Rhythmical Massage Therapy Training

A two-and-a-half-year professional training in Anthroposophic Rhythmical Massage Therapy

Registration for this course is currently closed as the course is in progress. To express interest in a future cohort, please contact: registrar@emerson.org.uk

Duration

24 August 2024 -
16 October 2026 (10 modules)
 

Cost

From £9,000

Format

Part-time modular professional training

Location

Emerson College

Start date

24th August 2024

 

Accreditation

IKAM (International Coordination of Anthroposophic Medicine) – Diploma recognised by the Medical Section at the Goetheanum

Course overview

This is a part-time, professional training delivered over ten modules across two and a half years. The course is taught in international English and is open to international students.

The Rhythmical Massage Therapy (RMT) training is currently in the IKAM accreditation process. Upon successful completion, participants receive a diploma recognised by the Medical Section of the Goetheanum, Switzerland.

About Rhythmical Massage Therapy

Originally indicated by Dr Ita Wegman, Rhythmical Massage Therapy is an Anthroposophic medical therapeutic practice. Training as a Rhythmical Massage Therapist develops:

  • Practical mastery of rhythmical massage techniques
  • A deepened understanding of the human being in health and illness
  • Insight into both conventional medical science and anthroposophic spiritual science
  • The ability to recognise each patient’s unique biography and life situation
  • An approach to illness as an opportunity for transformation and growth

A central aim is to stimulate the natural healing forces inherent in the human being.

RMT integrates scientific, artistic, social and spiritual insights into an individualised therapeutic approach.

Anthroposophic medicine, developed by Dr Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman, extends conventional medicine with a holistic, human-centred understanding of health, illness and healing.

Who the course is for

This training is for practitioners with a bodywork qualification, such as:

  • Massage therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Osteopaths / Chiropractors
  • Doctors
  • Acupuncturists
  • Reflexologists (ITEC)
  • Nurses

Applicants should have completed – or be in the process of completing – a training recognised by a regulating organisation such as GCMT.

If you are not currently qualified, you may contact the team to discuss suitability.

The course is open to UK and international students.

What you'll learn

Learners will develop:

  • Mastery of Rhythmical Massage Therapy forms and techniques
  • A deepened understanding of human physiology, anatomy, and biology
  • An integrated anthroposophic view of health and illness
  • Awareness of the human being as a three-fold and four-fold entity
  • Skills in medicinal plant studies and healing oils
  • Understanding of contra-indications and professional ethics
  • First aid basics and professional standards
  • Effective communication skills
  • Awareness of clinical placement and employment opportunities

This training supports practical competence, personal development, and therapeutic insight.

Course Structure

The course provides a comprehensive foundation in Anthroposophic Medicine and Rhythmical Massage Therapy.

Programme summary:

Throughout two and a half years, students will:

  • Study the healthy human being (conventional and anthroposophic perspectives)
  • Explore health and illness dynamics
  • Learn the fundamental movement forms of RMT
  • Deepen massage qualities to suit specific illness pictures

Curriculum includes:

  • Rhythmical Massage: techniques & applications
  • Human anatomy, physiology & biology
  • Three-fold & four-fold human organisation
  • Inner organs & body systems
  • Twelve senses, four elements, seven life processes
  • Embryology
  • Medicinal plant studies
  • Knowledge of medicinal substances and oils
  • External applications & hydrotherapy
  • Anthroposophic studies & Inner Path development
  • Professional & personal development
  • Artistic exercises
  • Case studies & presentations
  • Inter-modular essays
  • Year-long project
  • Daily practical technique sessions

Teaching Methods

  • Lectures & demonstrations
  • Hands-on learning in groups of three (Receiver, Doer, Observer)
  • Tutorials & mentoring
  • Group discussion
  • Artistic practice
  • Individual study & assignments

Students are expected to keep a personal learning journal throughout the course.

Faculty

Course leaders:

  • Aoine Landweer-Cooke
  • Shashi Seedheeyan 

Entry requirements

Applicants must provide:

  • A recognised qualification in bodywork therapy
  • If not qualified, you may contact the team to discuss your situation
  • A 500-word personal statement explaining your motivation
  • A CV
  • A completed Health Statement
  • One written reference (non-family member)
  • A scan of the passport information page

Fees & funding

Option 1- Payment in full:

£9,000

(£9,500 total fee with a £500 reduction when paid upfront)

Option 2 - Instalment plan:

£9,500 total

£500 deposit

Three payments of £3,000 (dates arranged individually)

How to apply

Applications for this cohort are now closed.

For future interest:

  • Complete the online application form
  • Upload all required supporting documents

By applying, applicants confirm that:

  • They understand RMTT is a hands-on training, and they are willing to give and receive massage respectfully
  • They are responsible for their own wellbeing
  • They commit to the structure and aims of the training
  • They understand that habitual drug or alcohol use is incompatible with the course
  • They will inform the team of any cultural or religious considerations relevant to training

For any questions about applying, please contact registrar@emerson.org.uk

Progression

Learners receive:

  • Certificate of Attendance throughout the programme
  • Diploma (post-accreditation) from the Medical Section at the Goetheanum

Graduates must:

  • Join the Rhythmical Massage Therapy Association (RMTA)
  • Undertake regular CPD courses

This training prepares practitioners for work in:

  • Anthroposophic clinics and hospitals
  • Private therapeutic practice
  • Holistic health centres
  • Integrated care settings

 

Registration for the course is closed

Need more information?

``