Course Dates
Course Location
Acupressure Massage 6 Month Diploma Course
OutlineReturn to Top ↑
The course is based on seven Sunday sessions (9.30am to 5.30pm) spread over 6 months.
It is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists that want to broaden their knowledge and further their skills. The emphasis of the course falls on the practical application of acupressure massage as treatment for variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.
The course includes a general theoretical part - the first three sessions, providing sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Acupuncture Meridian System and the points used in acupressure for common musculo-skeletal problems, as well as practical diagnosis of common pathology and therapeutic principals of TCM and acupressure. The remainder of the course covers the specific treatment for each of the different areas of the body with demonstration, explanation and individual practical work.
Theoretical examination is done by continuous assessment. For the practical examination, the students are required to carry out a full body acupressure massage in real time, demonstrating ability to diagnose, plan and execute an adequate treatment. The practical examination takes place 2 weeks after the end of the course. Those, who successfully pass are awarded a Diploma in Advanced Acupressure Massage.
Successful students are accepted as Acupressure Members of the Acupuncture Society, and are entitled to use the initials MAcSAp after their names.
The annual membership to the Acupuncture Society is £50.
Course ContentReturn to Top ↑
Course Objectives
- To give usable theoretical knowledge of the Acupuncture Meridian System - the 12 main meridians and the 8 extra meridians, the action, location and practical application of their principal points.
- To put in practical context Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of acupressure treatment. Musculo-skeletal and nervous systems - organisation and function on body level. Posture, gravity and weight bearing - the forces, which determine the way the body is designed and the way it functions.
- To understand the pathology of injury, the real meaning of pain and the different types of pain - blood and energy stagnation type; damp, cold, heat or wind type; deficiency of energy type.
- To develop the ability to diagnose:
- by interrogation - asking the relevant questions
- by observation - body shape, posture, movements
- by palpation - the muscles and bones of the affected areas as well as the related points and meridians
- To master the practical application of acupressure for the most common musculo-skeletal problems - neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist; groin, knee and ankle problems. To become a confident and proficient practitioner through correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient stimulation using finger pressure. To develop a real understanding of the concept of "arrival of Qi" and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation.
Course ModulesReturn to Top ↑
I - III: - Theoretical lectures
- Introduction to acupressure massage
- demonstration of a full body acupressure massage with explanation
IV: Morning
Back of leg
- 30 minutes theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
Afternoon
Lower back and hip
- 30 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
V: Morning
Upper back and neck
- 30 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 45 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
Afternoon
Revision practical work - the back of the body
- 20 minutes revision on the covered theory
- 180 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
VI: Morning
Upper extremities: shoulder, elbow and wrist
- 90 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 120 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
Afternoon
Lower extremities: knee, ankle, groin and shins
- 20 minutes theory - anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment
- 60 minutes demonstration with explanation
- 90 minutes practical work in pairs
- 10 minutes discussion - questions & comments
VII: Morning and afternoon
Revision practical work - the whole body
Admission RequirementsReturn to Top ↑
The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists. The applicants must have completed at least an ITEC level (or equivalent) previous course in massage. Adequate Anatomy & Physiology knowledge is essential.
FeeReturn to Top ↑
The cost of the course is 550.00.
It includes:
1. Seven 7-hour sessions
2. Copies of the theoretical lectures
3. Acupressure textbook
4. Exam fees and Diploma
5. Membership certificate to the Acupuncture Society
(upon paying the annual membership fee)
(Please note that course fees are non-refundable)
TutorReturn to Top ↑
Dragomir Lubomirov FAcS MPCHM
Vice Principal of the College of Chinese Medicine
Chair of the CCM Academic board
Dragomir studied with Dr Lee at Fook Sang College and later at The College of Chinese Medicine with Paul Robin he has been teaching and practicing TCM for over 15 years.
He practiced at the Gateway clinic at Brixton hospital and worked with John Tindall gaining experience in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis C and other chronic conditions.
He has wide experience with arthritis, back, neck, shoulder, hip and knee problems; treating menopausal symptoms; varicose veins and other blood circulation problems; heart disease; high blood pressure and stress related conditions. He has a special interest in the use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, which has shown encouraging results in his practice.
Dragomir lectures at the College of Chinese Medicine and is also a specialist TCM consultant at the Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine
Application FormReturn to Top ↑
Please submit this form and the course tutor will respond to your email to inform you of whether you have been accepted. If you have any queries about this course please contact
Dragomir on 07976253682 or email: dragomirl@btinternet.com
Acupuncture Society membershipReturn to Top ↑
Successful graduates from this course can apply for membership of the Acupuncture Society are entitled to use the abbreviations MAcSAp after their names the society can also arrange professional indemnity insurance at a very competitive members preferential rate
all members must be insured and log 15 hours of CPD per year (8 hours courses/seminars/workshops and 7 hours home study/research)
Acupuncture Society Application Formif they join the Society and adhere to its code of ethics rules and regulations and supply copies of their insurance.
Acupuncture Society members are exempted from Local Authority Licensing in many areas including Greater London please check with your local authority.
The annual membership to the Acupuncture Society is £50