There are 10 A&P lessons and a selection of pathologies that we will cover.
Each looks at a different part of the body, starting at the head and moving downwards. It's not presented in the typical system by system way, but introduces aspects of each system where they are relevant and reviews and expands them when we meet them again.
For example, we have a (very) short introduction to endocrinology when we look at the brain, hypothalamus and pituitary on lesson 3, but delve into more details, types of hormones, their feedback loops, etc, when we get to lesson 4 and the thyroid, and the adrenals in lesson 8. Similarly for aspects of the blood supply - we mention key vessels when relevant, re-cover that when we do the heart in lesson 5, then add in more vessels on lessons 8, 9 & 10 when we get to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.
Topics in each lesson:
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Introduction: anatomical language, body components, the cell, tissues, organs
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The Head: bones of the cranium, joints, muscles, TMJ, meninges, ventricles & CSF
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The Brain: structure of the nervous system, nerves, endocrine system, special senses, blood supply
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The Neck: bones, joints and blood supply, hyoid, pharynx, thyroid, neck muscles
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The Thorax: bones & muscles, respiratory system
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Heart & cardiovascular system, blood & lymph
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The Shoulder & Arm: bones, joints, muscles, movements, physiology of bones & muscles, fascia
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Digestive abdomen: Function & physiology of organs, getting fuel in and wastes out, peritoneum
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Posterior Abdomen: urinary & reproductive systems, adrenals, endocrine functions
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The Pelvis and Lower Limb: bones, muscles, nerve & blood supply, joints of hip, knee, ankle
Phew! Look at all that! We think that covers the start of what you need to know.
It will give you approx 85 contact hours (approx 70 by recorded video, 15-20 live online, plus extra consolidation study for a recommended 3-5 hours a week.)
It is equivalent to a level 3 / 4 qualification (and then some to be honest) honed to give you what you will need as budding cranial or other hands-on bodywork practitioners.
Of course, there is always more, and you will continue to broaden and deepen your knowledge as your training progresses. But we feel this is a good start. The pieces of written work to be completed and the exam give you the impetus to help you find your own inventive ways to absorb it all - and prove to the world that you did!
It is intensive. Students often say "when you said it would be intensive I didn't realise you meant 'intensive'!" You will need to have time each week to go over and learn the information that we have presented. But they also say it is very rewarding. And those that are studying CranioSacral Therapy too are really well prepared when they start their hands-on training.
And it will be fun - I promise!