Massage and Acupressure Techniques
Within the long-standing tradition of Eastern medicine, massage and acupressure have long been recognized as non-drug therapeutic methods with thousands of years of history and continued practical value in modern society.
Within the long tradition of Eastern medicine, massage and acupressure have long been recognized as non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches with thousands of years of history and enduring practical value in modern society. These techniques use the hands to stimulate acupoints and body tissues to promote circulation, relieve pain, support the management of various health conditions, and enhance overall well-being.
At the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Massage and Acupressure program is designed for individuals who wish to understand the scientific foundations of these techniques and apply them safely and effectively in community health care or pursue professional practice.
Course Objectives
The Massage and Acupressure program at the Academy of Medical Sciences is designed to equip learners with:
- Foundational and advanced theoretical knowledge of acupoints, meridians, and the principles underlying massage and acupressure.
- Strong practical skills and the ability to apply appropriate techniques safely and effectively.
- A sound professional mindset and attitude, including ethical practice and adherence to safety principles in health care.
- Practical applications for self-care, family care, or professional opportunities in traditional medicine, therapeutic spas, rehabilitation, and related fields.
Who Should Attend
The program is suitable for:
- Health care professionals, nurses, physical therapy and rehabilitation technicians, and practitioners of traditional medicine.
- Professionals working in spas, therapeutic centers, beauty and wellness facilities.
- Individuals interested in health who wish to learn how to care for themselves and their families.
- Individuals pursuing a career in non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches based on traditional medicine.
Program Curriculum
The Massage and Acupressure Techniques program at the Academy of Medical Sciences is designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in hands-on therapy based on traditional medicine principles integrated with modern scientific understanding.
Through the program, learners will develop an understanding of acupoints, meridian pathways, musculoskeletal anatomy, and the proper techniques of rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, and acupressure. The program is suitable for individuals who wish to become therapeutic practitioners, spa and wellness specialists, or family health caregivers using natural approaches.
This introductory module establishes a foundation in traditional medicine theory, the principles of qi and blood circulation, yin-yang and the Five Elements, and the role of acupressure in therapeutic care. Learners will also explore the history and classification of massage techniques as well as professional safety requirements.
- Lesson 1: Concepts, benefits, and historical development of massage and acupressure
- Lesson 2: Yin-yang and Five Elements principles in traditional medicine
- Lesson 3: Qi, blood, organ systems, and their relationship to the acupoint system
- Lesson 4: Hygiene, safety, and professional ethics
This module provides a modern scientific foundation in human anatomy, helping learners understand the relationships among muscles, joints, ligaments, and major body systems. This knowledge supports accurate identification of acupoint locations and helps reduce errors during therapeutic practice.
- Lesson 1: Basic anatomy of the musculoskeletal system
- Lesson 2: The nervous system and reflexes in massage
- Lesson 3: Circulation, respiration, and mechanisms of qi and blood flow
- Lesson 4: Locations and characteristics of important acupoints
Learners will study and practice fundamental techniques including rubbing, kneading, pressing, squeezing, rolling, tapping, and percussion across different areas of the body. The objective is to develop control of technique, hand pressure, rhythm, and sensitivity to the recipient's physical responses.
- Lesson 1: Principles of basic massage practice
- Lesson 2: Rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, squeezing, and tapping techniques
- Lesson 3: Full-body relaxation massage procedures
- Lesson 4: Common mistakes and corrective techniques
This module introduces specialized acupressure techniques for different body regions and therapeutic objectives. Learners will study accurate acupoint localization and learn to coordinate hand pressure and breathing to support circulation, relieve pain, and promote functional recovery.
- Lesson 1: Methods for locating acupoints
- Lesson 2: Acupressure techniques for the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Lesson 3: Acupressure techniques for the back, waist, arms, and legs
- Lesson 4: Full-body acupressure procedures
This advanced practical module introduces therapeutic protocols for common musculoskeletal, neurological, digestive, respiratory, sleep-related, and headache complaints. Learners practice using models and supervised live demonstrations under instructor guidance.
- Lesson 1: Acupressure protocols for neck and shoulder discomfort, back pain, and knee pain
- Lesson 2: Acupressure protocols supporting sleep, stress management, and fatigue
- Lesson 3: Supportive protocols for digestion, constipation, and abdominal discomfort
- Lesson 4: Integrating massage with herbal and heat-based approaches
Learners will explore how acupressure may be combined with traditional approaches such as cupping, herbal compresses, mugwort-based therapies, essential oils, and herbal foot soaks. The goal is to understand how complementary approaches may be integrated to support relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being.
- Lesson 1: Cupping, moxibustion, and herbal applications
- Lesson 2: Wellness practices incorporating essential oils and herbal steam
- Lesson 3: Principles of combining complementary therapeutic approaches
- Lesson 4: Safety considerations and contraindications when combining therapies
Learners will practice directly with live participants while following a complete client intake, consultation, and therapeutic care process. Instructors assess competency based on manual technique, procedures, professional conduct, and communication skills.
- Lesson 1: Practicing the complete client care process
- Lesson 2: Integrating multiple techniques in comprehensive therapeutic practice
- Lesson 3: Practical skills assessment and client feedback
- Lesson 4: Preparing for professional practice
Beyond technical skills, learners will develop the interpersonal competencies needed to become professional therapeutic practitioners, including client consultation, positive communication, trust-building, and long-term relationship management.
- Lesson 1: Client reception and consultation procedures
- Lesson 2: Listening skills and effective communication about therapeutic outcomes
- Lesson 3: Record management, appointment scheduling, and post-treatment care
- Lesson 4: Ethics, professional responsibility, and professional conduct
This module provides practical knowledge on managing therapeutic facilities, spas, and wellness centers, as well as building a personal brand and developing community health and wellness services. It prepares learners to practice professionally, establish their own services, or work within professional organizations.
- Lesson 1: Career pathways in natural and complementary therapeutic practice
- Lesson 2: Building a personal brand and therapeutic service offering
- Lesson 3: Management and operations of spas and therapeutic centers
- Lesson 4: Legal requirements and professional certification
Highlights of the Academy of Medical Sciences Program
A Trusted and Specialized Training Institution
The Academy of Medical Sciences is a leading institution in research, education, and the transfer of techniques in traditional and integrative medicine. Its programs are developed on scientific foundations, incorporate advances in modern medicine, and preserve the valuable traditions of Eastern medicine.
Experienced Instructors
The faculty includes physicians, traditional medicine practitioners, and therapeutic specialists with extensive experience in massage and acupressure practice and education. Learners receive practical instruction grounded in real-world experience and have opportunities to study clinical cases and professional practice.
| Instructor | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| MSc. MD. Bui Kim Nu | Rehabilitation Hospital for People with Disabilities and Occupational Diseases |
| MSc. MD. Dam Tuy Minh | Tay Ninh Hospital of Traditional Medicine |
Practice-Focused Training
A substantial portion of the program is dedicated to hands-on practice with live models and specialized training equipment. Learners develop manual skills, acupoint sensitivity, and techniques including kneading, pressing, acupressure, and gliding strokes across a range of therapeutic scenarios.
No Medical Degree Required for Admission
The program is open to learners without a medical background. The material is presented clearly and systematically, with comprehensive guidance from foundational to advanced levels, making it suitable for individuals who are motivated and committed to learning.
Teaching Methodology
The program follows a hands-on, step-by-step teaching approach that includes:
- Visual instruction: instructors use diagrams, acupoint illustrations, and anatomical models to explain concepts clearly.
- Technique demonstrations: each massage and acupressure technique is demonstrated directly by instructors using live models.
- Group learning and feedback: learners practice in pairs or groups, review each other's techniques, and make corrections under instructor supervision.
- Simulated clinical scenarios: learners are guided through realistic situations to strengthen flexible and practical application skills.
Career Opportunities After Completion
After completing the program, learners may:
- Work in traditional medicine clinics, wellness centers, and therapeutic spas.
- Establish home-based massage and acupressure services or provide individual and community-based wellness services.
- Integrate complementary techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, and therapeutic massage to develop broader therapeutic competencies.
- Continue advanced training to become a Traditional Medicine Therapeutic Specialist or Integrative Health Coach at the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- Providing high-quality training with a strong emphasis on professional ethics.
- Updating the curriculum according to emerging research and international trends.
- Providing learners with learning materials, practical training models, and close progress monitoring.
- Offering career guidance and connecting learners with employment networks in the health and wellness sector.
Course Information
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Learning format: on-site training at the Academy of Medical Sciences or a blended model combining online theory with in-person practical training
- Tuition: reasonably structured, with installment support available for learners facing financial difficulties
- Intake: new cohorts open monthly; early registration is recommended to secure a place
Enrollment
If your only goal is to obtain a basic vocational training certificate to meet legal requirements for practicing Massage and Acupressure, there are hundreds of low-cost training options available, with fees starting from approximately VND 1,500,000. However, if you have a greater ambition—to build a sustainable, professional, and distinctive career; develop a clear competitive advantage beyond conventional standards; and move beyond simply being permitted to practice toward a higher level of professional excellence and international standards—then few institutions are as well suited as the Academy of Medical Sciences.
At the Academy of Medical Sciences, you will receive structured knowledge, access modern training methods, and practice according to standardized procedures. You will also be inspired, develop sharp professional thinking, and build a confident professional practice style. Supporting you throughout the journey is a dedicated faculty with extensive practical experience and strong teaching expertise—professionals who do more than teach you how to practice; they guide you toward building a confident, purposeful, and sustainable career.
We do not simply provide a training program; we create a long-term development journey that helps you build personal credibility, strengthen professional competence, and establish a distinctive therapeutic brand. Choosing the Academy of Medical Sciences is a first step toward a different future—where the structured investment you make today becomes a sustainable advantage tomorrow, and where the aspiration to become an accomplished natural therapeutic specialist begins to become a reality.
Course Schedule
| Course | Massage and Acupressure Techniques |
| Start Date | 12-08-2026 |
| Session | Mon–Wed–Fri Evening |
