Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has stunning views, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. Iceland has over 120 geothermal hydrotherapy facilities spread across a diverse and beautiful landscape.
INTRODUCTION TO VISCERAL AND ABDOMINAL MASSAGE
The viscera are at the very core of our body, and are, along with our nervous system, a primary source of life. They are at the center of our structure, our emotions, our biochemistry, and our life energy. There are over 500 million neurons in the belly (almost 5 times more than in the spinal cord), and our enteric nervous system is a primary source of our intuition and "gut" feelings.
When we are anxious or distressed, our natural instinct is to protect our soft underbelly and "stuff" emotions there, causing multilayered problems throughout the body. The smooth muscles of the gut contract, pulling on the surrounding mesentery and fascia, causing not only gut pain, but back pain. In addition, surgery can create adhesions and multi-directional disruptions in the abdominal fascia and musculature. It is ironic that this vital healing area is often overlooked in massage.
The sensitivity and vulnerability of the belly is precisely why it is so receptive to safe, calming, and nourishing touch. We can soothe the enteric nervous system and the soft underbelly, sending waves of deep relaxation throughout the entire body. We can relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, which reduces pain, improves digestive function, and eases the fascial pull in the back and other areas of the body. We can sometimes separate post-surgical adhesions, creating balance and increased ease of movement at the very core of the body.
In this class you will learn simple and effective abdominal massage techniques that are easy to integrate into your massage practice. You will learn the basic layout of some of the area's major anatomical structures and how to identify, palpate, and treat them. This class will make your abdominal work more comforting, intelligent, and effective. You will be able to help your clients achieve deeper states of relaxation, relieve pain, improve digestive function, and help free up deep structural imbalances.
"I was expecting a belly massage class and walked away with a deep understanding of the abdomen. This class was incredible." - KC Johnston, LMP and Doula
“It was profound to receive these techniques and feel their power”. - Elias Darling
“I’ve been massaging forever, and I feel like I’ve learned so much today that I will definitely use in my practice. Honestly, I will feel like I’m cheating my clients if I leave it out!” -Fryth Rasar
"I felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir
"Upon walking around after class I noticed I could stand up taller and straighter, which has been a constant challenge for me to maintain good posture. I also noticed I could take much fuller and deeper breaths after class, which has also been a challenge for me. The class was truly wonderful. I benefited from it, and I know many of my clients will as well as I start to incorporate it into my practice.” -Lindsey Held
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, May 11, 9:00am-6:00pm. The class will be held at Nuddskoli, which is about 4 blocks from Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s best municipal geothermal pool complex.
Tuition & Registration: 25.000ISK (~$180USD), with a $100USD (~$14.000ISK) non-refundable deposit.
Take both the Saturday Visceral class, and the Sunday Lumbosacral Ligament class for the discounted rate of 43.000ISK/$310USD if you are registered with a $200USD (~28.000ISK) non-refundable deposit by April 30th, 2024.
Current Nuddskoli students also receive a tuition discount; contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik for details.
Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.
Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Reykjavik.
Please note that your deposit will be paid in USD and the balance is due at class, payable to Finnbogi if in ISK, or to Brian if in USD.
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 48 hours of the class, you will be liable for the full tuition.
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