This intensive is intended for massage practitioners who would like to deepen their bodywork, learn how to maintain the health of their own bodies while giving massages, and receive good bodywork. During this retreat, you will have the opportunity for a self-rejuvenating experience as well as learn advanced, therapeutic massage techniques.  Each day begins with a yoga, meditative movement, or self-bodywork class, and continues with six hours of hands-on practice interspersed with yogic discussions.

 

Topics

covered: * Body assessment            - Where is congested energy being held?            - In what order must areas be opened?            - What type of bodywork is appropriate for this individual? * Sensing congested energy and moving energy.            - Feeling revolting muscles vs surrendering muscles.            - Determining how deeply you can work and how to direct the energy out of the body. * Use of the breath.            - Coaching throughout the massage w/ breathing techniques.

* Working deeply.

           - Removing surface tension in preparation of deep work.

           - Approaching multiple layers of tension; How much can be worked in each session?

           - Subtle hand and foot variations to create dramatic effects.

           - Slowing down. Letting go of a prescribed, timed sequence and replacing it with feeling and following the energy.

           - “Clean-up”. How to finish up a session after working deeply.

* Using props, straps, various body parts, and appropriate body mechanics to

    maximize effect and minimize physical effort.

           - Recognizing how each body may need to be supported differently to facilitate comfort and muscle surrender.

           - Supporting your body with a simple strap system so you can easily use your feet and body weight.

           - Minimizing muscular effort so you can feel nurtured by your massage career for a lifetime. Getting out of your own way and working less.

* Abdominal massage.

* Specific and unique therapeutic techniques.

* How to work on your own body.

Christopher's extensive practice and passion with therapeutic Thai Massage has allowed him to discover numerous subtle, powerful techniques for coaxing muscles and energy to release. This detailed sense of body mechanics can not be found in any book. This class will help you sense a body and energy more deeply, and will enhance your existing practice in numerous ways including making bodywork an effortless process.

 

Come PLAY in this jungle and ocean paradise! (see www.ojodelmar.com) Receive bodywork, relax in a hammock, surf, hike with Ma in the virgin rain forest, kayak, take a jungle canopy tour, ogle at birds & monkeys, swim, enjoy local, organic cuisine..... We have been traveling to and living in this part of Costa Rica for many years. We feel it is one of the most unique, special places on the planet and we would love to share it with you.

Bring your entire family. There are endless activities for them to enjoy while you are exploring bodywork.

 

Both Christopher & Kate are passionate about assisting people in feeling good and smiling more. Bodywork, breathing, and movement feel like the key ingredients for them. Come play, explore, and open new doors.

 

$1300 includes 7 nights of beautiful lodging and food, 6 days of instruction, and local transportation from Puerto Jimenez. Limited to 14 people to ensure an intimate, quality retreat. 50% deposit needed to hold your space. Any family or friends who are joining you but not participating in the massage training pay only $800. To register, email or call as shown below. Participants must arrange their own travel to Puerto Jimenez (via the capital, San Jose). Our resort's website, www.ojodelmar.com, has all the necessary information for "getting here".