CTM-Bindegewebsmassage and Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage (Bozeman, MT)
CTM-Bindegewebsmassage and Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage
We live in a stressful world, and many of our clients come to us for stress relief, and to bring more balance into their lives. Sometimes the accumulated stress and anxiety can land more in our gut than any particular skeletal muscle (intestines are muscles, too). Ironically, addressing these core issues with techniques such as Bindegewebsmassage and Visceral massage is not that common yet, although interest is steadily growing.
The techniques you’ll learn in this 2-day workshop can gently and powerfully help restore autonomic imbalance and improve visceral function—and they feel good. Day 1 (Bindegewebsmassage) will focus on systematically working with the dermatomes that influence the abdomen, pelvis, and the parasympathetic nervous system. Day 2 will focus on direct manual techniques in the abdomen and upper pelvic area using soothing, pleasurable techniques.
CTM-Bindegewebsmassage
Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first.
Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscle tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.
A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins. These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation." (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013)
In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", a seated technique which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first followup” and “second followup” which focus on the back and posterior ribcage.
Click here for a brief article about Bindegewebsmassage.
"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD
"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area". - Rachael Brown
Introduction to Visceral and Abdominal Massage
The viscera are at the very core of our body, and are, along with our nervous system, a primary source of life. They are at the center of our structure, our emotions, our biochemistry, and our life energy. There are over 500 million neurons in the belly (about 5 times more than in the spinal cord), and our enteric nervous system is a primary source of our intuition and "gut" feelings.
When we are anxious or distressed, our natural instinct is to protect our soft underbelly and "stuff" emotions there, causing multilayered problems throughout the body. The smooth muscles of the gut contract, pulling on the surrounding mesentery and fascia, causing not only gut pain, but back pain. In addition, surgery can create adhesions and multi-directional disruptions in the abdominal fascia and musculature. It is ironic that this vital healing area is often overlooked in massage.
The sensitivity and vulnerability of the belly is precisely why it is so receptive to safe, calming, and nourishing touch. We can soothe the enteric nervous system and the soft underbelly, sending waves of deep relaxation throughout the entire body. We can relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, which reduces pain, improves digestive function, and eases the fascial pull in the back and other areas of the body. We can sometimes separate post-surgical adhesions, creating balance and increased ease of movement at the very core of the body.
In this class you will learn simple and effective abdominal massage techniques that are easy to integrate into your massage practice. You will learn the basic layout of some of the area's major anatomical structures and how to identify, palpate, and treat them. This class will make your abdominal work more comforting, intelligent, and effective. You will be able to help your clients achieve deeper states of relaxation, relieve pain, improve digestive function, and help free up deep structural imbalances.
"I was expecting a belly massage class and walked away with a deep understanding of the abdomen. This class was incredible.” - KC Johnston, LMP and Doula
“It was profound to receive these techniques and feel their power”. - Elias Darling
“I’ve been massaging forever, and I learned so much today that I will definitely use in my practice. Honestly, I will feel like I’m cheating my clients if I leave it out!” - Fryth Rasar
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 per day, 16 total (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday and/or Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2025, 10am-7pm (Sat) and 10am-6:30pm (Sun)
Tuition: $200 for Saturday’s CTM class, and $200 for Sunday’s Visceral class. Take both Saturday’s CTM class and Sunday’s Visceral class together for only $350. If you have taken either class before, you may attend both days for $300.
Masking is optional.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The balance is due at class, by cash or check only, payable to either Athena Professionals or Pacific NW School of Massage (PNWSM).
Once you’ve clicked the “Add to Cart” button below, scroll to the top of the page and locate the cart icon in the upper right corner, then click to process check-out.
