spas, health & complementary therapy settings. It combines theory and practical training so that students can perform massage treatments safely and effectively, understand the human body, work with clients, manage business/ practice, etc.
The main aim of the UK Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical and theoretical skills in order to provide massage treatments to the general public and to gain employment in the massage industry. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 and over and is designed to provide occupational competence at level 3. It also provides a sound platform into further training at level 3 and 4.
This qualification is for learners who want to work within the massage industry. The qualification consists of 7 mandatory units with a total of 250 hours of Guided Learning (GL) to achieve the full qualification.
The main skills the learner will perform are:
• Consultation techniques – to include understanding the needs of clients and when and when not to treat them, contra-indications, referral procedures explaining possible contra-actions and providing aftercare and homecare advice
• Health, safety and hygiene – contextualized to the environment in which the learner is working
• Holistic massage techniques – to include selecting a suitable massage medium for the client’s skin type, classical massage movements and adapting the treatment to the client’s specific needs.
The learner will also develop knowledge about current legislation and working practice requirements and client care and communication which is essential to work and be successful in the industry.
This qualification also provides:
• The related knowledge and understanding required to perform the massage skills listed above effectively, in particular the anatomy and physiology of the body and common diseases and disorders that may affect when a client should or should not receive treatment
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of complementary therapies
• Knowledge and understanding of professional conduct and business awareness in a complementary therapies context
• Opportunities for learners to focus on the development of their wider skills in a massage setting such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving
• Opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as an holistic massage therapist.
Relation ship to National Occupational Standards
This qualification has mapped to National Occupational Standards where they exist and has ensured that best practice in the workplace has been reflected in the qualification This qualification is linked to the relative job roles as well as ensuring that the qualification reflects the required level of knowledge and ability for the holistic massage therapist at level 3.