When you think of massage therapy, what comes to mind? At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute, we see massage as part of an overall wellness journey. Our massage therapy program is rooted in Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing systems in history. This practice is centered on the belief that health and wellness can be achieved when the mind, body, and spirit are balanced as one. The Ayurvedic system isn’t the only thing that makes our massage program stand out. To get a better idea of what makes our massage therapy program so special, we talked to Liz Aigner, a massage educator at our Denver campus.

Liz Aigner with Brad Van Dyke and Amanda of Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

Shaping Well-Rounded Massage Therapists

Before coming back to Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute in 2016, Liz Aigner was a lead licensed massage therapist and manager at a massage studio in downtown Denver. While she held this position, she noticed that many massage therapists had gaps in their knowledge. This propelled her to pursue massage therapy education at Aveda. “I knew that going into teaching would help me mold, facilitate space, and create a new generation of talented, sufficient massage therapists,” she says. “I knew this could change the landscape of excellence in bodywork and massage practitioners.”

Our Massage Curriculum

The Aveda massage program is one-of-a-kind. With its focus on holistic wellness, the curriculum incorporates anatomy, physiology, and guest customization techniques. This 600-hour program teaches multiple modalities so students can learn the various types of massage. To make sure every student gets the support they need, we keep our class sizes small and offer one-on-one attention. In addition to normal classes, we provide master classes to enrolled students and alumni. These advanced courses take the curriculum to the next level, with techniques like fire cupping and Thai massage. “Aveda sets up students so they can enter into any niche they feel drawn to,” Liz says. “Spas, wellness centers, chiropractic practices, gyms, yoga studios, and rehab facilities. We set up a solid foundation for students so they can decide what fits their style best.”

Practicing fire cupping.

A Focus on Wellness

If you’re interested in healing and wellness, massage therapy could be a great choice for you. “As people, we don’t get enough human touch,” Liz says. “Healers of all practices benefit from educating society on the power of touch, the importance of a healthy body, creating a quiet and calm mind, and opening the spirit through healthy touch.” Liz also says that one of the most important things massage therapy students can learn in our program is the act of self-care. “When we take care of ourselves, we have the stamina to take care of our guests, family, and friends,” she says. “This program is meant to open you up to new experiences and self-exploration!”

Start Your Massage Therapy Journey

Massage therapy can be a great choice for those who are flexible, compassionate, and dedicated to wellness. With continuous chances to grow, it’s a career path with plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. To learn more about applying to our program, contact Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute today! We offer massage therapy at our Provo and Denver locations. We’d love to help you pursue your goals in health and wellness.