CORE CONCEPTS AND SKILLS (SK1) maximizes future learning experiences with Biovalent® Systems classes and is a prerequisite class for for Advanced Connective Tissue, Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations and Lower Extremities, Manual Perception 1 and 2, Hand Skills/Practical Integration, Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1 and 2, Circulation 1, Visceral and Cranial Dynamics,and the Mentorship Program.

Class Prerequisites: None. (Familial, self-care providers or clients with major health issues may request permission to take this class.)

Course Description and Purpose: Designed to introduce licensed body workers to Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy, a safe, gentle and highly efficient method of helping clientele towards optimal health, this class emphasizes the utilization of the wisdom of the client’s body. Students receive tools they can immediately put to use in their practices, along with an advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology, which greatly enhances their understanding of how the body functions, vital to any manual therapy practice. This class prepares students for continued studies in Biovalent® Systems classes, by offering educational experiences from several different classes, including Manual Perception, Biomechanical Regulators, Physical Energetic Interface and Connective Tissue Regulators (second and advanced level courses), in lieu of multiple prerequisites.

Therapists find patterns of tension and work with only what the body indicates needs help, in a way the body can easily incorporate that assistance, seeking only balance in the client’s body. Core Concepts also introduces students to the unique way in which the hands are used in this modality. Medical descriptions of biomechanical dysfunctions of the body are included, and a review of anatomy for future classes is covered.

Course Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

• Locate topographical anatomical landmarks of musculoskeletal, neural and circulatory systems
• Manually locate and engage major organs of the body
• Understand and describe positional evaluations from medical professionals regarding the spine and sacrum in standard biomechanical terminology
• Perceive subtle tensions in the hand to use for assessment purposes
• Explore engaging structures at a physical energetic interface during manual treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of concepts required in the study of Biovalent Systems courses

Course Outline: Please note that while time adds up to 19.5 hours, there are 19 contact hours offered to allow for 5 minute a.m. and p.m. breaks. The breakdown here is a guideline. Some groups prefer to have longer breaks and shorter lunches, depending on proximity of eating establishments. Some groups prefer the option of an early start and/or shorter lunch on the final day of the course to allow for travel time.

Day One: a.m. 9:00-12:30 (3.0 hours theory, .5 hours lab)

• Lecture: Introduction and overview
• Lecture: Theory of Biovalent Ò Systems
• Lecture and Demonstration: History and development
• Lecture and Demonstration: Terminology referenced in this and related therapies
• Lab: Engaging tissues at a depth
• Break
• Lecture and Demonstration: Overview of major organs including:
• Location, Western Physiology, Eastern/Energetic, Symptoms, and special anatomical
• considerations
• Lunch 12:30-2:00

Day One: p.m. 2:00 - 5:00 (1.0 hours theory, 2 hours lab)

• Lecture and Demonstration: Manual Perception theory - the organ map on hand
• Lab: Topographical location of the viscera
• Break
• Lecture and Demonstration: Use of Hormonal Axis map for organ location
• Lecture, Demonstration and Lab: Practice of engaging technique
• Review, questions and answers

Day Two: a.m. 9:00-12:30 (2.0 hours theory, 1.5 hours lab)

• Review, questions and answers
• Lecture and Demonstration: Basics of biomechanics, terminology
• Lecture and Demonstration: Movement plane, labeling movements and biomechanical
• problems of spine
• Lecture and Demonstration: Fryette’s Laws
• Lab: Palpation of spine, rule of 3’s
• Lecture and Demonstration: Rules of Convexity/Concavity
• Break
• Lab: Palpation lab
• Lecture, Demonstration and Lab: Theory of Cranial Map, most sensitive areas
• Lunch 12:30-2:00

Day Two: p.m. 2:00-5:00 (1.0 hour theory, 2 hours lab)

• Lab: Assessment of local spinal biomechanics, utilizing Cranial Map (Manual Perception),
• most sensitive areas (Manual Perception).
• Break
• Lecture and Demonstration: Introduction to Biomechanical Regulators
• Lab: Biomechanical Regulator – spinal sidebending
• Lab: Surface palpation: anterior/posterior thoracic
• Review, questions and answers

Day Three: a.m. 9:00-12:30 (1.5 hours theory, 2 hours lab)

• Review, questions and answers
• Lecture and Demonstration: Sacral biomechanics
• Lecture and Demonstration: Sacral and pelvic landmarks
• Lab: Palpation of sacral and pelvic landmarks
• Break
• Lab: Assessment of sacral biomechanics
• Lecture, Demonstration and Lab: Listening Techniques: General, Local, Referred,
• Inhibition
• Lunch 12:30-2:00

Day Three: p.m. 2:00-5:00 (2 hours theory. 1 hour lab)

• Lab: Listening techniques with Cranial Mapping
• Lecture, Demonstration and Lab: Circulatory system anatomy
• Break
• Lecture, Demonstration and Lab: Neural anatomy
• Review, questions and answers

Total: 10.5 hours theory and concepts, 8.5 hours lab and skills: 19 contact hours

Course Presenters: Each of these instructors presents the class in its entirety: Frank Lowen, LMT; Laurie Levine-Lowen, OTR/L, LMT; Judy Osborne, PT, L.Ac., LMT; Kris Roy, PT; Marianne McGreevy, MA, PT; Shawn Flot, MPT; Scooter LeBleu, PT, LMT; Donna Dillon, LMT, NCTMB, Gigi Willett, LMT.

Illuminatis/Biovalent ® Systems ( Provider Number P3337) is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education (CE) for Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs).  This program has been approved for a maximum of 19) hours of Category A CE.  ATs are responsible for claiming only those hours actually spent participating in the CE activity. BOC Approved Provider Number:  P3337

Illumatinatis/Biovalent ® Systems (Provider Number 447205-00) is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Provider.

Illuminatis/Biovalent Systems, 8300 San Pedro, NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (505) 291-8100