Massage 102

Written by Shawn White, LMT

Massage 102 builds upon your foundational massage skills by encouraging your creativity and artistic expression. Imagination is life’s greatest ally. It opens the doorway to see with fresh eyes and transform old ideas into new methods. In this course, you will water the seeds of your three basic techniques and watch them bloom into beautiful fruit.

In this course, we will discuss and explore the following subjects,

• Creativity
• Micro-formulas
• Transitions
• Body Positions
• Directional Adjustments

Central Themes

There are three virtues of massage: empathy, creativity, and humility. These virtues are the fundamental qualities we must espouse to provide a transformative massage experience. Each provides a fundamental cornerstone that will help you explore the tangible and intangible aspects of massage.

In Massage 101, we explored empathy and its role; in this course, we will explore creativity. The following are the central themes of each class.

1. Creativity: Creativity is essential when performing a massage. From the wellspring of our imagination, we can dream up an infinite number of techniques. Throughout this course, you will learn how to draw from this fount to ensure you are constantly discovering new approaches.
2. Micro-formulas: A micro-formula is two or more techniques bundled together in sequential order to achieve a desired result. In this massage 102 course, you will learn how to create micro-formulas, understand their importance, and apply them effectively.
3. Transitions: Transitions are the movements between each technique and micro-formula. They help create a narrative, or a continuous line of touch throughout a session. Many transitions involve simply maintaining touch as we move from one technique to another; others are techniques and micro-formulas in their own right. In this Massage 102 course, you will learn how to effectively integrate transitions between each technique.
4. Body Positions & Directional Adjustments: The sensation of each muscle changes based on its position and the direction in which kinetic force is applied. In this massage 102 course, you will learn how to make simple adjustments to the way you apply pressure to transform the sensations your client experiences throughout a session. You will also learn how the client’s body positioning changes can influence the experience of each technique.

Massage 102 Reading Material

• Massage Elements: Learn about the elements of massage and how to dial in on the intricate details of touch.
• Principles of Massage: Learn about how you can use the elements of massage to create a cohesive massage experience.
• Body Mapping: Learn how to organize and use your knowledge of the body and its sensations to provide a magnificent massage.
• Basic Techniques of Massage: Learn about vibration, effleurage, friction, petrissage, and tapotement.

Massage Classes

Part 1 – Back Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques focused on the back. We want you to imagine how every technique feels, experiment at home, and ask questions.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore the five basic techniques of Swedish massage: vibration, effleurage, friction, petrissage and their general applications pertaining to the back.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the back and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes (techniques performed spontaneous to create makeshift transitions). This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri (the perception of a massage feeling random and disjointed).
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, (the process of changing the direction kinetic force is applied to a muscle to create alternate sensations), sensation zones (spots of muscles that have different sensations based on the area being touched), and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session. Balance is the result of massaging each side of the body equally.

Part 2 – Lower Back Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques focused on the lower back.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the lower back.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the lower back and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 3 –  Middle & Upper Back Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques focused on the middle and upper back.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the middle and upper back.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the middle & upper back and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, , sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 4 – Shoulders and Arm Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the shoulders and arm.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the shoulders and arm.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the shoulder & arm, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 5 – Neck Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the neck.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the neck.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the neck and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 6 – Head & Scalp Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the head and scalp.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the head and scalp. This class may include techniques specific to hair, ears and face.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the head & scalp, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 7 – Arm, Wrist, and Hand Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the arm, wrist, and hand.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the arm, wrist, and hand.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the arm, wrist, & hand, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 8 – Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the feet, ankles, and lower leg.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the feet, ankle, and lower leg.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the feet, ankle, & lower leg, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 9 – Legs & Glute Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the legs and glutes.

1. The Basics: In this massage class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the legs and glutes.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the legs & glutes, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.

Part 10 – Legs, Glutes, & Back Massage: In these massage 102 classes you will learn new techniques for the legs, glutes, and lower back.

1. The Basics: In this class we will explore massage techniques pertaining to the legs, glutes, and lower back.
2. Body Mapping and Transitions: In this class we will discuss the general areas of the legs, glutes, & lower back, and how to organize the massage to encourage one continuous line of movement. This will entail the exploration of transitions and flourishes. This class will help minimize the likelihood a massage feels like potpourri.
3. Creating Variety: In this class we will discuss directional adjustments, sensation zones, and how to use this knowledge to add variety to a session. We will also discuss body positioning and how to modify existing techniques create new sensations.
4. Micro-formulas: In this class we will explore the process of creating micro-formulas and how they may be used to maintain balance throughout a session.