Holistic Massage Diploma Level 4

This 11 month practitioner course comprises of 6 two day weekends (Sat-Sun) and 5 three-day weekends (Fri-Sun). There are two intakes a year in September and February in Bristol.
This living, vibrant style of massage practice and theory includes: detailed massage techniques for the whole body, stretches and mobilisations, body image and body reading, dynamic and safe body use for the practitioner, subtle energy; including the aura and chakras, professionalism, grounding, meditation and self-awareness and personal development work, ethics, first aid, client handling, practice management and business skills. Anatomy, physiology and pathology is taught in a practical, hands-on way and always closely related to massage practice.
There are many opportunities for students to practise and develop their massage practice throughout and after the course, including taking part in student clinics, the graduate clinic and supervision sessions.
Pictured are the HMD lead tutors Jeremy Dymond and Sarah Mclellan.
Find out more about Holistic Massage at BCMB
Sports and Remedial Massage Diploma Level 5

This course is taught in Bristol over 12 months of 3 two day weekends, 7 three day weekends and a final day to complete the course. There is one intake a year in September.
The course provides students with an in-depth knowledge in how to manage a wide range of muscle and joint related problems. This includes integrating a variety of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation skills as well as covering the more specific area of competitive sports.
Key emphasis is placed on integrating applied anatomy and physiology, with clinical skills and practical techniques through case-scenario and group work. The tutors also teach good body mechanics and safe practices for the practitioner in using their own body. There many are opportunities for practise throughout the course, including the student clinics. The course also offers support for practice, business and personal development issues.
Find out more about Remedial and Sports Massage at BCMB
Pictured are SRM tutors Adam Carter and Tim Bartlett.
Indian Head Massage Certificate Level 3

This course is taught over five days in three months in Bristol, including theory and practical exams as well as assignments and written case studies. There are two intakes a year: one in Bristol in the autumn and one in Worcester in the spring.
Indian Head Massage draws from the Ayurvedic system of healing and has been used in India for over 1,000 years. It has evolved further in the West and is typically given as a seated treatment lasting 20 - 40 minutes. It includes massage to the upper back, neck, arms, head, scalp and face. Specific techniques aid deep relaxation, reduce stress and aim to restore physical and psychological balance.
The course covers: the history and background of IHM, effects of different massage techniques, client-centred treatments including client consultations, advanced techniques and preparation and self-care, relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology, Ayurvedic practice and chakras, and oils and their use with scalp massage. Unlike many courses, the tutor doesn't simply teach a routine: they teach an extensive range of techniques that practitioners can draw on according to client needs.
Students will also have the opportunity to work in the graduate clinic after qualifying to help build their experience and practice.
Pictured is IHM and Worcester lead tutor Sarah Cohen.
Find out more about Indian Head Massage at BCMB
Introductory Workshops
BCMB offers two day introductory workshops in Holistic Massage (Bristol and Worcester) and Thai Massage (Bristol only) aimed at people who are considering professional training, or who want to gain some massage skills to use with family and friends.
Find out more about Introductory workshops at BCMB
Continuing Professional Development
BCMB offers a wide range of in-house advanced workshops including Chair Massage, Massage and Pregnancy, Hands Free Massage, 3D Side Lying Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Acupressure and Reflexology for Massage Practitioners. It also holds regular Massage Practice Days with the lead tutors for those who wish to refresh or deeper explore their technique.
A number of visiting experts (some non-MTI) come to BCMB to run their own courses:
- David Lauterstein: co-founder of Lauterstein-Conway Massage School, Austin, Texas and author of ‘The Deep Massage Book’;
- Darien Pritchard: founder of Dynamic Massage, pioneer of hands-free massage techniques and author of ‘Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for the Massage Therapist’ and ‘Dynamic Bodyuse for Effective, Strain-Free Massage’;
- Ruth Duncan: Founder of Myofascial Release UK, author of ‘A Hands on Guide to Myofascial Release’ and winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award to the Industry, 2014;
- Rosalie Samet: Founder of Hawaiian Massage UK Training Centre.