Equine Merishia Massage
Canine Merishia Massage
Our equine and canine accredited practitioner massage courses run regularly in Oxfordshire and Somerset.
The Merishia massage method incorporates non invasive, yet effective, deep tissue mobilisation techniques for the body and limbs. These techniques aim to ease tension in the muscles and aid movement in the joints to improve sports performance, general comfort and wellbeing.
On completion of the dog or horse massage courses, graduates will be able to:
- Differentiate the role of the massage therapist from veterinary requirements, and work in conjunction with veterinary advice
- Analyse the needs of the animal prior to, and during the massage session, in relation to the case history, health, functional anatomy, behaviour and performance
- Assess behavioural responses to touch, and use this information to safely handle and work with the animals. Select and accurately apply the most appropriate massage and mobilisation techniques to benefit the animal, and provide a suitable program of after care / follow up sessions
- Utilise practical experiences, research and business planning to develop as a successful animal massage practitioner
The equine and canine massage courses both comprise of 6 units. Each course includes the following units:
Unit 1: Home study with a content of 60 topic areas includes:
This is posted to the student on enrolment. It includes: benefits of massage; Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology; Symptoms of spasm; Causes of spasm; Prevention of spasm; Gait analysis; Aftercare advice; Legal implications; Contraindications; Massage strokes; Stretching exercises; Treatment procedure and much more. There are questions and practical tasks to be completed within the home study pack.
Unit 2: Practical Tutorial in Functional Anatomy: This day covers the skeleton, muscle anatomy and function, plus palpation skills. Students are guided through practical exercises to enhance learning with regards to functional anatomy, including chalking anatomical features on live animals. The canine day includes some handling techniques, and a section produced by a professional canine trainer and rehabilitation therapist.
Unit 3: Initial Massage Tutorial (based the on Swedish Massage routine): This tutorial day provides students with a simple and effective Swedish massage routine, and includes taking a client history, assessment, contra-indications, the massage strokes, simple stretches and aftercare advice, enabling students to return home to practice a full Swedish routine, and work on case studies and reports.
Unit 4: Further Skills Tutorial (incorporating mobilisation techniques) Students explore movement analysis in more detail, learn how to assess and mobilise joints through the limbs, neck and back, plus further stretches and massage techniques.
Mentoring session: This is a one to one half day session that provides the student with the opportunity to ask questions, go over techniques, review theory and run through a guided full assessment and massage, including client education and after care.
Unit 5: Practical Tutorial in Additional Holistic and Deep Tissue Techniques: This practical day covers some extra release techniques from nose to toes/ hooves, including assessments for atlas and pelvis, cranial work, rib releases, and further mobilisations amongst others. The afternoon includes an information practical assessment.
Unit 6: Setting up a Business and Marketing (online section): Students are provided with the key information and skills to produce a business plan for running a small business. This section can be completed prior or after the final practical tutorial.
Resources and assessment: Each unit includes practical booklets, additional information, videos, homework and revision tests, which can be accessed via the online student resource section of this website. Homework (case studies, research projects, evidence of practice and reports) can be uploaded to be marked by the tutor. Students should allow around 30 hours of practice, study and home work time per unit. Both informal and formal assessments will take place during the practical tutorial days.
Enrolment:
For further details, availability of spaces and the enrolment form, please contact Jo Rose at joroseholistic@yahoo.co.uk.
On completion: Those who have completed the practical days and homework competently will receive a level 4 Diploma practitioner certificate from UK Rural Skills and Rose Holistic Therapies and Training, which allows them to practice as a Merishia Massage therapist. Insurance can be gained through Balens Ltd.
It is recommended that students and graduates become members of the Association of Merishia Therapists. This governing body provides current standard of practice guidelines and codes of conduct, and maintains links to the wider industry so that we are informed and inline with any changes in standards or veterinary requirements.
Please note, unless exceptional circumstances, fees can only be refunded 3 months prior to the first practical date if a replacement student can be found, and if course materials can be returned in a state that can be used by others. On commencing the practical days, deposit fees are unlikely to be refunded.
Further Continued Professional Development:
We run a variety of equine and canine courses, including Equine Stretching and Mobilisation, Equine Myofascial Release, Equine TTouch, Holistic Saddle Fitting, Canine Reflexology, Canine Rehabilitation and Strengthening, Equine and Canine TTouch. Please contact for more details, or visit the diary page for upcoming courses.