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
