This is a 5-week follow-up course to Intro Massage, in which we will practise more techniques and formats from both Zen Shiatsu and the Thai Hand Method. To take this course, you must have completed the Intro Massage course at least once.
Massage is a beautiful and practical form of touch and communication that can be shared with friends, family, partners or yourself. The basic styles we will be working with are Zen Shiatsu and Thai Traditional massage (Thai Hand Method). Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique in which you use your fingers, thumbs and palms to apply different types of pressure to the body. The focus here is on restoring your energy balance, which is good for your body and helps you relax your mind. Thai Traditional massage is a firmer form of massage, similar to deep tissue and sports massage, combining acupressure, yoga-like stretches and deep massage techniques to release tension and improve blood flow. Both styles are given on the mat, with your clothes on!
If you are curious about massage, or touch in general, and you enjoy talking and learning about it in a concrete format and in a relaxed environment, then this course is for you!
What will we be doing?
The course begins with a reflective moment in which we discuss massage, touch, safe(r) space, and consent. We then do a light physical warm-up to get into our bodies, consisting of various stretches and core-connecting exercises. We cover a format for a hands-on session: a routine combination of massage, touch, light stretches, and shaking. We will practise both giving and receiving. The focus here is on awareness of both your own body and that of the other person.
Please note: this course is intended as an introduction to the art of massage. The intention is, through exercises, to become aware of the quality of your own touch and also gain confidence to give another person a fine massage. This introductory course is not intended to replace a professional course and/or training as a masseur. It is, however, a nice, concise start and you may become (even) more enthusiastic to delve further into this art!
