Home Study CE Course for Massage & Bodywork Therapists (NCBTMB)
4 CE Hours
A NEW Continuing Education Course Now Available
The cranial nerves are components of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) that originate in the brain and manage neurological control and communication of important bodily functions. They innervate the special sensory organs, bringing information from the receptors of vision, hearing, olfaction, and taste to the brain for processing. They provide general sensory input (temperature, pressure, pain) from the face, throat, and ears. They innervate the motor nerves for the muscles of facial expression and two important muscles of the neck and provide autonomic stimulation of various glands and smooth muscle including the coordination of digestion, respiration, and cardiac function.
Massage and bodywork can affect the cranial nerves in a variety of ways, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. When we work on the face and head, we may be applying pressure or massage strokes to branches of the cranial nerves.
Techniques applied to the neck can influence the client’s blood pressure by stimulation of two of the cranial nerves. Abdominal massage, shiatsu, and visceral manipulation send feedback messages to the brain via one of the cranial nerves that can significantly alter the function of the digestive organs, diaphragm, and heart. Craniosacral therapy can have direct effect on the cranial nerves by releasing restrictions in the internal membrane system and sutures of the skull.
Massage and bodywork therapists will often see clients who have symptoms that may result from problems of the cranial nerves. Symptoms reported by the client or observed by the therapist may be due to dysfunctions of the cranial nerves, and necessitate referral to a physician. It is important to recognize indications and contraindications for massage & bodywork that may be related to the cranial nerves. When these situations are recognized, appropriate therapeutic decisions can be made, including the decision NOT to provide body therapy at that time, and/or to refer the client to another health care provider.
It is widely known that massage can reduce stress symptoms, lower pain, improve sleep, and many other benefits, some of which may be the result of techniques which directly or indirectly stimulate the cranial nerves or their branches.
Course Materials consist of two audio CD's and course manual with instructions and quiz.
1. Name the 12 pairs of cranial nerves
2. Describe their general anatomy and the importance of the cranial nerves in human physiological functioning.
3. Identify the most important function(s) of each cranial nerve.
4. Recognize the symptoms or dysfunctions that may result from disease or injury to the cranial nerves, and the related contraindications for bodywork.
5.Describe how massage and bodywork can affect each of the cranial nerves, including massage or bodywork techniques and acupoints that can influence them. Participants may focus on the techniques and modalities for which they have training and use in their practices.
Evaluation: The participant will complete an open-book quiz covering the course material with at least 75% correct responses. Upon successful completion of the exam, a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to the participant.
Order The Cranial Nerves Home Study Course
How it Works:
1. Print and fill out the Order Form (or send your info via email, or call to order)
2. Mail it with your check for $50 (payable to Sunny Cooper) or pay electronically with a credit card via Paypal
3. Receive your course materials by postal mail (2 Audio CD’s and Course Manual)
4. Listen to the CD program as you follow along with the manual
5. Complete the open-book quiz and the course evaluation
6. Send your answers to Sunny Cooper by email or postal mail
7. Receive your graded responses and Certificate of Achievement by postal mail
Email your Questions sunny@lifecircles-inc.com or call Sunny at 801-645-4730
Sunny Cooper is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider. NCBTMB Provider # 024433-00; NCCAOM Provider # ACHB-333.
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