Founded in 1996, the American Spa Therapy Education & Certification Council (ASTECC) features theoretical and practical instruction in three major disciplines: Hydrotherapy, Soft Tissue Therapies and Chemical Elements.  Composed of 12 individually certified components, ASTECC’s 271 hour post graduate training provides therapists with the integrative tools to effectively implement individualized, result oriented spa treatment programs. ASTECC is accredited by NCBTMB as a Category A CE provider(#049736-00)

In addition to the spa therapy core curriculum, ASTECC offers Spa Estheticians post graduate training in Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Clinical Aromatherapy and Connective Tissue.

ASTECC Spa Management courses include Fundamentals of Spa Management (32 hours) and Spa Management & Leadership (32 hours).

SPA THERAPY CURRICULUM
HYDROTHERAPY

The Principles of Hydrotherapy and Thermalism
A discipline as old as spa itself, hydrotherapy is the foundation of modern spa services. The two day course examines the mechanical and biochemical principles of water, the therapeutic benefits of hot and cold applications and the influence of temperature on the circulatory system. Practical training includes instruction in Sauna, Steam, Whirlpool, Cold Contrast, Vichy Shower, Compress Applications and basic tub treatments.
(16 CE hours)

Thalassotherapy
The principle of thermal constancy and the innumerable heath benefits of the marine climate are explored with special emphasis on the use of mineral rich seawater and marine plants in spa treatments. Practical training includes instruction in algae, salt and water treatments including Balneo Therapy, Marine Wraps, Salt Glo and local applications. (24 CE hours)

The Principles of Mud and Fango (Peloid Therapy)
Considered the ‘living matter’ of our planet, mineral rich peloids (muds and clays) are effective in the therapeutic treatment of common ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, general detoxification, cellulite reduction, and muscular aches and pains. The course examines the physio-chemical characteristics of muds and clays, their biologically active compounds, and the role of temperature and penetrability in treatment. Practical training includes instruction in localized and general treatments including Parafango, Poultice Therapy, and various wraps. (16 CE hours)

Thermastone
Slow and deliberate in application, Stone Therapy utilizes warm and cool river stones to create a deep and penetrating massage. Based on the hydrotherapy principle of thermalism, Stone Therapy promotes tissue integrity, cleansing, deep relaxation and the balancing of the body’s energy. Training includes instruction in chakras, stone placement, and structured routines for spa treatments. (18 CE hours)
SOFT TISSUE THERAPIES

Reflexology
A rebalancing technique corresponding to the anatomy and physiology of organ function, reflexology is based on the principle the entire body may be accessed through specific reflexes. Rooted in ancient healing practices, reflexology addresses the body’s energy imbalances and serves as an adjunct to other spa modalities in determining a comprehensive spa treatment plan. Practical instruction emphasizes thumb and finger placement and structured routines for spa treatments. (16 CE hours)

Aroma-Reflex Therapy
Drawing from both oriental diagnosis and constitutional analysis, this aromatic inspired, light touch therapy explores the connection between the emotional and physical body. Essential oils are introduced as the medium for treatment and re-balancing. Practical instruction emphasizes the specific application of ‘constitutional’ oils along reflex pathways. (24 CE hours)

Connective Tissue
Based on the theory of dermatome reflexes, Elizabeth Dicke’s Connective Tissue method identifies and alleviates areas of compromised and congested tissue. Particularly suited for the treatment of circulatory problems (e.g., cellulite, spider veins and fluid retention) connective tissue massage promotes deep relaxation while addressing the somatic body. Practical training focuses on analysis and treatment skills and includes routines for the abdomen, lower back, and legs (20 CE hours)
 
DR. VODDER'S MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE (MLD)

A precise, light-to-touch therapy recognized by both the international spa and medical communities, Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is the perfect spa rejuvenation therapy. Lecture details the anatomy and physiology of the lymph vessel system and the body’s transportation system. Practical training includes instruction in MLD treatment techniques and protocols for individual body parts. Offered in four components, candidates are awarded both ASTECC credit and Dr.Vodder School of North America certification.

A. Basic Neck and Face
Easily incorporated into a repertoire of basic skin care, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) encourages the elimination of metabolic waste while accelerating the flow of fresh oxygen and nutrients. Lecture details the basic anatomy and physiology of the lymph vessel system, MLD’s effects, indications and contraindications. Practical training includes instruction in neck and face routines. (20 hours)

B. Basic Body
Lecture details the anatomy and physiology of the lymph vessel system, the body’s transportation system, and fluid balance. Practical training includes instruction in MLD techniques and protocols for each body part. (40 CE hours)

C. Advanced Neck and Face
Designed to broaden understanding of the lymph vessel system and to introduce specific therapeutic techniques, Advanced Neck & Face focuses on skin rejuvenation and the treatment of common conditions such as acne, rosacea, pre and post cosmetic surgery, and kin irritations. (20 hours)

D. Advanced Spa Body
Focusing on the specific use of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in both a leisure and medical spa setting, this course concentrates on treatment protocols for pre and post cosmetic surgery, dermatological indications, celluite, fluid retention, trauma and lifestyle disorders. Prerequisite: Basic Body. (50 hours)
CHEMICAL ELEMENTS

Biochemical Elements
Understanding the biochemical elements of the human body and its relationship to food, environment and climate in the development of the human constitution is an essential component of spa education. Students learn to identify the links between general constitutions and the corresponding elements found in spa treatments – links which bear considerable influence in the selection and the efficacy of spa treatments. (16 CE hours)

Selecting the Right Treatment: Consultation and Treatment Program Planning
Drawing on the ASTECC curriculum and serving as a practical workshop, students evaluate body types, general constitutions and medical histories to determine appropriate spa treatments and home regimes. As the final component of the spa therapy curriculum, students are assigned case histories and are instructed to develop a spa treatment plan based on the content of the ASTECC curriculum. On the third and final day of the course, students are administered both a written and practical exam. Successful candidates are awarded ASTECC Certification. (24 hours)

ESTHETICIAN CURRICULUM
 
ASTECC     Palm Beach Gardens Florida   (877) 900 0086   (561) 624 3448   Fax (561) 832 6642