Free the Feet

Walk with us on this multi-layered exploration of the human foot through the lens of evolution and neurology. In this workshop, learn how the structure and function of our feet continually adapt for better or worse. 

Price: $375.00 or $335  Early registration discount up to 1 month prior
Dates: February 24 & 25, 2024
Length: 2 days (18 CE Hours Live and Relevant to Massage)
Time: 9a.m. to 6p.m.

  • UNDERSTAND HOW THE FEET ARE THE PRODUCT OF THE CONTINUOUS ADAPTION TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT
  • DISCOVER HOW ANCIENT NEUROSCIENCE SUPPORTS OUR BRAIN’S ROLE IN HOW WE USE IT OR LOSE IT
  • ACQUIRE BASIC NEUROLOGY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND THE “USE IT OR LOSE IT” CONCEPT
  • LEARN DRILLS TO INTENTIONALLY STIMULATE THE BODY BRAIN MAPS TO MAKE THE FEET SMARTER, IMPROVE GAIT AND BALANCE
  • DEEPEN YOUR AWARENESS THROUGH CHI KUNG EXERCISES FOR SIMPLE DAILY PRACTICE AND SELFCARE
  • PRACTICE ACUPRESSURE AND HANDS ON TECHNIQUES FOR SENSORY STIMULATION AND JOINT MOBILIZATION
  • EXPLORE THERAPEUTIC USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FOOT CARE AND BOOST NEURAL ACTIVITY
  • INCREASE CONFIDENCE WITH BLENDING A VARIETY OF MODALITIES IN YOUR PRACTICE
  • RELEARN LIVING BAREFOOT TO FREE YOUR FEET
  • HAVE FUN WITH YOUR SWAG BAG TOOLS
  • NO MASSAGE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
  • 18 FLORIDA CE HOURS FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS
  • LIVE AND RELEVANT TO MASSAGE THERAPY

Christina Polnyj is a teacher, aromatherapist and massage therapist in private practice in Gainesville, Florida.  Since 1993 she has been teaching classes in bodywork, aromatherapy and chi kung to massage therapists and other health care professionals, as well as the general public.   More recently she has also been instructing students in the art of simple and joyful, flavorful cooking. She is deeply passionate about food, aromatherapy, bodywork, chi kung and yoga and she brings this passion to her workshops and seminars. She also is a consultant, providing people with the solutions and the necessary skills for using essential oils, food, chi kung and bodywork in both the home and professional environments. She founded Essential Education International in 2008.

Nathalie Fossé is a licensed massage therapist who has been in practice in Gainesville, FL since 2003, under Fossé Restorative Therapy. She holds a degree in Material Sciences-Chemistry. She has studied various massage therapy techniques from myofascial release to visceral manipulations, trigger points, orthobionomy, craniosacral therapy, sports massage as well as applied neuroanatomy.  Nathalie has also trained as a yoga instructor and personal trainer.

peaceful-presence-the-ancient-art-of-chi-kung

Peaceful Presence – The Ancient Art of Chi Kung

Price: $175.00
Dates:Dates: To be Announced
Length: 2 days (14 CE Hours Live and Relevant to Massage)
Time: Saturday – 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Sunday – 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
Location: Florida School of Massage




  • Learn ancient exercises for easy daily practice and self care
  • Discover your own inner guidance for healing and transformation
  • Explore therapeutic principles of essential oils for balancing the nervous system and focusing the mind
  • Understand how current science supports ancient principles of the Body, Mind, & Spirit as One
  • Practice hands on sensing chi (energy) using the Meridian System in Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Nourish yourself and enjoy the benefits of embodying a peaceful presence

Through Traditional Chinese Medicine we will study Chi Kung as a technique for sensing and developing internal energy. In this hands-on workshop, we will practice exercises for cultivating a peaceful presence and a sense of a sacred home within yourself. As your awareness of your internal chi strengthens, you will learn how to translate that awareness into your own personal practice. Reduce stress, increase vitality, and learn how to bring the many benefits of Chi Kung to your clients, friends, family, and all whom you encounter.

No prior experience required

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The Art and Science of Aromatherapy Certification Program

Price: $2,000
Dates: To Be Announced
Length: This Certification Program is taught in six weekends.
Time: Friday 3:30PM – 7:30PM and Saturday and Sunday 9AM – 5PM
Instructor: Christina Polnyj, BA, LMT, CA
Location: Gainesville, FL
Hours: 235 Florida

Payment plans are available.  Anyone may register for this entry level program.  There are no prerequisites and no previous Aromatherapy Training is required. 

Learn to become a professionally qualified Aromatherapist in this 235 hour hands on training.  In this course you will study the therapeutic uses of 60 essential oils and how to safely use them in your business and personally.

  • Enjoy a new career in Aromatherapy
  • Grow your existing healthcare practice
  • Enrich your self-care skills for your home and family
  • Learn effective consultation skills
  • Understand how to use essential oils safely and therapeutically
  • Prepare your own natural organic bodycare products

Included in The Cost of The Program:

  • $700 worth of products individually created by each student
  • Your own 300 page manual
  • Free access to the Aromahead online Anatomy & Physiology class

Products made include:  Essential oil inhalers, Bath Salts, Lotions, Body Butter, Oil Blends, Salt and Sugar Scrubs, Hydrosol Sprays, Room Sprays, Lip Balms, Travel Kits, First Aid Kits, Flower Essence Blends, Steam Blends, Sachets, Potpourri, Incense, Salves and more.

Goals and Objectives

This coarse is designed to help students develop the necessary skills to become skilled and qualified Aromatherapists.  This course provides instruction in several key elements crucial to developing the requisite skills demanded of the qualified Aromatherapist.  These include training in:

  • Safety – Depending upon the oil, efficacy guided by safety concerns will dictate how a given oil can be applied (for example, via inhalation or direct application to skin).  This course will train students in the safe and effective application of 60 oils.
  • Assessment – Depending upon issues the client wants or needs to address, different oils or combinations of oils are indicated.  This course will train students in developing skills and techniques to effectively and confidently assess a client’s needs.
  • Efficacy of the oils – This course will train the student in the fundamental chemistry and therapeutic qualities of  60 oils.  Training in both these qualities, as well as exposure to the energetic aspects of the oils, will enable the student to learn which conditions and   application goals are best satisfied by a given oil or blends of oils, and how different oils complement other oils to develop the most effective blend.
  • Personal care products – This course will instruct students how to create a variety of body care products based on essential oils that can be used for both personal and professional use.
  • Business skills – The ability to develop a successful practice in Aromatherapy requires an appropriate mix of skill as a practitioner of Aromatherapy coupled with business acumen.  This course will instruct students in such fundamental aspects of starting an Aromatherapy business as the mechanics of product labeling, setting appropriate price points for selling products and consultation fees, and how industry related professional organizations can support your business.

Successful completion of this course will prepare students for a broad spectrum of ways to implement essential oils as part of their career path.  These possibilities range from using essential oils as a complementary adjunct in their practice in the healing arts such as massage therapy or nursing to pursuing and establishing a business as an Aromatherapist providing consultations and selling products commercially.

Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils

Price: $300.00
Dates: July 29 & 30, 2023
Length: 2 days (18 CE Hours Live and Relevant to Massage)
Time: 09:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m.

  • Learn a multilayered approach to health.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Aromatherapy and how to utilize essential oils at home and/or professionally.
  • Become proficient in the uses of 21 essential oils.
  • Make aromatic cream blends, room sprays, sinus inhalers, diffuser blends, massage oils, and bath salts.
  • Discover how essential oils are used to maintain health, treat acute and chronic pain, and reduce stress.

Learning safety guidelines and basic blending skills is all you need to begin to enjoy the therapeutic use of essential oils. In this class we will study 21 essential oils and gain an understanding of their individual uses, including immune support, reducing inflammation, pain management and stress reduction. Participants will experience the benefits of aromatherapy firsthand while making massage oil, scented or aromatic cream, room sprays, diffuser blends, bath salts, sinus inhalers, and steams. Add an exciting dimension to your practice while supporting your own health and wellness. NO MASSAGE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

  • NO MASSAGE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
  • 18 Florida CE hours for Massage Therapists
  • Live and Relevant to Massage Therapy

Body Butter Blending

Price: $250.00
Dates: To Be Announced
Length: 2 days (18 CE Hours Live and Relevant to Massage)
Time: 9a.m. to 6p.m.

  • Everything is Better with Butter
  • Better Skin
  • Better Massage
  • Better Health
  • Learn a multilayered approach for healthy skin
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Aromatherapy and how to utilize it at home and professionally.
  • Become proficient in creating your own personal Body Butter Blend
  • Make skin nourishing butters, cream, salve and luscious lip balm
  • Discover the therapeutic value of what you put on your skin

Learning safety guidelines and basic blending skills is all you need to begin to enjoy the therapeutic use of butters and essential oils. In this class we will study why chemistry matters and gain an understanding of how to apply that knowledge to your skin.  We will study a variety of butters and essential oils and their therapeutic benefits and individual uses, including immune support, reducing inflammation, pain management and stress reduction. Participants will experience the benefits of aromatherapy firsthand while making skin nourishing butters, cream, salves and lip balm.  Add an exciting dimension to your practice while supporting your own health and wellness.

  • NO MASSAGE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
  • 18 Florida CE hours for Massage Therapists
  • Live and Relevant to Massage Therapy
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Get in touch

Contact us

(352) 222-1747
christinapolnyj@mac.com

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Mailing Address

Christina Polnyj
PO Box 141363
Gainesville, FL 32614

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