Holman Insurance Brokers Ltd. recognizes many modalities and therapies for Fitness Trainers and Instructors and other Holistic, Complementary and Alternative Healthcare field.
Discipline (D) is training in a stand-alone modality, while Specialization (S) requires a discipline-level of training in another modality for some educational components. This list however not exhaustive and is being updated regularly.
Under our insurance program, these therapies fall under different categories for rating. Either A, B or C. This is constantly being updated. Some therapies maybe insured under separate Holman exclusive programs such as TCM.
A
Active Release Technique (S) - Cat B
Active Release Technique applies specific myofascial release methods to rapidly treat musculoskeletal pain,
stress, and restrictions, caused by damage, injury, or repeated stress to the myofascia. Extremely efficient
and effective, some discomfort may be experienced from this fast-acting deep-tissue myofascial work.
Acupressure (D/S) - Cat C
Acupressure is based on the Chinese meridian system. It uses stimulation of a specific point or points to
correct the energy flow within the meridians. Release of muscular tension is often part of the treatment.
Correction of the energy flows can have general or specific therapeutic effects on any or all systems of the
body. Requires min 2000 hours of related training or license.
Alexander Technique™ (D) - Cat A
Alexander Technique™ is an educational process that helps the client achieve greater awareness of their body.
This results in more effective and efficient use of their body. Combined with hands-on treatment this prevents
or helps recovery from tension, pain, postural and structural imbalances, and repetitive use injury.
Amma/Anma Massage (D) - Cat C
Amma/Anma massage is based on ancient touch principals like acupressure, massage, and reflexology. Balance and
harmony in energy flow is sought using pressure to ah shui points and massage techniques to the tissues. It is
applied to clothed clients for relaxation through to all conditions caused by improper energy flow.
Applied Kinesiology™ (S) - Cat C
Applied Kinesiology™ uses a variety of assessment and treatment techniques, including muscle testing, meridian
therapy, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, cranialsacral based techniques, nutritional counselling,
and reflexology to treat a wide variety of conditions and energy imbalances.
Aromatherapy (D/S) - Cat B
Aromatherapists can assess and support the treatment of or enhance a variety of physical and mental conditions
through careful selection of quality plant essential oils (not flower essences). Some may use lymph drainage or
relaxation massage as part of the application.
Aston-Patterning™ (D) - Cat B
Aston Patterning™ is a holistic and integrated system of movement education, soft tissue massage techniques,
ergonomic and fitness analysis and adaptation. The goal is to release the lines and spirals of stress or damage
in the body, lessening pain and leading to greater ease and performance in movement.
B
Body Talk™ (D) - Cat C
Body Talk™ practitioners use a system of muscle testing to coordinate and balance the energetic communication
of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of the body. Based on the answers given by the
body through the muscle testing, the practitioner can focus in on specific balances.
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy™ (D) - Cat B
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy™ is focused on treatments using the complex system of trigger points used (often in a
more superficial manner) in massage therapy. These trigger points are the locus which, when released, cause the
release of the muscle in spasm or tension. Treatment includes corrective execises.
Bowen Technique™ (D/S) - Cat B
Bowen Technique™ addresses the body as a whole unit rather than only presenting symptoms. Bowenwork consists of
a series of gentle rolling, connective tissue moves. The Body’s Autonomic Nervous System responds to the work,
allowing the body to restore itself to it original blueprint. The technique addresses the musculoskeletal
framework, fascia, nerves, and internal organs.
Brain Gym™ (D/S) - Cat B
Brain Gym™ uses movement to accelerate learning and enhance performance. They are done as sets of exercises
that help coordinate and integrate the two hemispheres of the brain, and can be done on their own or integrated
with other therapies.
Brandon Raynor Massage™ (D) - Cat C
Raynor Massage is a system of bodywork developed by Australian trained Naturopath Brandon Raynor. It covers not
just the muscles of the body but also the skeletal system and the subtle energy systems of the body. Another
important concept of Raynor massage is that the source of some of the residual tension in the body can be from
emotional or stress related reasons. We believe in the well accepted Eastern medical theories that the physical
body is a gross manifestation of a subtle body composed of life force and emotions and other subtle energies.
We refer to this life force as chi or prana. A blockage or disruption in the flow of chi or prana will cause an
area of the physical body to become tight, blocked or forced out of position in the case of the bones.
C
Chair Massage (D/S) - Cat C
Chair Massage, also known as On-Site massage, is a specific, effective de-stressing massage and
acupressure-based treatment done with the client fully clothed in specially-developed massage chairs that can
be taken into almost any professional, public, or private setting. Sessions range from 10 minutes to an
hour.
Cranial Sacral/CranioSacral Therapy (D/S) - Cat C
Cranial Sacral Therapy begins by assessing the effects throughout the body of restrictions to the flow (pulses)
of the cerebral spinal fluid. A variety of very gentle treatment techniques applied both directly and
indirectly release the body’s connective tissues restrictions, and optimize the cerebral spinal fluid flow.
CranioSacral Therapy was further developed and specialized from the osteopathic cranial sacral therapy by the
osteopathic doctor, Dr. Upledger.
D
Dayana Technique (S) - Cat B
Dayana Technique is a specialization for massage therapists. It combines the ideas and techniques of Esalen
massage, myofascial release, Lomi Lomi , Qi Gong, and energy work, to produce a blend that encourages massage
therapists to get the most out of the therapeutic benefits of a whole-body approach.
Dietietion (S) - Cat B
A dietitian is a health care professional who focuses on proper food and nutrician in
order to promote good health. They supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets,
participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits
E
Edu-K™ (D/S)- Cat B
Edu-K™ – Educational Kinesiology, (Edu-K) stands for Learning through movement. Edu-K is used to assist clients
to unlock their potential by formulating goals and finding out what is internally blocking the client from
reaching his/her goals. Specialized techniques are used to diffuse the blocks, creating a bridge for new
learning or action.
Energy Work (D/S) - Cat B
Energy Work encompasses work that is done by modulating the frequency of the practitioner’s energy (by thought
or by “channeling” other sources) which in turn can modulate or entrain the client’s energy. Sometimes used for
assessment, it will balance or increase the client’s energy flow, fostering healing and relaxation.
Esalen™ (S) - Cat B
Esalen™ Massage has three interrelated aspects: gentle flowing strokes or kneading to open and release tension;
passive joint movement to enhance well-being; and a good client-therapist interaction to encourage conscious
awareness. Good for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, energy release or balance.
Emotional Freedom Technique (D) - Cat B
A technique derived from the concept of energy meridians in the body, similar to acupuncture used in Eastern
medicine and incorporating psychotherapy to reach emotional issues that may have caused a disruption in the
energy of the body.
Useful for a very broad range of issues from physical pain, emotional issues, limiting beliefs, dealing with
stress and, in some cases, chronic disease.
F
Feldenkrais™ (D) - Cat B
Feldenkrais™ stimulates the nervous system’s innate self-organizing abilities through sensory motor activities,
freeing us from habitual patterns and allowing new patterns of thinking, moving, and feeling to emerge. It
opens the exploration of the biological and cultural relationships of learning, thought, and
movement.
H
Healing Touch™ (D/S) - Cat B
Healing Touch™ is an energy-based approach to health and healing. These non-invasive techniques use the hands
to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields thus affecting, facilitating, and
harmonizing the client’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and healing.
Hellerwork™ Structural Integration (D) - Cat C
Hellerwork™ Structural Integration focuses on the connective tissue patterns of the body. Either an
individually tailored programme or an 11-part series, it uses a three-pronged approach of gentle deep tissue
bodywork with associated dialogue and movement education. Good for injury and repetitive strain
treatment.
Hurley/Osborn Technique™ (D) - Cat B
Hurley-Osborn Technique™ is a soothing, non-force, non-invasive form of healing. Its aim is to correct postural
distortions and promote vitality and good health. It does so by realigning the body through light touch to key
contact points, releasing tension, strain, and fatigue.
I
Infant Massage (D/S) - Cat C
Infant Massage is not paediatric massage (massage on infants). Rather it is participatory courses in which a
parent learns simple massage techniques to do with their own infants to deepen the parent-child connection,
learn health giving and relaxing massage and stretches, and manage some childhood discomforts.
J
Jin Shin Do® Acupressure (D) - Cat C
Jin Shin Do® (“The Way of the Compassionate Spirit”) is a unique synthesis of Japanese acupressure techniques,
Chinese acupressure theory, Reichian segmental theory, Taoist philosophy and Qigong exercises. It identifies
tension points associated with common physical problems and with distressing emotions. Is also referred to as
Body Mind Accupressure®.
Jin Shin Jyutsu® (D) - Cat B
Jin Shin Jyutsu® is based on a formalization of energy healing traditions in Japan. Jin means “Art”; Shin means
“Creator”; and Jyutsu means “man of knowing and compassion”. It is an energy-balancing art that adjusts the
flow of energy through the body by focusing on the 26 “safety energy locks” or key regulation points of the
body energy flow.
L
LEVA (S)- Cat B
LEVA is a specific machine recognized by Health Canada that is used in clinics to augment massage therapy,
physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments through carefully-modulated microcurrent stimulation of muscle and
connective tissue. The specific pulse waveform is gentle, and stimulates healing in the area.
Lomilomi (D) - Cat C
Lomilomi is a flowing, vibrant, and deeply relaxing full-body massage. It enhances all areas of one’s health,
well-being, and self-awareness by bringing harmony to body, mind, and spirit. The techniques use hands and
forearms in long fluid strokes of varying rhythm and intensity up, down and all around the body.
M
Manual Lymph Drainage (D/S) - Cat B
Manual Lymph Drainage improves health and manages certain pathologies by improving the flow of the lymphatic
system through light touch massage. It can reduce swelling and have analgesic effects. Some therapists are
trained to help manage lymphedema (congenital / acquired), wounds and other skin pathologies.
Massage Therapy (D) - Cat C
Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues (primarily muscle and connective tissue) of the body.
It strives to achieve balance and health in the body by affecting the body’s systems. Massage can significantly
accelerate the healing process by having a positive affect on the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Maternal Massage (S) - Cat C
Maternal Massage is a specialized focus of massage therapy, sometimes with other added techniques, applied to
treat the discomforts and stress of pregnancy, and maintain optimum health and muscle-tone throughout the
pregnancy, birth, postpartum and nursing period.
Mitzvah (D) - Cat B
Mitzvah is described by its founder as “involving the head, spine, and pelvis in a dynamic relationship, which
with every movement of the pelvis, activates a neural defence mechanism enabling a body to completely exercise
itself while realigning and rebalancing with gravity”.
Myofascial Release (S) - Cat C
Myofascial Release uses gentle stretching to focus on pain or restrictions in the connective tissue that exists
three-dimensionally continuously through the entire body. It relies on sensory feedback of, and subsequent
response to, the restrictions in the connective tissue perceived by the therapist.
Myomassology (D) - Cat B
Myomassology is a wholistic branch of massage therapy, that teaches the integration of massage, chair massage,
lymphatic drainage, reflexology, acupressure, and energy work. Practitioners also have the choice of several
other elective therapies of interest to better support the client wholistically.
N
Nathuropathy (D) - Cat C with restriction
Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine based on a belief in vitalism, which posits that a special
energy called vital energy or vital force guides bodily processes such as metabolism, reproduction, growth, and
adaptation. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holisitc approach, and, like conventional medicine seeks to
find the least invasive measures necessary for symptom improvement or resolution, thus encouraging minimal use
of surgery and unnecessary drugs. The scope of practice varies widely between jurisdictions, and naturopaths in
unregulated jurisdictions may use the Naturopathic Doctor designation or other titles regardless of level of
education. For Ontario ND's this program covers Diagnostic
& Therapeutic procedures only as defined by BDDT-N. Special Certification coverage is
available under another program with Holman Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Neuromuscular Integration (D) - Cat C
Neuromuscular Integration is based on the work of Ida Rolf. While practitioners learn classical Rolfing
techniques, they also learn lighter touch, and are taught more flexibility in approach. Neuromuscular
Integration also includes emotional/psychological integration techniques to aid in the reintegration of body,
mind, and spirit.
Neuro-Linguisitic Programming NLP (D) - Cat A
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to psychotherapy and organizational change based on "a model
of interpersonal communication chiefly concerned with the relationship between successful patterns of behaviour
and the subjective experiences (esp. patterns of thought) underlying them" and "a system of alternative therapy
based on this which seeks to educate people in self-awareness and effective communication, and to change their
patterns of mental and emotional behaviour".
O
Onsen™ (S) - Cat C
Onsen™ is a combination of three treatment techniques based on fundamental myofascial treatment philosophies.
The three components, muscle energy technique, post isometric relaxation, and transverse friction massage, are
used together to balance the myofascial system, releasing stress and pain in the body.
Orthobionomy (D) - Cat C
Orthobionomy is an osteopathically-based form of body therapy. By gently exaggerating the body’s preferred
postures using movement and body positions the practitioner facilitates the change of stress and pain patterns
and engages the body’s self-correcting balance, healing and alignment process.
Orthotherapy (D) - Cat C
Orthotherapy uses massage therapy, stretching, joint mobilization, exercise therapy, postural assessment and
basic nutritional counselling to ease muscular pain or stiff joints caused by tension and stress, imbalance in
connective tissues, muscles or joints, tissue damage, or systemic problems.
Osteopathy (D) - Cat C with restrictions
Osteopathy applies the knowledge of the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the
body, to all diseases, disorders and dysfunctions. Osteopathic manual practitioners use their hands and
provide a gentle “manual” approach, consistent with the osteopathic philosophy, to
identify the causative factor of the problem and restore order to all of the systems: musculoskeletal,
respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, or nervous system.
P
Pilates (D) - Cat B
Pilates method exercise involves a series of exercises and breathing patterns that place intense concentration
on the internal core muscles with the goals of improving balance, coordination, muscle length and tone,
reducing pain and the chance of injury. It strives to create harmony and balance in people’s lives.
Polarity Therapy™ (D) - Cat C
Polarity Therapy™ is a comprehensive system involving energy-based physical bodywork, diet, exercise and
self-awareness, focused on the client’s mental, emotional and physical experience. It seeks to find and release
energy to normal flow patterns, and to maintain the energy field in an open, flexible condition.
Postural Integration™ (D) - Cat C
Postural Integration™ is a physical bodywork technique providing for the integration of an individual’s
physical, emotional and mental (cognitive) aspects. This technique uses tissue manipulation to explore and
release postural patterns leading to the subsequent release of negative emotional and psychological patterns or
behaviors.
Psychotherapy - Cat A
Psychotherapy, or personal counseling with a psychotherapist, is an intentional interpersonal
relationshiop used by trained psychotherapists to aid a client in problems of living. It aims to
increase the individual's sense of their own well being. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on
experiential relationship building,dialogue, communication and behaviour change that are designed to improve
the mental of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family).
PSYCH-K® (D) - Cat B
Your life is a reflection of your beliefs. These beliefs – usually subconscious – are the cumulative effect of
life-long "programming." As a result of past negative programming, we sometimes think and behave in
self-defeating ways. PSYCH-K® provides a user-friendly way to rewrite the "software" of your mind by changing
beliefs that limit you into beliefs that support you... quickly and easily.
Q
Qigong (D) - Cat B
Qigong (chi kung) teachers teach and refine a practitioners application of the relaxation, strengthening, and
inward training exercises. A combination of moving, stationary, and breathing exercises, qigong modulates the
body energy (Qi), for increased strength, resiliency, vitality, and resistance to illness and
stress.
R
Rebalancing (D) - Cat B
Rebalancing – Rebalancing is wholistic bodywork which aims to release the energy held in the body/mind as a
result of physical and emotional injury and the inevitable conditioning of the world.
Reflexology (D/S) - Cat C
Reflexology is based on the ability to cause a healing stimulation of one body part or organ (a reflex
response) by stimulation of a specific point or points on distant parts of the body. Most common is foot
reflexology, where points on the foot are worked to reflex non-foot body organs. You may find hand and ear
reflexologists.
Reiki (D/S) - Cat B
Reiki means Universal Life Force energy. The receiver lies clothed while the giver gently places their
Reiki-emitting hands in various positions on the head and body with the intention of enhancing and restoring
both balance and healing to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. It is very
relaxing.
Rolfing® (D) - Cat C
Rolfing® is done either as an individually tailored programme or as a 10-part series, using deep tissue
bodywork to release the whole-body connective-tissue stress patterns that prevent optimal functioning in
gravity. Good for injury and repetitive strain treatment. Rolfing technique application has become more
gentle.
Rosen Method™ (D) - Cat B
Rosen Method™ bodywork encourages physical and emotional awareness through working with muscle tension. The
practitioner facilitates the relaxation process through awareness, touch, and words, In moments of deep
relaxation, long held feelings and memories from the past may surface and be released from the body.
Reconnective Healing® (D) - Cat C
This is an entirely new, more comprehensive spectrum of energy healing than has ever been attainable up to now.
It reconnects us with the fullness of the universe as it reconnects us to the fullness of our beings and who we
are. Healing is a return to balance. Every health challenge is a combination of physical, mental, spiritual and
emotional issues. Although healings may not always be what we initially want or expect, they are always what we
need in the moment and are often dramatic and instantaneous.
S
Shiatsu (D/S) - Cat C
Shiatsu Therapy is a manual therapy developed in Japan in which the therapist primarily uses the thumbs and
palms of the hands as the means of effecting therapeutic changes to the energy systems of the body. Shiatsu
Therapy is based on the Eastern Medical model in which Ki, or life energy, is believed to flow through pathways
or meridians in the body. The flow of Ki regulates our physical, mental, and emotional well-being and plays an
important role in human physiology and pathology, as well as the prevention and treatment of illness. Shiatsu
therapy is used to bring into balance all systems of the body and to promote health and healing.
Spa/Body Wraps (S) - Cat C
Spa/Body Wraps are gentle mixtures (often a paste) of a various types of clays, muds, salts, herbs, essential
oils, milks, or other organic compounds. Once applied, the client is warmly wrapped, and allowed to relax.
Depending on the mixture, the wrap can have cleansing, detoxify, relaxing, or stimulating effects.
Specialized Kinesiology (D) - Cat C
Specialized Kinesiology uses muscle resistance as an indicator of the nervous system/energy response to a
variety of specific stimulations. These can be the presence of materials, response to questions, or reaction to
thought or energy. Treatment may use further muscle resistance, energy work, or other therapies.
Sports Massage (S) - Cat C
Sports Massage therapists have a special interest in the needs of professional athletes, and people that
regularly participate in sports. The two main aspects are conditioning and injury prevention work, and
rehabilitation should injury occur. Usually approached through massage, exercise and stretching
programs.
Stone Therapy (D/S)- Cat C
Stone Therapy is a type of massage that uses either heated or chilled round, smooth stones that are placed on
key points on the body. The stones are also used by the therapist to massage the body and transfer the heat or
cold to the client. Stone Therapy recognition requires discipline-level training in a pre-requisite modality.
Please contact the NHPC Credentials Department for a list of qualifying pre-requisite modalities.
Structural Integration™ (D) - Cat C
Structural Integration, a close relative of Rolfing, is done either as an individually tailored program or as a
10-part series, using deep tissue bodywork to release the whole-body connective-tissue stress patterns that
prevent optimal functioning in gravity. Good for injury and repetitive strain treatment.
T
Tai Chi Instructor (D) - Cat B
Tai Chi instructors help practitioners polish the Tai Chi forms which are based on 4000 years of Confucianism
and Taoism philosophy. Tai Chi work on many levels: physical conditioning of strength, flexibility, and
resilience; mental focus and clarity; and creating proper flow and balance of the Chi throughout the
body.
Thai Massage (D/S) - Cat C
Thai Massage developed over 2500 years ago from meridian theory and Ayurvedic medicine which was brought to
Thailand. The stretches and strokes, done to clothed clients on floor mats or low tables, open the joints and
stimulate blood flow. At least 104 postures, from yogic origins, are used.
Therapeutic Touch™ (D/S) - Cat C
Therapeutic Touch™ is a simple system of energy healing developed by the nurses Delores Krieger and Dora Kunz.
The practitioners centre their own energy, then proceed to assess and smooth out, balance, and energize the
recipient’s energy field. One of the first energy therapies openly used in medical settings.
Touch for Health™ (D) - Cat C
Touch for Health™ uses muscle testing to determine imbalance in the muscles and organs. Practitioners then use
muscle manipulation techniques, acupressure-like treatments, lymphatic massage, some basic cranial sacral
therapy moves, and perhaps nutritional or herbal counselling (if so trained) for treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM(D/S) - can be insured under another Holman exclusvive
program
This covers a broad range of traditional practices spread thoroughout Asian including various forsm of herbal
medicine, accupunture, massage therapy and dietary therapy. The common thread among these diverse practices is
a system for balancing the various functions of the body, based in Daoist principles of yinyang and otehr
metaphysical belief systems. These practices are a common part of medical care throughout East Asia but are
considered alternative health care in western care or Canada.
Trager® (D) - Cat C
The Trager® Approach is a system of movement re-education and bodywork promoting health and freedom of
movement. Treatment facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity; it is used
for health maintenance, rehabilitation, and pain management and relief.
Trigger Point Therapy (S) - Cat C
Trigger Point Therapy utilizes compression, stretch, and hydrotherapy to release active, tightened, or referred
trigger points that that create pain in muscle tissue. The area of pain could extend from or be some distance
from the active trigger point or points.
Tuina (D/S) - Cat C
Tuina combines soft-tissue massage, acupressure, and other manipulation techniques that realign the
musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships. The focus is to help the body heal itself through the harmonious
Qi flow that results from the work on muscles, pain sites, acupressure points, and energy meridians.
V
Visceral Manipulation™ (S) - Cat C
Visceral Manipulation™ is a manual therapy that focuses on improving the function of the internal organs and
their associated environment and influence. It uses specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the
normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connection tissues.
W
Watsu (D) - Cat C
Watsu is derived from shiatsu in its theory and general approach. However, it has been developed specifically
for application in a water environment, and uses a number of flowing, rocking, extension and cradling motions
and patterns to relieve stress, return joint mobility, and movement fluidity.
Whole Brain Integration™ (S) - Cat B
Whole Brain Integration™ helps integrate communication of the brain’s right and left hemispheres through
cross-body exercises. Proper integration enhances cognitive, physical, and mental abilities, while reducing
stress and difficulties (e.g. learning or hearing) arising from dis-coordination of the brain
hemispheres.
Y
Yoga Instructor (D) - Cat B
Yoga instructors teach an ancient form of Vedic philosophy and exercise for body, mind, and spiritual balance
and growth. Almost 5000 years old, the poses and breathing/meditation combine to relax, stretch, and tone the
body, while calming the mind and nervous system. A number of different forms exist.
Yoga can include any of the following: Anti-Gravity Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Asanas Yoga, Aqua Natal Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Dance in Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Hot Yoga, Inversion Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Moskha Yoga, Prananyama Yoga or Yoga Bugs.