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Holistic Massage
Duration: 2 day CPD - Introduction to Holistic Massage by Tim Barlett of UWIC and Massage Training Institute/Andy Fagg, Chairman of the Massage Training Institute and runs the Bristol College of Massage & Bodywork.
The essence of massage is touch. With appreciation of how to approach another’s body and give sensitive touch, the simplest massage can be a rewarding experience for giver and receiver alike. This weekend workshop introduces massage as a creative process and teaches effective techniques. Above all it will be fun!
The programme is likely to include self-massage; working with a partner including shoulders, back, legs, arms and face; varied and appropriate touch using different parts of our hands; and effective bodyuse for minimising strain. Participants will work on a massage table and may also work on the floor and in a chair.
The programme is likely to include self-massage; working with a partner including shoulders, back, legs, arms and face; varied and appropriate touch using different parts of our hands; and effective bodyuse for minimising strain. Participants will work on a massage table and may also work on the floor and in a chair.
This course is suitable for people who:
- Are absolute beginners and qualified therapists who are looking for new approaches
- Are considering professional training with BCMB
Have already enrolled on a BCMB professional course and are keen to get started!
Holistic massage should be seen as a nurturing process of touch and response. The key here is to adapt the treatment to each client’s unique needs, physical characteristics and personality. Andy often explains that he massages people, not bodies - that he does a massage “with” someone, rather than doing it “to” them. For example, he will adopt a very different approach to a client who approaches him in order to work through the trauma of a history of sexual abuse to one who simply wants her stiff shoulders eased after spending too long in front of the computer screen. In many ways, holistic massage is about setting an atmosphere, creating an energy, being in a particular “vibe”. The way in which the massage is approached is as important as the techniques themselves. Of course, techniques matter too and may be drawn from a wide area. Holistic massage can lead to a variety of outcomes; depending on the needs of the individual client. They can include:
· physical improvements such as relaxing tight muscles, improvements to circulation, nervous function and joint mobility; this can ease many short and long term ailments, such as back pain, arthritis and insomnia.
· reducing stress, one of the main causes of disease in Western society. As well as addressing stress factors, holistic massage can facilitate the switch between sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems, hence allowing both body and mind valuable recuperation time
· emotionally, massage can provide the caring non-intrusive touch clients have often longed for; this can soothe the busy mind, reduce stress and enhance self esteem.
· at a deeper level still, massage can release the personal history stored in body tissues; this can lead to powerful changes in our energy and provide a vital and chemical ingredient in each persons process of growth.
Of course the key here is to work with each client and the agenda they bring. Some simply wish to have their tight shoulders relaxed, whilst others might use massage for much deeper personal growth.
The holistic approach to massage therapy can touch an individual’s whole being - physical, mental and emotional. It holds the possibility of reintegration, is person centred and is guided by principles of sensitivity, awareness and quality of touch.
Andy Fagg is Chairman of the Massage Training Institute and runs the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork. Since qualifying in massage in 1984, his approach to bodywork has been influenced by such disciplines as T’ai Chi, meditation, dance, Zero Balancing and Process Work. He has been in private practice since 1986 and has offered professional trainings since 1989. He works at the Bristol Cancer Help Centre and teaches at centres in Spain and Greece.
Cost - £99