Filtering by: visceral massage
Apr
6
10:00 AM10:00

Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

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 soften 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 felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Sunday, April 6th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.

Click here to register for Sunday’s Visceral class, or to register for both days.

Reviewers of this class may attend for a 25% discount, or $135. You will need to contact Robbin at TTCI to arrange this, since it’s not a website registration option.

Regarding masking: We have moved to a hybrid version of the masking policy—there are different masking requirements for the lecture and non-lecture portions of class.

Lecture: During the opening portion of class, and during any lecture, masking is optional; each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Masking is required during the non-lecture portion of class when you are doing technique or watching a demo. Please bring a surgical or N95 mask-- choose what works best for you, and consider bringing two masks.

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Jun
21
to Jun 22

CTM-Bindegewebsmassage and Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage (Bozeman, MT)

  • Great Northern Physical Therapy (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

CTM-Bindegewebsmassage and Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

We live in a stressful world, and many of our clients come to us for stress relief, and to bring more balance into their lives. Sometimes the accumulated stress and anxiety can land more in our gut than any particular skeletal muscle (intestines are muscles, too). Ironically, addressing these core issues with techniques such as Bindegewebsmassage and Visceral massage is not that common yet, although interest is steadily growing.

The techniques you’ll learn in this 2-day workshop can gently and powerfully help restore autonomic imbalance and improve visceral function—and they feel good. Day 1 (Bindegewebsmassage) will focus on systematically working with the dermatomes that influence the abdomen, pelvis, and the parasympathetic nervous system. Day 2 will focus on direct manual techniques in the abdomen and upper pelvic area using soothing, pleasurable techniques.

CTM-Bindegewebsmassage

Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first. 

Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscle tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.

A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins. These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes  "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation." (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013)

In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", a seated technique which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first followup” and “second followup” which focus on the back and posterior ribcage.

Click here for a brief article about Bindegewebsmassage.

"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD

"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area".  - Rachael Brown

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 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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 per day, 16 total (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Saturday and/or Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2025, 10am-7pm (Sat) and 10am-6:30pm (Sun)

Tuition: $200 for Saturday’s CTM class, and $200 for Sunday’s Visceral class. Take both Saturday’s CTM  class and Sunday’s Visceral class together for only $350. If you have taken either class before, you may attend both days for $300.

Masking is optional.

Deposit for CTM and Visceral Massage (Bozeman, MT) 6/21-6/22
from $100.00

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).

Once you’ve clicked the “Add to Cart” button below, scroll to the top of the page and locate the cart icon in the upper right corner, then click to process check-out.

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Oct
13
10:00 AM10:00

Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

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 felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Sunday October 13th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.

Click here to register for Sunday’s Visceral class.

To register for both Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class, and Sunday’s Visceral class, click here.

Regarding masking: We have moved to a hybrid version of the masking policy—there are different masking requirements for the lecture and non-lecture portions of class.

Lecture: During the opening portion of class, and during any lecture, masking is optional; each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Masking is required during the non-lecture portion of class when you are doing technique or watching a demo. Please bring a surgical or N95 mask-- choose what works best for you, and consider bringing two masks.

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Apr
7
10:00 AM10:00

Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

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 felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Sunday April 7th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.

Click here to register for Sunday’s Visceral class.

To register for both Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class, and Sunday’s Visceral class, click here.

Regarding masking: We have moved to a hybrid version of the masking policy—there are different masking requirements for the lecture and non-lecture portions of class.

Lecture: During the opening portion of class, and during any lecture, masking is optional; each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Masking is required during the non-lecture portion of class when you are doing technique or watching a demo. Please bring a surgical or N95 mask-- choose what works best for you, and consider bringing two masks.

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Oct
15
10:00 AM10:00

Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

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 felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Sunday October 15th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Saturday and Sunday, click here.

Please note that per TTC guidelines, students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.

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Apr
1
10:00 AM10:00

Visceral/Abdominal Massage

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

"I felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 1st, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $175. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $295.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Saturday and Sunday, click here.

Please note that due TTC infection control protocols, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Covid test. Students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.

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Oct
8
10:00 AM10:00

Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage

  • Fremont/Wallingford area Seattle, WA, 98103 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

"I felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

“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

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, October 8th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $170. Take both Visceral & Abdominal Massage, and MSDT for the Iliopsoas, Diaphragm and QL for $240.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Saturday and Sunday, click here.

Please note that due to WA State law and TTC infection control protocols, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Covid test. Students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.

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Jun
9
to Jun 12

Three Classes at the Annual AMTA-WA Convention in Renton

Join us at the Washington State AMTA Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Renton! Brian will be teaching three classes there (see below), and there will be many other speakers and presenters there as well. You can mix and match classes as you wish. Registration is through the Washington Chapter of the AMTA. Click here for more information.

MUSCLE-SPECIFIC DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES FOR THE LEGS AND HIPS

Thursday, June 9th, 8:30am-6pm (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

The legs are often treated for the least amount of time in a session, yet they support the upper body and are under tremendous compressive force, whether moving or stationary. When the legs and feet are functioning properly, they are one of the fundamental anchors of our stability and support. When they're not, they are a major contributor to foot, knee, hip, and low back issues. 

In this class, you will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the muscles and fascia of the hips, legs and feet. Some of the specific muscle groups you will work with include the deep calf flexors (tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis, flexor digitorum), the anterior compartment (tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum), the quadriceps group, the tensor fascia latae and IT tract, the gluteals, the deep lateral rotators, hamstrings, and adductors.

These are simple, straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of hands, elbows, and forearms to save wear and tear on joints.

To watch a short Google Drive video demo of one of the techniques covered in class (originally presented in Austin, TX), click here. 

"So many new, practical techniques to try! All really great stuff." -Chrisann Rauschenbach

"This was the best adductor work I've ever had." -Crystal Johnson

"This was exactly what I was hoping for – super great, specific work." -Leah Grossman

MUSCLE-SPECIFIC DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES FOR THE TORSO (ILIOPSOAS, DIAPHRAGM, QL, AND PARASPINALS)

Friday, June 10th, 8:30am-6pm (NCBTMB-approved)

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.

In the morning, 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.

In the afternoon we will focus on some muscle-specific Deep Tissue techniques for the Paraspinals (erector spinae and transversospinalis) that are different from but complementary to what you learned in massage school or elsewhere. These small muscles of the back (which are strong and are often quite tight) respond extremely well to Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue work; there are many muscles living alongside each other that rarely (if ever) get stretched and separated from each other. In addition, there are 50 bones (including the rib heads) and over 120 joints that benefit from having motion introduced into them once the fascial and muscular structures (both superficial and deep) of the back are unglued. We all need to have these structures balanced and 'cleaned up' from time to time, just as we periodically go to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned.

These muscle-specific techniques will improve the precision and effectiveness of your back massage, and can be easily integrated into your style of bodywork. Body mechanics will continue to be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of elbows, fingers and knuckles to save wear and tear on joints.

Students who have taken this class have reported that they were able to apply the techniques in their practices right away and that their clients loved the results, feeling a newfound sense of freedom and ease in their backs.

"This is one of the most practical classes I've ever taken. Brian presented useful information and then taught practical application of this info. He walked us through how to find each muscle--something I have always wished other instructors would do. I left the training with expanded skills and knowledge, which I have been able to use right away with my clients." - Evelyn Bass

"I absolutely love this work. I can hardly wait to bring it into my practice." -Hannah LePiane

INTRODUCTION TO VISCERAL AND ABDOMINAL MASSAGE

Saturday, June 11th, 8:30am-6pm (NCBTMB-approved)

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

"I felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8-24 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Registration and Tuition: This class is sponsored by the Washington State Chapter of the AMTA. Click here for convention and registration info.

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