Tibetan Kunye Massage Therapy

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Beginning in the Fall of 2010, the Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine will launch a new 750-hour Tibetan Kunye Massage Therapy Comprehensive Training & Certification Program.  This two-semester program is the most advanced training in traditional Kunye Massage Therapy currently offered anywhere in the US or abroad.  The program prepares students for professional practice, and meets the new curriculum guidelines established by the Massachusetts State Board of Registration of Massage Therapy.

The program features foundation study in the core principles and theory of Tibetan Medicine, methodological training in Kunye massage & gentle external therapies, extensive hands-on practice, and preparation to employ these skills in the modern professional workplace.

What is Kunye Therapy?

Kunye Therapy is the system of massage and gentle external therapies taught in the ancient lineage of traditional Tibetan Medicine.  Kunye Massage includes techniques such as applying herbal-infused oils to the body, manual tissue manipulation, deep tissue work, identifying & acting on specific points, mobilizing the joints, and warming the body.   Kunye also includes gentle external therapies such as hot and cold compresses, herbal poultices, application of heated oils, and gemstone therapy.  

The therapeutic treatments of Kunye can be applied to the entire body, utilizing proper draping and positioning of the client.  Kunye is performed on a raised massage table, or seated on a massage chair, depending on the comfort and condition of the client. 

Kunye Therapy has been employed by Tibetan physicians and yogins for many centuries.  It is one of the most ancient systems of massage in the world, and an important component of traditional Tibetan Medicine.

What Are the Benefits?

The function of Kunye Therapy is to help balance the five elements of the body, relax tensions, and revitalize the energy.  For many centuries, Kunye Therapy has been applied to relieve muscular and joint pain, mobilize the joints, reduce stiffness, balance the neurological system, rejuvenate course and dry skin, alleviate the symptoms of mental and physical stress, anxiety, depression, grief, insomnia, constipation, and support the healthy function of digestion.  Kunye is especially indicated for any imbalance of the wind element (rlung), including elderly clients, and those suffering from mental tensions or physical exhaustion.

About the Program

The Shang Shung Institute regularly offers public seminars in traditional Kunye Therapy around the world.  Kunye is also incorporated into the curriculum of the Four-year Program in Tibetan Medicine. In response to growing interest in the benefits of Kunye Therapy and enthusiasm for our public courses, the Shang Shung Institute now offers the 750-hour Comprehensive Training and Certification Program designed to train students in the ancient healing science of Kunye, and prepare them to practice in the modern professional workplace.

The curriculum consists of 750-hours over two semesters. Upon completion of the program, graduates may apply to the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy for licensure as massage therapists in the state of Massachusetts or other states.

The program will focus on the following topics of theoretical study and practical application:

·       Learn the principles & theory of Kunye Therapy, based on the traditional texts.

·       Obtain a broad understanding of the basis of traditional Tibetan Medicine.

·       Learn Kunye Massage techniques, including the identification and application of muscle release points and specific points of balancing the five elements of the body.

·       Learn the external therapies employed in Kunye, including hot and cold compresses, herbal poultices, application of heated oils to specific points, and gemstone therapy.

·       Engage in extensive hands-on practical training under instructors' guidance.

·       Study the anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the human body.

·       Study the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of illness that pertains to the practice of Kunye Massage.

·       Learn the characteristics, benefits, formulation, and application of various herbs and therapeutic oils used in Kunye practice. 

·       Learn the traditional code of ethics and conduct of the Tibetan Kunye therapist.

·       Learn ethics and professionalism to apply in the modern workplace.

·       Learn skills of business development and management of massage therapy practice.

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Program Dates & Schedule:

·      Fall Semester (375 hours)

            Weekly Schedule*:

            Mondays: 8:30am--12:30pm, 2pm--6pm

            Tuesdays: 8:30am--12:30pm, 2pm--6pm

            Wednesdays: 8:30am--12:30pm

            Sundays: 1--6pm

            Total weekly class hours: 25

·      Spring Semester (375 hours)

            Weekly Schedule*:

            Mondays: 8:30am--12:30pm, 2pm--6pm

            Tuesdays: 8:30am--12:30pm, 2pm--6pm

            Wednesdays: 8:30am--12:30pm

            Total weekly class hours: 20 + practice clinic TBA

*Class Schedules are subject to change

Program Tuition by Semester:

·      Fall Semester:  $3,500.00

·      Spring Semester: $2,500.00

·      Total Program Tuition: $6,000.00

Course Catalog

Fall Semester (375 hours):

·      Anatomy, Physiology, & Kinesiology (150 hours)

·      Kunye Massage Theory & Technique  I (225 hours):

Spring Semester (375 hours):

·      Kunye Massage Theory & Technique II  (145 hours)

·      Pathology of Disease (70 hours)

·      Ethics & Professionalism (60 hours)

·      Supervised Student Practice Clinic (100 hours)

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Detailed Course Descriptions

Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology (150 hours)

Based on the traditional Tibetan Medicine texts (rgyud bzhi), students will study the nature of the human body, its systems and their functions including:

·      Embryology & development from conception

·      Traditional "metaphors" of the human body

·      Condition, characteristics, functions & relationships of the five elements & the three humors of the human body

·      Traditional divisions & anatomical measurements of the body

·      Signs of decline of health

·      Integumentary System

·      Musculoskeletal System

·      Cardiovascular System

·      Blood Lymphatic and Immune systems

·      Nervous system

·      Endocrine system

·      Respiratory system

·      Digestive system

·      Urinary system

·      Reproductive system

·      Learn the location, identification and palpation of the bellies and attachments of the major muscles of external movement of the body

Kunye Massage Theory & Technique  I (225 hours)

This course presents theoretical study based on the traditional Tibetan Medicine texts (rgyud bzhi), as well as extensive hands-on training in technique.  The goals of this first level course include:

·      Learn the principles & theory of Kunye Therapy, based on the traditional texts of the Tibetan Medicine lineage

·      Learn the theory & practice of kunye massage techniques, including the identification and application of muscle release points and specific points of balancing the five elements of the body

·      Learn the theory & practice of external therapies employed in Kunye, including hot and cold compresses, herbal poultices, application of heated oils to secret points, and gemstone therapy

·      Learn foundations of traditional diagnostic methods

·      Learn the effects of touch and massage techniques

·      Learn to Identify and describe the physiological effects of touch and specific massage

·      Identify and describe potential emotional effects of touch and specific massage techniques

·      Define and describe the interpersonal and physical components of a therapeutic environment

·      Develop competency in musculoskeletal palpation and pain assessment skills relating to the appropriate application of massage techniques

·      Develop a safe and effective treatment plan, based on client goals, assessment findings, and understanding of effects of massage

·      Write clear, concise and accurate notes of client treatment sessions

·      Demonstrate commonly recognized techniques that are within the scope of practice and training for massage therapy disciplines

·      Demonstrate techniques that are appropriate for each body area, including endangerment sites

·      Demonstrate the use of draping during treatment as a professional boundary

·      Identify and practice appropriate methods of sanitation and personal hygiene in the performance of massage sessions

·      Identify and describe the effect of physical fitness and life style habits on the performance of massage techniques

·      Identify and demonstrate biomechanical skills necessary for the safe and effective performance of massage techniques

Kunye Massage Theory & Technique II  (145 hours)

This course builds on the study and training presented in the first level course.  Students will further develop their skills, techniques, body mechanics, table-side manner and other important aspects of Kunye Massage Therapy practice. They will learn the qualities and characteristics of oils, herbs and minerals that are useful in Kunye Massage and external therapies, as well as their indications according to the season and the condition of the client.  Students will also learn the formulation and preparation of medicinal oils and creams, and their application in treatment.

Pathology of Disease (70 hours)

This course presents theoretical study of the common pathologies encountered in the practice of massage and how they impact the application of massage.  Students will study the etiology of disease, the nature of health and disease, the nature of the five elements and the three humors.  They will also learn the specific indications, contraindications and precautions to the application of massage in the presence of these pathologies.

Ethics & Professionalism (60 hours)

This course presents the principles of modern business ethics and professionalism, as well as the traditional code of ethics and conduct required of the Tibetan Kunye Therapist.  The goals of this course include:

·      In-depth study of Professionalism and Communication

·      Learn the traditional code of ethics and conduct of the Tibetan Kunye therapist

·      Define and demonstrate active listening, rapport, empathy and feedback.

·      Identify strategies to effectively deal with emotional and behavioral client responses to massage therapy treatment.

·      Describe the principles of conflict resolution and apply conflict resolution skills effectively in the client-therapist relationship.

·      Define and discuss the differences between a personal and a professional relationship

·      Discuss the importance of professional boundaries Describe techniques for establishing and maintaining safe and respectful boundaries with clients.

·      Identify and describe the purpose of a code of ethics. Identify and describe the purpose of Standards of Practice specific to massage therapy.

·      Identify confidentiality principles related to massage therapy

·      Identify common ethical situations in massage therapy and strategies to effectively resolve ethical issues.

·      Identify and design effective methods for time management, client scheduling, and maintenance of the work environment.

·      Outline an employment strategy, including short and long-term professional goals

·      Create, maintain and identify legal requirements for retaining client, financial and tax records.

·      Demonstrate knowledge of federal, state and local regulations as they pertain to massage therapy practice.

·      Identify the elements of effective job search and marketing materials (such as resumes, brochures, business cards).

·      Identify and discuss common methods of marketing for massage therapy.

·      Identify strategies to develop and maintain a client base.

·      Discuss the value of ongoing education and skill development as a professional

·      Describe methods for identifying advanced training programs to enhance performance, knowledge and skills.

·      Identify the role of professional associations for massage therapists.

Supervised Student Practice Clinic (100 hours)

In this clinical practicum, students will apply their training and develop their skills through instructor-supervised practice of massage and external therapies.

Final Examinations of Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skills:

The final examinations of this certification course include:

·      Demonstrate accurate theoretical knowledge through written examinations

·      Demonstrate competency in skills through practical examinations

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Shang Shung institute School of Tibetan Medicine P.O. Box 278 Conway, MA 01341 secretary@shangshung.org P: 413-369-4928 F: 413-369-4473