Instructor: Brian Utting, LMT; NCBTMB #451040-09

Day 1 -- The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it?

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness practice, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.

Day 2 -- 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, LMT and Doula

Registration Options: We are offering Brian Utting's classes at a discounted group rate if you register for both classes at once, versus taking each individual class. If you would like to register for just one or both days, please click on the following links to register, otherwise continue on to register for this class. Please note that by taking the full two-day class, you save $35.

• The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage & Intro to Visceral/Abdominal Massage: Both Days (Seattle April 5-6, 2025) - 16 hours This class can be taken as a full 2-day course or in the following one-day options:
  • The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage (Seattle April 5, 2025) - 8 hours
  • Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage (Seattle April 6, 2025) - 8 hours

Class Date: April 5-6, 2025
Class Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Seattle Location 2 -- Staybridge Suites (please click on the link for location details)
Cost: $305
Cost/Hour: $19.06/hr
CE Hours: 16

Other Classes by Instructor:

• Understanding the Somatic Nervous System/Proprioception & Deep Tissue for the Legs and Hips: Both Days (Seattle November 16-17, 2024) - 16 hours Use this option to register for both classes and save $35, or click on the class options of your choice below:
  • Understanding the Somatic Nervous System and Proprioception (Seattle November 16, 2024) - 8 hours
  • Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Legs & Hips (Seattle November 17, 2024) - 8 hours
• Deep Tissue of the Neck & Assessment and Treatment of Neck Ligaments: Both Days (Seattle December 7-8, 2024) - 16 hours Use this option to register for both classes and save $40, or click on the class options of your choice below:
  • Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Posterior, Lateral and Anterior Neck (Seattle December 7, 2024) - 8 hours
  • Assessment and Treatment of the Neck Ligaments (Seattle December 8, 2024) - 8 hours