Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School

It is absolutely my jam to teach specific work for specific parts of the body. The techniques taught in this 8-hour class truly turn therapists into specialists in treating low back pain and conditions.

This latest class had an incredible spectrum of learners, from those currently enrolled at Body Wisdom to licensed professionals seasoned in the industry for 30+ years! We had a wonderful time reviewing the anatomy and function of the body and sharing experiences.

I hope each participant was fulfilled as much as I was. Having an environment free for all to gather and share freely embodies the concept all body workers thrive on.

Thank you! Peace and Blessings to you.

Ethel

The recent IASTM course at Body Wisdom Massage School was a huge success! Students loved learning hands-on techniques with specialized tools to improve soft tissue health and help their clients feel better faster. The course was practical and easy to follow, and everyone left excited to use their new skills in their massage practice!

Jillian: “It was a lovely group of folks who all worked together very well, and it's always a pleasure to be an instructor for a class like that.”

Student Feedback:

“The course gave me the tool I needed to speed up results and deepen the bodywork I already do.”

“Enjoyed the class thoroughly. Excited to take all that I learned back to my clients.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed this class! The pace was just right, Jillian spoke with authority and understanding. I learned more about this modality and new ways to use it during every session in the future. Highly recommend!”

“Very informational. A lot of great knowledge packed in 2 days. Highly recommend!”

“I had a great experience in the class. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and knowledge of the students in the class, says so much about how great the school and courses are.”

“I have been searching for this class online, and as soon as G sent out an email, I signed up! 10 out of 10. I would recommend it for any LMT.”

“I learned a lot to take back to my practice and am excited to implement the new techniques.”

“I always use Body Wisdom for my CEUs because they keep adding relevant classes that are the highest quality.”

“I am very excited to use these tools in my everyday practice. They will definitely help me save my hands and give me a way to do myofascial work more efficiently.”

“IASTM was a great class for learning a technique that utilizes a tool. It saves your hands & gives you extra leverage. It was very unique and useful.”

“Jillian is very knowledgeable and will help tailor to your massage style! She helps promote self-care while teaching you how to incorporate it into your normal flow of massage.”

“This should be mandatory for all students/ therapists!”

“This will be such a great addition to my (literal and figurative) toolbox! Can't wait to try it out with clients.”

"Thank you all for participating in the first IASTM course taught at any massage school in the USA."

Body Wisdom

A New Vision: “How Massage Therapy Transformed One Student’s Life”

BWS: Christein, could you share your journey of losing your eyesight and how it led you to discover massage therapy?

Chris: I began to lose my eyesight by the age of 28; doctors told me that my sight would be entirely gone by the age of 30. There was no sickness or anything that my loss of sight could be related to; to this day, there is no explanation for the loss of my sight. By the age of 45, my sight was gone entirely. 10 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with dementia; she passed away in December 2022. During that time, I would rub her hands and feet, and she seemed to have found pleasure in rubbing her hands and feet. So, after my mother passed, I wanted to do something that brought joy to others as it did to her. This led me to the world of massage. Touch is a powerful part of my life, and I would like to share that with others.

BWS: What was it about massaging your mother’s hands and feet that inspired you to pursue massage as a career after she passed?

Chris: My mother found pleasure and peace in massages, which made me realize that not everyone is blessed to have that type of support when sick. I want to make a difference in the lives of others with massage, whether through sickness, death, or just mental or physical well-being.

BWS: You’ve mentioned that Thai on the Mat and Rocking to Relax are some of your favorite classes. What drew you to these particular techniques, and did other courses stand out?

Chris: I chose Thai on the Mat because of the method. You work on one’s body, where you can work profoundly but not hard to get the results that you are looking for. I chose Rocking to Relax because it teaches me how the body should move, how the body moves where restrictions are, and the method of relaxing one’s tissue. I have taken every class at Body Wisdom, and I have taken LOTS of classes. Let me know that this is precisely where I should be. I have never had anything in my life that has come to me so quickly, and not only does it bring joy to others, but it has also brought me fulfillment.

BWS: You started with Ear and Hand Reflexology—what was that experience like, and how has it shaped your approach to massage?

Chris: The Ear and Hand Reflexology experience was like a door opened to a new world. It made me only want to learn more about the world of massage. It’s like going down a rabbit hole. When I think I have reached the bottom, I know there’s more to explore. One thing about massage is that there is no end to the knowledge you have access to in the massage world; it’s physical, mental, and spiritual.

BWS: Massage is such a hands-on practice. How have you adapted the techniques you’ve learned to work with your unique needs as a visually impaired therapist?

Chris: My family and friends have helped me tremendously in this area by allowing me to practice and apply the different techniques I have learned on them. This has allowed me to take the methods I’ve learned and make them my own. I realize that the more I work on individuals, the more natural the techniques become.

BWS: How do you make each technique your own in class? Are there any specific adjustments you’ve made that enhance the practice for your clients?

Chris: One of my instructors gave me the best advice. She told me to trust my instincts and that every technique is not for everybody. Clients are different, so listen to their words and pay attention to their bodies.

BWS: You’re passionate about volunteering at hospice and nursing homes. Can you tell us what drives you to offer massage in these settings and what impact you’ve seen it have on people?

Chris: Dealing with my mother and her dementia is what drove me to this area. It made me think about elderly people in nursing homes who don’t have a support system and who never receive a healing/comforting touch. When it comes to hospice, I want to offer a gift of touch and comfort to those going through their final transitioning period. This gift can be provided through massage.

BWS: What are your plans for your massage practice after you graduate? Will you focus on specific populations, like hospice care, or do you have other areas of interest?

Chris: After graduation, I plan on starting my own business out of my home with family and friends. I also plan on volunteering at nursing homes and hospices once a month. I plan to work for an entire year and then enter the Mastery Program that Body Wisdom offers.

BWS: You’ve expressed interest in taking Body Wisdom’s Mastery Program. What excites you about continuing your education, and how do you hope it will shape your future practice?

Chris: Continuing my education will open more doors for me in the world of massage. It will give me the tools to teach me more techniques and methods that I can share with my clients and others.

BWS: You’ve faced unique challenges in the Sound Healing course due to your blindness. How have you adapted, and what has your learning process been like in that class?

Chris: Sound Therapy was a unique experience; I struggled to hear/ feel all the vibrations from the singing bowls at once. I learned that in this class, I had to focus more on the movement than the sound to understand what was happening in the class. This was very challenging; even though I am used to movement and sound simultaneously, I found it overwhelming. The class became more manageable when I found a way to focus more on the vibration vs. the sound. One thing the class taught me was that everything around me is in a state of vibration, which made me more aware.

BWS: What advice would you give to others facing challenges similar to yours, whether in massage therapy or life in general?

Chris: There is no such thing as “CAN’T.” Put your mind to it and do it. You’re always going to have hills you must climb. No matter what you’re going through, always remember to treat others with courtesy and integrity. Always use perseverance and self-control, and have and maintain an indomitable spirit. Always remember there is a solution to every problem.

BWS: How has your personal journey of loss, care, and adaptation shaped your approach to massage therapy and your future as a practitioner?

Chris: I don’t look at this as a loss, but I look at things as a gift. One of the most significant gifts I’ve received from massage therapy is that I have gained a family. A family full of wonder, knowledge, compassion, tears, wisdom, and love. This is my Body Wisdom Family, people who have shared their lives with me and let me be a part of their world. As a massage therapist, I want to take everything I’ve learned and share it with others. I want to thank my entire Body Wisdom community and my family; everyone has adjusted to help educate me in massage. I plan on using everything I have learned and applying it to my future as a practitioner.

Wishing Everyone the VERY best in their practice,

Chris

Hospice (Palliative Care) Massage: A Course for Compassionate Care
16-hr CE Course, November 24-25, 2024

At Body Wisdom Massage School, we believe that providing comfort during life’s final stages is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Our Hospice (Palliative Care) Massage Course (16 hours) is designed to equip massage therapists, caregivers, and loved ones with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to support hospice patients through touch.

In this comprehensive and deeply rewarding course, participants will learn how to offer patients physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort during their end-of-life journey. This course is not only about mastering gentle, comforting techniques—it’s about understanding the broader role of hospice care and the unique emotional and cultural sensitivities that arise in these moments.

What You’ll Learn:
The Role of Massage in Hospice Care
Discover the profound ways massage therapy can bring comfort, peace, and dignity to patients nearing the end of life while working within the holistic principles of hospice care.

Professional and Ethical Boundaries
Learn how to navigate sensitive topics such as confidentiality, cultural diversity, and the need for professional boundaries, ensuring that every interaction is rooted in respect and compassion.

Communication Skills
Develop effective communication strategies to engage with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Master active listening and empathy to support emotional needs and create meaningful connections.

Gentle Touch Techniques for Pain and Emotional Relief
Master touch techniques are designed specifically for hospice patients to manage pain and ease anxiety. These techniques are gentle and soothing, focusing on comfort rather than deep manipulation.

Cultural Competence
Respect and honor patients' and their families' diverse spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. You’ll learn to adapt your approach to meet their needs, creating a more inclusive and sensitive care experience.

Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
Learn how to care for yourself in this emotionally challenging role. Discover tools and strategies for preventing burnout and compassion fatigue to continue to provide the best care possible while maintaining your own well-being.

Collaboration with Healthcare Teams
Understand the importance of working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in hospice settings. You’ll learn to communicate effectively and collaborate to provide holistic patient support.

Course Highlights:
* Comprehensive coverage of palliative care principles and how they apply to massage therapy
* Emphasis on safety, hygiene, and documentation within hospice settings
* Hands-on practice with gentle massage techniques for terminally ill patients
* Emotional and spiritual support strategies for both patients and their families
* Adaptation of familiar massage modalities to ensure maximum comfort
* Unique considerations for pediatric or adolescent hospice patients
* Marketing and networking advice for those looking to work in hospice care professionally

This course is ideal for licensed massage therapists, care professionals, and family caregivers seeking to comfort and relieve loved ones during this pivotal time. It provides a deep understanding of end-of-life care's physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, empowering you to make a meaningful difference.

Whether you want to expand your professional practice or support a loved one through hospice, this course offers the essential tools to be a confident, compassionate caregiver during life’s most sensitive and vital moments.

For additional information and to enroll:
Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890 or [email protected]

From Classroom to Clinic: Katelyn's Role in Shaping Future Massage Therapists

BWS: As the student clinic coordinator, what key things do you focus on to ensure students have a successful and meaningful experience?

Katelyn: For me, the biggest thing is finding what motivates and excites the students. I love watching people grow more confident with their flow; each student is very different. Tuning in to support everyone individually is essential for their continued enjoyment in pursuing success as they see it.

BWS: What do you find most fulfilling about teaching the Therapeutic Massage series at Body Wisdom?

Katelyn: Working with students so early in the program, I can watch them overcome their hesitations while trying something new. They get excited about what they are learning and how much more is yet to be incorporated into the journey ahead. I also get to learn from them. As a perpetual student drawn to massage for the ever-expanding library of knowledge, learning from my students is a gift and a privilege that motivates me.

BWS: How does the student clinic benefit the students and the local community, and what are your favorite moments from working with the public through the clinic?

Katelyn: The clinic is crucial for students to grow their confidence and refine their practice. Likewise, it benefits the community as we can provide affordable services. I love interacting with clients who are radiant with gratitude and excited to rebook with that student before they graduate or follow that student as they get licensed. One of my weekly clients has been with me since my time at the student clinic.

BWS: Your work with MS Moments sounds incredibly rewarding. Can you tell us more about that partnership and how massage therapy supports individuals with MS?

Katelyn: MS Moments is a non-profit organization founded in Des Moines. One of the many services they offer to those they support is messages. They provide for approximately 240 families but have recently had to halt services for the rest of the year due to hardship. Being blessed as I am to have extraordinary clients and offering to match any donations, we raised enough money in a single week for me to continue supporting all my MS Moments people until the organization makes its anticipated return in early 2025. I have been working with most of these clients for over a year. It was difficult news to hear that we might have to halt services. They are all unique, but the common factor is their appreciation for having a massage as an assistive service and for its relief and solidarity.

BWS: You also work alongside other Body Wisdom graduates in a 3-room office with 5 therapists. How does that community impact your daily practice, and what’s it like collaborating with fellow alumni?

Katelyn: After graduation, I sought a space to rent a room and start my practice. Over time, I rented out with two therapists who did not attend Body Wisdom. The difference was evident in how they approached the profession. They both seemed to be less grounded or refined. They also seemed more interested in how I could help their business than providing the space for me to expand my own. I wanted to create a space where other LMTs starting their practice could have a safe and supportive environment. I am grateful to work with fantastic individuals I already knew and trusted before getting into business together. We all support one another; there is no competition, and we are equals. I was drawn to this profession because of the potential freedom and work-life balance that can be created. I want that same thing for everyone working out of my space. We are empowered to do our own thing and share insights with one another to keep growing within the profession together.

BWS: Teaching at Body Wisdom: How do you ensure your students are well-prepared for their careers after completing the Therapeutic Massage series?

Katelyn: It is vital for students to understand the guidelines of ethics and professionalism. From there, they must really work to create their own vision. They must maintain enthusiasm and ensure that body mechanics are maintained and self-care has a dedicated regimen.

BWS: Outside of massage therapy, gardening is one of your hobbies. How did you get started with that, and how does it help you unwind?

Katelyn: Gardening for me sprouted from a love of being outside and a fascination with watching the world around me provide its own bounty if adequately encouraged. My grandmother had a garden when I was very young before she and my grandfather moved to Arizona. My memories are vague, but what stands out is how happy she was tending to it and the pride she exuded when taking others through it to see what was thriving. I also credit my love for food with pushing me to start gardening; 95% of what I grow is edible. I served in the food industry for over a decade and worked for local companies that took great care to source from the community. Again, it comes back to empowerment; I try to cultivate that in myself so to lead by example and find others looking to do the same.

BWS: Do you find any similarities between gardening and massage therapy regarding the care and nurturing involved?

Katelyn: Intention, patience, and diligence run deep in both! Education and collaboration are indispensable.

BWS: What do you enjoy most about balancing your teaching, clinical, and personal life, and how do you stay grounded amidst everything?

Katelyn: Serving others fuels me to continue going and growing. My first interest in massage was self-empowerment, knowing my body well to maintain it better. The next step was to share that with clients. Getting to work with students brings it full circle for me. I learn from my clients and my students. Those lessons keep gratitude as a guiding factor for me. Feeling like peace and abundance allows me to dedicate time to home life, where I can stay grounded with a blend of solitude and intimate pack life. That adds balance to how social my practice and work for the clinic have made me.

BWS: Is there a particular massage technique or tool you’ve discovered that you find incredibly impactful through your work or teaching?

Katelyn: Myofascial Release is gentle and can still make the most significant impact. That speaks to me personally and spiritually, so using it professionally makes things shine. Also, weighted tuning forks are a favorite for self-care and select clients.

BWS: Looking Forward: What are you most excited about in your role at Body Wisdom in the coming year, whether in the classroom or the student clinic?

Katelyn: I’m excited to continue refining the materials we present to students. There is room for growth each time the classes are taught, and the students help us find that new angle. I love collaborating with colleagues, students, and CE classmates.

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving, and what role do you hope Body Wisdom plays in that future?

Katelyn: I see the potential for brand-new and advanced modalities. Classes like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Death Doula Certification are exciting growth for the school and the industry. Schools like Body Wisdom also create the standard of elevated professional care massage can provide. So much has happened in the last 50 years; the next 10-20 years promise to be just as evolutionary if we come together with that goal. I’m here to keep raising the standard of what the public can expect from Massage Therapists within the greater healthcare spectrum.

Katelyn, thanks so much for sitting down with us today.

Body Wisdom School

The September Body Wisdom Newsletter offers exciting updates, including Jill Miller's Roll Model technique for myofascial release, the HeartMath Quick Coherence Technique to manage stress, and a guided demonstration of a four-part myofascial arm pull.

We also review the improved Thera Cane MAX, explore insights from Bali’s top spas in our Premier Spa Indonesia course, and feature interviews with instructor Katelyn and student Christein, who shares how losing her sight led her to discover the healing power of massage therapy.

Enjoy

Geriatric (Elderly) Massage - 16-Hour CE Intensive
November 17-18, 2024

Are you ready to expand your massage skills and make a meaningful impact in the lives of elderly clients? Our 16-hour Geriatric Massage course is the perfect opportunity to learn how to serve this unique and rapidly growing population.

Whether you work in a medical setting, a nursing home, or provide in-home care, you'll gain essential tools to ensure safety, compassion, and professional boundaries while offering a therapeutic touch. The course is packed with valuable insights on how to adapt massage for clients with conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, and more!

What You’ll Learn:

- Techniques for Comfort Touch® and other modalities like Acupressure, Reflexology, and Energy Work.
- Understanding the anatomy of aging and how to handle common conditions.
- Effective communication with elderly clients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
- Safe and appropriate positioning for clients in wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more.

Plus, you’ll get hands-on practice during a live visit with elderly clients, building your confidence and skills in real-world situations. Whether you want to specialize or elevate your practice, this course will leave you feeling equipped and inspired!

Course Highlights:
- Anatomy and physiology of aging.
- Case studies on common conditions.
- Practical applications in hospitals, retirement centers, and hospices.
- Business and marketing techniques to grow your practice.

Prerequisites:** Therapeutic Massage Level 1 (optional but helpful)

Sign up today to gain valuable, life-changing skills!

Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890
or [email protected]

Premier Spa Indonesia CE Course – 16 Hours of Indonesian Wellness Bliss!
November 24-26, 2024

Attention Body Wisdom Students! Are you ready to incorporate the ancient, luxurious spa rituals of Indonesia into your practice? Join us for our Premier Spa Indonesia course and immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and healing traditions of one of the world’s top spa destinations.

Course Highlights:

Royal Javanese Lulur—Once reserved for Javanese brides, this royal treatment purifies and rejuvenates the skin, leaving it with a soft golden glow.

Balinese Boreh & Bali Spice Scrub – Learn these centuries-old body rituals using fresh herbs and spices to create an unforgettable spa experience.

Create Your Own Treatments – No store-bought products here! You’ll learn how to prepare these rituals from scratch with authentic ingredients, just as they’ve been made for generations.

What You’ll Gain:
Hands-on experience with spa treatments sourced from ancient healing traditions and top Balinese spas.

Learn to design spa packages that layer treatments for a full sensory journey.

Discover the rich history and culture behind these treatments – enhancing your knowledge and creating a deeper connection with your clients.

Marketing tips to help you promote your new spa skills!

Transform your practice with these unique spa rituals, add an international flair to your services, and give your clients a taste of true Indonesian luxury!

Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890
or [email protected]

Stand Your Ground

This class was on Friday the 13th, and we had some fans of the spooky season! 👻🎃

We explored specific techniques to help clients with Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toes, & Shin Splints.

With this festival class, we devised some fun re-name of some moves taught to help jog students' memory when applying techniques. (Although the manual is superb quality with great photos for reference) Here are a few of our renames for your enjoyment:

- Retinacula Dracula
- Ankle Tators
- Clever Lever

Needless to say, we had fun!

Sadie