Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork

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You are here » Home / Faculties & Programs / School of Integrative Health / Eastern Therapies and Bodywork

The Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork (ETB) is a 1026-hour (4 semesters) program that provides in-depth training in the disciplines of Traditional Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Marmatherapy and Yanumoja Yogatherapy.

The ETB diploma program is comprised of 4 unique components, the first 3 of which - Foundations of Yogatherapy, Traditional Thai Massage and Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Marmatherapy - can be taken as independent certificate programs. At the onset, students may enrol in any independent certificate program or may apply for admission into the full Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork. The diploma-specific coursework is an additional semester that integrates all disciplines and applies them to the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease.

Eastern Therapeutic practitioners recognize 3 layers of being: the physical, the energetic (systems, pathways and elements) and the spiritual (heart consciousness). The physical is addressed through diet and herbs, as well as touch, pressure, movement and the manipulation of tissues, organs, joints and various other systems of the body. The energetic is addressed through working with the various energy systems, pathways and elements. The spiritual is addressed through awareness, resonance, intent, visualization, meditation and ritual.

This program is delivered over 4 semesters of 3 months each in length. At the onset, students may enrol in any independent certificate program or may apply for admission into the full Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork. The diploma-specific coursework is an additional semester that integrates all disciplines and applies them to the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease.

The following courses comprise the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork. All courses must be completed for a student to be eligible for graduation with a Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork. Students must complete the General Introduction and all 3 certificate programs in order to be eligible for the fourth and final component: Integrative Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork. Please see Study Options below for more information.

General Introduction		Total Requirements
Foundations in Eastern Therapies and Bodywork		1.2 credits	18 hours
	During this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Eastern Therapies and Bodywork with specific attention to Indian, Chinese and T'ai indigenous medicines. This course offers an introduction to the theoretical principles and the history of spirituality and medicine. Both energy medicine and healing are defined, and basic energetic anatomy is explored, all through a comparative approach of Yogic, Ayurvedic, Thai and basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) systems.


Total		1.2 credits	18 hours

Foundations of Yogatherapy		Total Requirements
Yogatherapy Foundations		0.6 credit	9 hours
	In this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Yogatherapy as they explore the history of yoga and therapeutic yoga and delve deeply into yogic philosophy (e.g. Classical vs. Tantric, 8 Limbs in Yogatherapy, Yanumoja, and journeywork and themes).




The Yogic Body, East and West		3 credits	45 hours
	Students learn Eastern and Western anatomy as it relates to Yogatherapy. They integrate anatomy, indications and contraindications through experiential learning strategies and explore theory and application of alignment principles, hands-on corrections, modifications, restorative postures and chair yoga. Equal weight is given to Yogic Energetic anatomy and Western anatomical perspectives.
Breath and Meditation: Theory and Techniques		1.2 credits	18 hours
	In this course, students explore theory and practice techniques of breath and meditation. They learn diagnosis and therapeutics as they relate to breath and meditation, integrating knowledge of energetic systems, brain functions, and physiological affects of various techniques.
Yogatherapy: Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Facilitation		8 credits	120 hours
	This course gives students an in-depth opportunity to develop practical skills of facilitation, diagnosis, and therapeutic application and planning through peer practice, case studies and public clinic.
Technique Hours		4 credits	60 hours
	Students of yoga and Yogatherapy continually deepen their skill development through regular practice and application of the various techniques and principles. Throughout the duration of the program, students maintain both a documented weekly yoga practice in classes and at home.
Total		16.8 credits	252 hours

Traditional Thai Massage		Total Requirements
History of Thai Medicine and Massage		0.6 credit	9 hours
	Students learn the general background and cultural context for Thai massage with a deepening of the historical connections of Thai medicine to TCM, Ayurveda and Yoga. As well, students study the significance of Indigenous Medicine (Shamanism) and Buddhism to Thai Massage. In particular, students follow Thai Massage development from earliest historical records to modern day practice and have an in-depth historical connection to the Shivagokomarpaj Lineage.




Classic Routine		3 credits	45 hours
	This course introduces the 10 major Sen (meridians in the Thai tradition) with their names, locations, physical and energetic associations and functions. Students learn indications and contraindications in Thai massage as well as the 4 principles that govern application of the massage. Pressure application techniques and basic practitioner stances become the foundation for the physical work. From this foundation, students integrate the "classic routine" - a flow of movements, stretches and acupressure techniques that work the client's entire body from toes to head, front and back.
Practical Thai Massage (i)		4 credits	60 hours
	Students of Thai massage need to first master the movements and techniques learned in the classic routine, and then begin to apply them in clinic settings in order to deepen their understanding and application of the material. To help students integrate material learned thus far, this portion of the course is supervised practice with case studies.
Advanced Thai		3.2 credits	48 hours
	Students explore advanced energetic physiology, diagnostics and therapeutics in traditional Thai massage. In particular, this course focuses on advanced Sen theory - breaks and blockage in the Sen, energetic associations of each Sen and therapeutic options for clients. Students also learn intermediate and advanced Thai massage techniques.
Practical Thai Massage (ii)		6 credits	90 hours
	This course allows students to master the movements and techniques learned in the intermediate and advanced routines, and then apply them in clinic settings. This portion of the course is comprised of case studies and supervised practice on clients.
Total		16.8 credits	252 hours

Fundamentals of Ayurveda		Total Requirements
History of Ayurveda		0.6 credit	9 hours
	Students deepen their knowledge of history and learn the general background and cultural context for Ayurvedic Marmatherapy. In particular, this course focuses on the associations of Ayurveda and Marma healing to classic texts of Charaka, Shushruta and the Vedas.




Basic Ayurveda		2.8 credits	41 hours
	This course explores basic energetic anatomy in the Ayurvedic medicine system. Students also begin the life-long journey of pulse diagnosis and are introduced to basic Ayurvedic theory of dosha (physiological forces) management and the location, names and functions of Marma.
Practical Ayurveda (i)		2.4 credits	36 hours
	Students integrate and deepen their basic Ayurvedic theoretical and practical knowledge through supervised peer practice and case studies.
Intermediate Ayurveda Theory		3.6 credits	54 hours
	Intermediate Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology (sub-doshas, tissues, channels, Marma) are explored in this course. Concepts behind cleansing and rejuvenation therapy are introduced, and students learn the practical techniques of Marmatherapy oil massage.
Practical Ayurveda (ii)		2.4 credits	36 hours
	This course allows students to practice and integrate theory and techniques from Intermediate Ayurveda Theory through supervised peer practice and case studies.
Vital Energies of Plants		2.6 credits	40 hours
	Students learn the theory of plants as they relate to Ayurvedic energy medicine, and the application of plants in diet as well as external therapies. Students wild-craft plants and prepare medicated oils, pastes and poultices. Physical techniques are explored and include Pinda Sweda (one and two person massage) and Basti Deep Oil Well.
Practical Ayurveda (iii)		2.4 credits	36 hours
	This course allows students to practice and integrate theory and techniques from Vital Energies of Plants through supervised peer and client practice and case studies.
Total		16.8 credits	252 hours

Integrative Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork		Total Requirements
Health, Disease and Well-being		1.6 credits	24 hours
	Students learn and integrate the health and disease process, exploring physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. In particular, this course examines the disease process as seen through the eyes of Yoga (karma, chakras, nadis), Ayurveda (doshas, sub-doshas, pathways, tissues, channels, Marma) and Thai Shamanism and disease (phi, kwan, etc.).




Diagnostic Tools		3 credits	45 hours
	In this practical training component students learn and practice basic diagnostic tools in the Eastern Therapeutic traditions including tongue, pulse and Marma according to Ayurvedic models, touch diagnosis, observations, questions, intuition and Marma diagnosis.
ETB Practicum		2.4 credits	36 hours
	Case studies and supervised peer practice are used in this course to integrate theory on health, disease and well-being. Students also refine diagnostic tools and skills.
Integrative Bodywork		0.8 credit	12 hours
	This course enables students to approach the theory and application of the 3 traditions within Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork as an integrative practice. In particular, the course explores energetics of Yogatherapy as applied to Thai massage (e.g. Vayus, elements, heating/cooling, chakras), physiological impacts of Yogatherapy in Thai massage, and also Ayurveda and Marmatherapy as applied to Thai massage.
Ethics Through the Eyes of Yoga, Meditation, and Theravada Buddhism (Thai)		1.4 credits	21 hours
	This course is a practical exposure to traditional Thai and Indian ethics that guide the client/practitioner relationship. This is achieved through ongoing practices of ceremony and compassion-meditation as experiential examples of ethics as it relates to Eastern medicine. The course includes lectures and discourse on ethics from these vantage points.
Client/Practitioner Interactions		0.4 credit	6 hours
	In this course students develop and deepen client-practitioner interactive skills including the art of listening, record keeping, follow-up, boundaries, and transference and counter-transference.
ETB Clinic		7.2 credits	108 hours
	Students truly benefit from extended and in-depth supervised practice as they deepen techniques and skills in diagnosis, therapeutic application, follow-up and client interactions. This component includes case studies, peer practice, and client interactions in the clinical setting.
Total		16.8 credits	252 hours

The Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork is 4 semesters in length. New student intakes are in January, May and September, and all new students must complete the one-week General Introduction. Each of the 252-hour components serves as an independent certificate program. Upon completion of all 3 certificate programs (Foundations of Yogatherapy, Traditional Thai Massage and Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Marmatherapy), students are eligible to enrol in the final semester of Integrative Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork leading to a Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork. Students do not have to complete the certificate programs in any particular order to be eligible for the diploma program.

Students of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork can complete clinical training in PRC's on-campus Student Clinic.

Please click here for more information on Clinical Training at PRC.

The Diploma of Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork program equips students with an understanding of the meaning of "healing" and the sources of disease/illness/imbalance within the framework of energy medicine. Students learn Yogatherapy, Thai Massage, and Ayurvedic Marmatherapy in a comparative and complementary framework, including diagnostic techniques unique to each and tongue and pulse diagnosis. To facilitate the healing process in clients, graduates have the ability to determine how and when to apply (or not apply) each modality in a clinical setting, and how each modality complements the other.

Graduates of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork have a multitude of skills to draw on as practitioners, helping to create work opportunities in a variety of settings. Graduates may find work in the fields of sports injury/recovery, rehabilitation for injuries and post-surgical conditions, and general support for trauma, illness and disease recovery on physical, mental and emotional levels. Occupational settings may include spas and retreat centres, professional clinics, community health centres, sports and injury recovery centres and more.

Admission into the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork at Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis. Entering students must have a high school diploma or an equivalency test and all non-native English speaking applicants must demonstrate a mastery of written and spoken English. Any foreign applicant may be required to submit an official score report from an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Test System).

Pacific Rim College is determined to produce only the highest quality health practitioners. As a result, we reserve the right to admit only students who demonstrate the potential to achieve at the upper-most level. Applicants will be evaluated based on merits such as high academic achievement, emotional maturity, humanitarian activities, community involvement and health-related experience.

To apply for admission into the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork, please click on the button below. Upon favourable review of your application by our admissions committee, you may be contacted for an interview, which can be carried out via telephone if a person-to-person interview is not possible.

All successful applicants must submit a non-refundable enrolment deposit of $1000, which is credited toward tuition fees. Should a student decide not to enrol for the specific semester of study as stated in the application or registration form, the fee is forfeited and cannot be used to offset any charges that the student may incur. All accepted applicants must submit this deposit within 60 days of the published semester start date, or within 7 days if accepted within this time. Enrolment space will not be reserved without this deposit.

International students are welcome to attend Pacific Rim College and are encouraged to apply. Canadian law requires foreign students to have a valid study permit to study in Canada. Pacific Rim College provides international students with the necessary documentation to receive a valid study permit. In some cases students can apply for and obtain a permit upon entering Canada.

Canadian law requires that foreigners obtain a work permit for work within Canada during academic studies. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/ for more information.

The general program schedule for each component of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork is as follows:

Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT): May 2010 - August 2010
Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Marmatherapy (FAM): September 2010 - December 2010
Eastern Therapies and Bodywork (final semester of Diploma Program): January 2011 - April 2011
Traditional Thai Massage (TTM): January 2011 - April 2011
Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT): September 2011 - December 2011
Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Marmatherapy (FAM): September 2011 - December 2011

	Summer 2010 - FYT	Fall 2010 - FAM	Weekly Schedule
Orientation	May 3	September 7	All classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:45am-6:30pm with afternoon breaks.
General Introduction	May 3-7	September 7-10
First Class Day	May 10	September 13
Holidays	August 2 (BC Day)	October 1 October 9-12 (Fall Break)
Last Day of Class	August 6	December 10

	Winter 2011 - ETB	Winter 2011 - TTM	Weekly Schedule
Orientation	January 10	January 4	ETB classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. TTM classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Classes are from 8:30am-5:30pm with a half day on Friday.
General Introduction	NA	January 4-7
First Class Day	January 10	January 11
Holidays	February 14-18 (Reading Break), March 18	February 14-18 (Reading Break), March 18
Last Day of Class	April 13	April 14

Please click on the button below for the class schedule for the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork.

Full tuition for the diploma program is $14364. This equates to $3528 for each 16.8 credit component plus an additional $252 for the General Introduction component. The total tuition payment per semester is as follows.

Semester One	$3780*

Semester Two	$3528

Semester Three	$3528

Semester Four	$3528

*Includes 18-hour General Introduction.

Please click here for a description of Academic Fees.

Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork

Total Requirements

General Introduction
Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT)
Traditional Thai Massage (TTM)
Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Marmatherapy (FAM)
Integrative Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork

1.2 credits
16.8 credits
16.8 credits
16.8 credits
16.8 credits

18 hours
252 hours
252 hours
252 hours
252 hours

68.4 credits

This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. Please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans. Students must submit a paper application for student loans. The online application process is not available to PRC students at this time. Please print an application from the Canada Student Loans website or pick up an application from PRC or any other academic institution registered with Canada Student Loans.

For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.