Saturday, July 13, 2-6pm

4 CE hours, NCBTMB approved

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Total tuition: $100

Deposit: $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to register. Balance of $50 due at time of class by cash, check or money order made out to the presenter.

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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 100 million neurons in the belly, 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 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. 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. You will learn simple and effective abdominal massage techniques that are easy to integrate into your massage practice.  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. You will be able to help your clients achieve deeper states of relaxation, relieve pain, and improve digestive function.

Mask policy: Surgical masks are optional.

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Instructor: Brian Utting, LMT (WA license #MA1011)

Brian founded the Brian Utting School of Massage (BUSM) in Seattle, WA in 1982 and was BUSM's Director, Director of Education, and a lead instructor there for 26 years. Brian developed and refined the curriculum at BUSM and taught many subjects, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, contraindications, business skills, communication skills, hydrotherapy, and a variety of massage techniques. His 1000-hour COMTA- accredited school was considered one of the best massage schools in the country. Brian designs his classes and programs so that the students really get the material and can take it home and apply it in their practice, rather than just being exposed to it. He teaches with a rare blend of knowledge, passion, precision, humor, common sense, and depth. In 2009 Brian was awarded the AMTA's Robert N. Calvert Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Instructor: Anneka Deacon, LMT (WA license #MA25166)

Anneka completed a BA to prepare for further studies in naturopathic midwifery, with an abrupt pivot into aerial acrobatics and circus performance. She graduated from the Brian Utting School of Massage in 2007. Anneka later traveled to Belize to study the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy with Rosita Arvigo. Soon after, she completed an advanced training in supporting fertility through postpartum in this Mayan tradition, and in 2013 became a certified Arvigo practitioner. Her additional continuing education studies have included myofascial balancing, visceral massage, injury treatment, intraoral treatment, and McLaughlin scar tissue release.