Taken jointly, TIBIA’s Eastern Bodywork courses provide a comprehensive introduction to the meridian system and its underlying theory while offering innovative ways to integrate Eastern techniques and theory with Western techniques and perspectives. They include (in the order taught):
Eastern Bodywork 87 hrs specific to Eastern track
| Jing Acutouch: The Essence of Qi | 24 hrs | (included in both tracks) |
| Tender Touch: Tendino-Muscle Meridians | 20 hrs | |
| Meridian Massage: Organ Meridians | 48 hrs | |
| Core Connection: 8 Extraordinary Vessels | 19 hrs | |
| Total (excluding Jing Acutouch) | 87 hrs |
The Western Bodywork track includes advanced training in myofascial and other restorative techniques capable of addressing chronic pain and dysfunction. Students also develp their intuitive awareness and skill in supporting the clearing of energetic blocks, and they learn a specific technique for applying essential oils.
Western Bodywork 87 hrs specific to Eastern track
| Introduction to Myofascial Release | 24 hrs | (included in both tracks) |
| Myofascial Trigger Point Release | 24 hrs | |
| Integrative Myofascial Techniques | 24 hrs | |
| Advanced Restorative Techniques | 20 hrs | |
| Clearing Energy 1 | 8 hrs | |
| Raindrop Technique | 11 hrs | |
| Total (excluding Intro to Myofascial Release) | 87 hrs |
Every student takes the foundational courses of both tracks (Jing Acutouch: The Essence of Qi and Introduction to Myofascial Release). Students electing to take both Eastern and Western tracks have an additional 13 hours of Documented Individual Massages in their curriculum (practice massages done outside of school hours). This allows them to practice and integrate skills learned in both tracks. Taking both tracks thus involves a total of 775 hours (675 for one track + 87 for the second track courses + 13 additional DIM hours).
Both Eastern and Western tracks meet and exceed Wisconsin state requirements for students to become licensed massage and bodywork therapists.