Question: I would like to learn about various types of abdominal massage. I’m emailing you because you’re certified in nearly every abdominal modality and have a wealth of information. I’m exploring Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy and Chi Nei Tsang, but I’m just starting. Most of the information I’ve found, apart from committing to the complete programs, is for self-massage. I agree that’s a good first step, which is why I’m considering your courses (Womb Care and Abdominal Scars). Would you recommend this as a starting point for offering abdominal massage? Or is this exclusively for self-care? I don’t have enough information to commit to one abdominal modality. I’m unsure about the best investment of my time and energy for a solid education in this area. Do you have any thoughts? Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.
Answer: I get this question a lot! I learned valuable lessons from several training programs. These include the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang, Functional Methods, and Visceral Manipulation™. Each of these approaches offers unique insights into abdominal and visceral therapy. Choosing just one is challenging. The direction depends on your goals and available time. I suggest getting a session of each modality. At the bottom of the page, I’ve summarized my experience with Arvigo, Chi Nei Tsang, and Visceral Manipulation. But for now, I want to highlight my current abdominal massage online courses.
Abdominal Massage Courses by Barbara Horsley
The types of abdominal massage taught in my classes are inspired by over 26 years of training and experience. In my courses, you will not only learn a type of abdominal massage. You will also learn to listen to the tissues. This will help guide your session. Additionally, massage therapists will enhance their understanding of the abdominal layers and anatomy. They will learn about contraindications to abdominal massage and the causes of diastasis recti.
Additionally, we will explore emotional holding patterns in the belly and delve into other areas of the body. The practitioner page for massage therapists offers video lessons. These lessons cover how to approach the abdomen, calming techniques, using flower essences, and accessing the breath. These practices can be applied to various types of abdominal massage.
Online Courses by Barbara Horsley
Womb Care Online Course
Connect to the beauty and wisdom of your uterus. Uterine abdominal massage training, herbal medicine, restorative exercise & mind-body therapies.
- Tipped Uterus
- Menstrual Cramps
- Fertility Enhancement
- Irregular Cycles
- Emotional Holding Pattern Held In The Pelvis
- NCBTMB Approved for CEUs when taken with the Abdominal Scar course
Abdominal Scar Massage Course
Self-abdominal massage training for scars and restrictions. You will learn how to move your abdominal layers. This will help reduce the chance of new restrictions. As a result, you will feel freer in your body. You will also relieve symptoms related to your abdominal scars and restrictions.
Symptoms related to abdominal scars and restrictions can include several issues. These may be painful periods, a feeling of tugging in the abdomen, and digestive problems. You might also experience frequent urination, painful intercourse, and pain in the back, hips, and shoulders. Learning how to perform abdominal scar massage can help alleviate these symptoms and others.
NCBTMB approved when taken wit the Womb Care course.
Professional Mini Abdominal Course
Would you like to learn Abdominal Massage, but are overwhelmed by the time involved and financial commitment? I am offering you the opportunity to learn an effective abdominal massage treatment. This mini-course costs much less than a single session.
This online Abdominal Massage Training Mini Course for Professionals is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork for 3 CEUs.
Make Shift Happen Constipation Course
Learn how to do abdominal massage on yourself and other remedies for constipation! If you want to learn abdominal massage for constipation, this course is for you. You will learn from an expert in the field. This constipation course goes beyond general massage for constipation. You will learn specific massage techniques for each area of the colon, as well as massage techniques for the small intestine. You will also learn about nutrition, herbal remedies, exercises, and other ways to relieve constipation, gas, and bloating.
Other Abdominal Therapy Schools
I’d like to highlight three other types of abdominal massage that I have had the pleasure of studying. The Arvigo training has changed since I completed the program with Dr. Rosita Arvigo. The ownership has also changed, so I am unable to comment on the specifics of the current training. The CNT training varies depending on the instructor. I studied Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) with Kyle Cline (Oregon) and Mantak Chia (Thailand). I recommend both.
Chi Nei Tsang
Chi Nei Tsang is a type of bodywork that has been used for thousands of years. It originated in China, where Taoist monks practiced it. They used this technique to strengthen and purify their bodies on their path to enlightenment. This approach is based on the five-element theory of Chinese Medicine. It may appeal to acupuncturists or bodyworkers who practice Chi Kung. CNT encompasses abdominal massage, breath work, and Chi Kung principles. CNT aims to remove toxins from the liver, lymph, and colon. It helps improve digestion and supports elimination. This therapy stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems. It also relieves tension in the back, shoulders, and muscles.
Additionally, it helps improve breathing and increases vitality. Most importantly, it can help clear unprocessed emotions. Any of the abdominal therapies can help with unprocessed emotions. However, I believe Chi Nei Tsang focuses on this more clearly, based on my training. I trained with Kyle Cline and Mantak Chia. Another significant piece of Chi Nei Tsang is teaching self-care techniques (massage and healing sounds). Chi Nei Tsang practitioners refer to those seeking treatment as “students” rather than “patients.” They see themselves as teachers, not just practitioners or healers. Chi Nei Tsang is very empowering to those who receive treatment.
Chi Nei Tsang Training:
This training varies depending on who you study with. Chi Nei Tsang was the first abdominal therapy I learned. I studied with Kyle Cline for several years before studying and certifying with Master Mantak Chia. Mantak Chia is the Chi Kung Master who brought Chi Kung and Chi Nei Tsang to the West. If you have the opportunity to study with either of these excellent teachers, I highly recommend it. I’ve also heard fantastic things about Gilles Marin, director of the Chi Nei Tsang Institute in Berkeley, California. I’ve read his books and have several of his Chi Kung CDs.
During my training, the Chi Kung course “Micro Cosmic Orbit” was a prerequisite for the Chi Nei Tsang training. Chi Nei Tsang is a combination of Chi Kung and massage, so having a foundation in Chi Kung is imperative.
The actual Chi Nei Tsang course, taught by Kyle Cline, meets three hours a week for 10 weeks.
Visit Kyle Clines’ Simply Tao page for more information.
Certification involves a week of training and testing with Master Mantak Chia. However, first, you must complete the Chi Nei Tsang training and submit your case studies. I honestly can’t remember how many case studies need to be submitted; 80 comes to mind, but it could be fewer or more. The test involves giving Master Mantak Chia a massage. Ultimately, he will say, “You pass” or “You fail.” Talk about nerve-racking!
All in all, it was an AMAZING experience to work with him. Don’t be shy, if he asks for a volunteer, by all means, raise your hand! The same goes for working with Kyle Cline.
Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy
Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN, developed these techniques after apprenticing with Don Elijio Panti, the last of the Traditional Maya Shamans in Central America, where she has lived for over 30 years. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® blend modern science with traditional healing. This approach offers a holistic path to physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) incorporate a combination of massage, herbs, nutrition, meditation, and emotional healing. This holistic approach can vary based on the Arvigo Practitioner you choose to work with. The Arvigo work always includes abdominal massage. This massage goes from the pubic bone to the rib cage and also involves work on the back. The massage is a non-invasive, external massage. Our experience shows that these techniques help digestive and reproductive health. They restore circulation and energy flow. They also reduce congestion and inflammation in the abdomen. The Arvigo Therapy® includes massage and manual therapy for the sacrum, coccyx, lumbar, and thoracic areas. It also teaches abdominal self-care massage. The Arvigo techniques are known chiefly for repositioning the uterus to its ideal position. It also helps women who have had hysterectomies and men by improving blood and lymph flow, as well as nerve conduction. As with Chi Nei Tsang, the Arvigo work also includes a self-care component.
Arvigo Training: I trained many years ago with Dr. Rosita Arvigo when she was the primary teacher and more involved in the institute. Much has changed since then, especially in 2019 when the course curriculum changed! So please review the current curriculum on the Arvigo Therapy website for the most up-to-date information. If you seek an Arvigo Practitioner, please look for someone who has undergone certification. Not everyone learns the posterior or advanced techniques.
Visceral Manipulation™
World-renowned French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral developed Visceral Manipulation™. VM assists in addressing functional and structural imbalances throughout the body, including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunctions. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. VM aims to increase proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby addressing symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor alignment. VM is a low-force way of working with the body’s own intelligence. Visceral Manipulation™ is VERY specific in its evaluation and treatment. For example, we don’t just treat the uterus in general; we’re pinpointing where the exact restriction is. For example, I might work on the right uterosacral ligament or the left round ligament, and so forth. In the case of the liver, I may focus on relieving tension in the left triangular ligament. I might also work on the falciform ligament. Visceral Manipulation™ is the most specific approach out of any modality I’ve been trained in. Visceral Manipulation™ doesn’t have a self-care component because it’s too difficult to do on oneself. However, it does work with the body’s innate healing capacity and intelligence. In fact, we space treatments out 2-3 weeks to allow the body to self-correct. An interesting aspect of the VM approach is that I can work with the liver or other structures to help with bladder issues. Everything is connected! The body will let me know where to work. If you are a bodyworker interested in specializing in reproductive organs, you should first complete VM1 and VM2. After that, you can take VM3, which focuses on the pelvis and pelvic organs.
Visceral Manipulation Training:
The training for Visceral Manipulation™ is comprehensive and very specific. It is a good idea to retake classes and join study groups. This will help you refine your skills. Remember, it takes a lot of practice to improve. Knowing your anatomy is crucial! The best teachers I know never stop learning. As a Visceral Manipulation practitioner, I continually study anatomy and refine my skills. Here is a brief outline of Visceral Manipulation™ courses. Please visit the official Barral Institute website for a comprehensive and up-to-date list.
- L1- Osteopathic manual evaluation techniques
- L2- An Integrative Approach To Evaluation
- VM1-Abdomen Liver, Stomach, Intestines
- VM2- Spleen, Kidneys
- VM3- Pelvic Organs
- VM4- Thorax
- VM5- Manual Thermal Evaluation
- VM6-VisceroEmotional Relationships
For more information, visit the Barral Institute website.
Author: Barbara Horsley has more than 26 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in abdominal massage and Visceral Manipulation™ and is an NCBTMB-approved educator. In addition to being certified in abdominal massage, she also studied biomechanics and restorative exercise. She is also a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator and a graduate of the IWHI Perimenopause & Menopause Certificate Program.