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

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.

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 both classes, 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, 2025
Class Time: Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Seattle Location 2 -- Staybridge Suites   (please click on the location link for details)
Cost: $160
Cost/Hour: $20/hr
CE Hours: 8

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