Academy of Somatic Healing Arts :: Norcross

7094 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071

Vibrant career in health and wholeness

The Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA) strives to graduate well-trained, highly skilled, marketable massage therapists that are prepared for a successful future in restoring people to health and wholeness. ASHA graduates are Certified Massage Therapists and are prepared for and eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination. Because of a strong clinical focus, ASHA-trained massage therapists have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist in artfully healing bodies. And because of the interdependence of body, mind, and spirit, healing bodies inevitably has a healing effect on the mind and spirit, as well.

Comprehensive technique curriculum

Jim and Becky Gabriel founded ASHA with a vision to add Neuromuscular Therapy to massage training because this form of pain relief and injury treatment had healed Jim when nothing else seemed to work. The Gabriels committed to creating better massage therapists through a more comprehensive technique curriculum that included Swedish, Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy. Students receive a massage table and all supplies needed to become a Certified Massage Therapist. Graduate studies are also offered to become a Certified Somatic Therapist, an advance massage therapist who focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Student services and resources

The underlying principles in ASHA’s approach to student services and resources is courtesy and respect, with an open door policy that encourages students to speak with faculty and staff to offer feedback or discuss concerns. ASHA provides all textbooks for courses, with supplemental books, supplies and equipment like oils and lotions available in the bookstore. ASHA staff is available to advise and assist students upon request, and offers an active job placement service with contacts at local and national companies placed on the ASHA opportunity board. Usually there are more job opportunities posted than there are graduates seeking jobs.

Unique Wellness Center

ASHA’s Wellness Center is both a student clinical and a holistic health center. In the student clinic, massage students in the basic program practice the therapeutic massage techniques they are learning in class. In the holistic health center, a team of health professionals works to create a more ideal pattern of relationships between the health professions, with a goal to better serve people’s healthcare needs. Initially, students focus on providing relaxing, therapeutic Swedish massage. Later in their training, students are equipped to provide neuromuscular therapy for pain relief and injury treatment, as well as clinical sports massage for posture correction and structural balancing.