Introduction to Massage Therapy
At Caribe Zen Holistic Learning Center, we provide supportive, hands-on education that blends theory with practice in a serene setting. Our holistic curriculum prepares students to thrive as skilled, compassionate massage therapy professionals.
Massage Theory
Hands-On Practice
40-Hour Immersive Training Schedule
Instructor: Roxana Brown Loew Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica Schedule: 10 Days | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Lunch Break: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Day 1: Introduction to Massage & Body Mechanics
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Course Overview
9:30 – 10:30 AM: History & Benefits of Holistic Massage
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Ethics & Professional Boundaries
11:30 – 12:30: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Body Mechanics & Self-Care for Practitioners
Day 2: Anatomy & Basic Techniques
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Overview of Muscular & Skeletal System
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Common Tension Areas & Contraindications
11:30 – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Hands-On: Basic Hand Techniques (Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction)
Day 3: Full-Body Swedish Massage Routine
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Flow of a Full-Body Massage
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Hands-On: Back & Neck Massage Techniques
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Hands-On: Client Draping & Professionalism
Day 4: Deep Tissue & Pressure Point Therapy
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Understanding Fascia & Trigger Points
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Hands-On: Deep Tissue Techniques (Upper Body)
11:20 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Working with Specific Ailments (Back Pain, Headaches)
Day 5: Wellness & Integration Day (Optional)
Today is a gentle pause in your learning journey. No classes are held, giving you space to relax, process, and recharge.
You’re welcome to spend the day resting at the beach, journaling, or exploring Puerto Viejo at your own pace.
Optional wellness activities include:
- Guided jungle hike
- Sound bath
- Visit to a local waterfall or cacao farm
- Spa treatments or bodywork sessions
Let this day be yours — whatever your body and spirit need most.
Day 6: Massage for the Lower Body & Reflexology
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Leg & Foot Massage Techniques
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Introduction to Reflexology
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Hands-On: Foot & Hand Reflexology
Day 7: Self-Care for the Massage Therapist
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Body Mechanics & Injury Prevention
• Proper posture and stance while giving massages
• How to prevent wrist, back, and shoulder strain
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Stretching & Strengthening for Massage Therapists
• Essential stretches for flexibility and muscle recovery
• Strengthening exercises for endurance
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Energy Management & Stress Relief
• Breathwork techniques for focus
• Self-massage techniques for hands, wrists, and arms
• Relaxation techniques for emotional balance
Day 8: Rest & Rejuvenation Day (Optional)
Take this opportunity to unwind and enjoy a slower rhythm. No classes are scheduled today, allowing you to reflect, integrate, and simply be.
Recommended options for the day:
- Beach time, snorkeling, or hammock lounging
- Cacao ceremony
- Optional massage exchange or yoga class
This day is about celebrating how far you’ve come — mind, body, and heart.
Day 9: Hands-On Practice & Peer Feedback
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Partnered Full-Body Massage Practice
• Each student gives and receives a full-body massage
• Focus on flow, transitions, pressure, and technique application
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Peer & Instructor Feedback Session
• Students provide constructive feedback to partners
• Adjustments based on client comfort and effectiveness
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:00 – 3:00 PM: Final Hands-On
• Refinement & Troubleshooting
• Open practice session to refine techniques
• Instructor guidance to improve rhythm, posture, and pressure control
Day 10: Final Review, Practice & Certification
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Final Massage Practice
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Instructor Feedback & Corrections
Lunch Break
12:00 – 2:00 PM: Graduation Ceremony & Certificate Distribution
Tuition Fees
Tuition Cost: ₡480,000 per student, inclusive of learning materials, supplies, and meals. For more information, visit our tuition fees page.
Advance Your Wellness Knowledge
Join Caribe Zen Holistic Learning Center to enrich your skills with advanced massage therapy techniques. Enhance your expertise and make a meaningful impact in the field.