In this class students will learn techniques for releasing mind-body tension and how to create the optimal conditions for deep rest and relaxation. Students will gain hands on experience using bolsters for optimal client positioning as well as breathing techniques to help a client reach maximal relaxation leading to better treatment outcomes. Students will also learn restorative positions and postures to place their clients into and how to weave them into their massage practice.
Learning Objectives*
- Students will learn about the autonomic nervous system, as it relates to relaxation, and why it is important for massage to maximize treatment outcomes and effectiveness.
- Students will learn about controllable environmental aspects such as lighting, ventilation, sound, and aromatherapy to further maximize treatment effectiveness and relaxation.
- Students will learn how to properly position their clients on the table using bolsters as well as blocks, blankets, sandbags, straps, and eye pillows.
- Students will learn down regulation breathing techniques to initiate a relaxation response in their clients.
- Students will learn stillness techniques to initiate a relaxation response in their clients.
- Students will learn about mindful touch, nonverbal communication, and manual holding techniques for deep relaxation.
- Students will learn a restorative positioning sequence step by step from beginning to end.
- Students will learn how to weave the restorative postures/positions into their practice as a massage therapist.