Information Package / Course Catalogue
Wellness and Spa Care - I
Course Code: SGH106
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: Students are obligated, as part of the course "IMEU201 – Workplace Vocational Training" (30 ECTS) offered in the fourth semester, to undertake and successfully complete workplace vocational training for a minimum of 70 working days at enterprises designated in accordance with the Aydin Adnan Menderes University Directive on Workplace Vocational Training.
Theory: 3
Prt.: 1
Credit: 4
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

In this lesson; To convey the fundamental concepts, philosophy, and legal regulation boundaries of the Wellness and SPA sector to students; and to instill the professional ethics, posture, and ergonomics rules of a Body Care Specialist. Within the scope of the course, guided by basic anatomy and physiology knowledge, it aims to provide the theoretical background of classical massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration) and the ability to independently apply regional and full-body care protocols.

Course Content

Anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, concept of aromatherapy, concept of SPA

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the concepts of Wellness and SPA, their historical evolution, and the boundaries of legal regulations in the sector.
2.Applies the professional ethics, corporate communication skills, and client privacy (draping) protocols of a Body Care Specialist.
3.Demonstrates correct posture and body mechanics (ergonomics) techniques during application in accordance with occupational health and safety rules.
4.Associates fundamental anatomy and physiology knowledge of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, and lymphatic systems with body care practices.
5.Performs body analysis and anthropometric measurements of the client to prepare an appropriate consultation form based on individual needs.
6.Applies classical massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration) accurately in regional and full-body protocols, considering indications and contraindications.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Beck, M. F. (2017). Theory & Practice of Therapeutic Massage (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
2.Fritz, S. (2020). Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage (7th ed.). Elsevier.
3.Salvo, S. G. (2020). Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice (6th ed.). Elsevier.
4.T.C. Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı (MEB). (Güncel). Güzellik ve Saç Bakım Hizmetleri: Klasik Masaj Teknikleri Modülleri. Ankara: MEB Yayınları.
5.Mesleki Yeterlilik Kurumu (MYK). (Güncel). Masör (Seviye 4) Ulusal Meslek Standardı (11UMS0128-4). Ankara: MYK.
6.Benjamin, P. J., & Tappan, F. M. (2009). Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, Holistic, and Emerging Methods. Pearson.
7.Premkumar, K. (2019). The Massage Connection: Anatomy and Physiology (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
Introduction to Wellness and SPA Concepts (Historical evolution of Wellness and SPA philosophy; modern SPA types globally and in Türkiye, facility structures, and interdepartmental organizational charts).
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Professional Ethics and Corporate Communication of the Body Care Specialist (Professional qualifications and posture of the Body Care Specialist; client welcoming, privacy management, and draping [covering the body with towels] rules).
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
Ergonomics and Occupational Safety of the Body Care Specialist (Ergonomic arrangement of the workspace; correct posture, weight transfer techniques during application, and methods to prevent long-term occupational diseases).
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology (Anatomy of the musculoskeletal system; functioning mechanisms of the circulatory and lymphatic systems triggered by body treatments).
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Body Analysis and Anthropometry (Regional deformation analysis and measurement techniques; calculation of basal metabolic rate [energy expended by the body at rest] and creating a client consultation [information gathering] form).
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
Classical Swedish Massage Theory and Product Knowledge (Chemical structures of treatment oils and foundations of aromatherapy [botanical oil care]; indications [conditions where treatment is beneficial] and contraindications [conditions where treatment is inadvisable] to be considered during application).
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Classical Massage Techniques - I (Basic Manipulations: Theory and practical application of the effleurage [superficial and deep stroking] technique; theory and practical application of the petrissage [kneading] technique).
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Classical Massage Techniques - II (Advanced Manipulations: Friction [point rubbing/circular pressure] technique; practical workshop on vibration [shaking] and percussion [tapotement/striking] techniques).
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Regional Protocols: Back and Neck Applications (Specific flow planning aimed at relieving muscle tension in the back and neck region; pressure level management specific to the region by the Body Care Specialist).
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Regional Protocols: Extremity Cares (Relaxation flow for upper extremities [arms and hands]; fatigue-relieving and circulation-accelerating protocols for lower extremities [legs and feet]).
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Regional Protocols: Chest, Abdomen, and Head/Face Region (Decompression [relaxation] touches around the abdomen and chest; tension-reducing massage techniques for the head, neck, and face region).
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Integrated Full-Body Massage Application - I (Combining regional techniques into an uninterrupted full-body protocol; fluid transitions between architectural manipulations, rhythm control, and 50-60 minute time management).
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Integrated Full-Body Massage Application - II (Individualization of the application based on client feedback and muscle density; deep tissue adaptations and energy management of the Body Care Specialist).
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
General Evaluation and Practical Application (Students performing and presenting the full-body protocol from start to finish within the framework of legal standards, ergonomics, and professional ethics).
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%10
Studio Work1%20
Assignment1%10
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140342
Lecture - Practice140114
Assignment1505
Studio Work40312
Final Examination1112
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)75
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
OÇ-1
4
5
OÇ-2
5
4
4
4
5
OÇ-3
3
5
OÇ-4
5
3
4
OÇ-5
5
5
3
4
OÇ-6
5
4
5
5
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026