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 (about 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 help 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 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
muscle-specific deep tissue techniques for the iliopsoas, diaphragm, and ql
These muscular structures support the core--they are integral to maintaining balance, structural alignment, ease of breathing, mobility, and the ability to function without lower back pain. You will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the iliopsoas, diaphragm, QL, lower multifidus, and the lumbodorsal fascia. These are straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice, often with profound results. There will be a concise and insightful anatomy review of these structures with an eye toward fascial continuities and the functional relationships between them. We will also focus on correct placement and proper use of fingers, knuckles, and elbows for optimal results.
"Finally, a class that taught me something I can use!" -Melanie Geiger, WY
"The techniques in this class are choice; they're easy to learn and implement, and very effective for the client." -Kate Day, WY
“Such an effective class for creating spaciousness in the entire trunk…I felt more movement in my breath, and more circulation.” -Sylvie Kaul-Anderson, WA
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 12.5 total (8 hours for Sat, 4.5 hours for Sun) (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday and/or Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2025, 10am-7pm (Sat) and 10am-2:30pm (Sun)
Tuition: $190 for Saturday’s Visceral class, and $100 for Sunday’s DT Iliopsoas-Diaphragm class. Take both Saturday’s Visceral class and Sunday’s DT Iliopsoas-Diaphragm class together for only $250.
Masking is optional.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The balance is due at class, by cash or check only, payable to either Athena Professionals or Pacific NW School of Massage (PNWSM).
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