Deep Bodywork®: Healing the Core: Quadratus Lumborum, Psoas, and Thigh Adductors with Perry Holloman

Deep Bodywork®, when applied with great sensitivity and care, is one of the most effective methods available to professional bodyworkers. This approach combines the integrative qualities of flowing massage with targeted therapeutic deep-tissue work. It promotes deep relaxation, supports tissue health and regeneration, and can facilitate long-term changes in the body’s deeper structures.

Using Deep Bodywork techniques, we can reach the deeper layers of tissue and release compacted, hardened areas that are often associated with chronic pain. In these areas, fluid exchange and energy flow may have been restricted for a long time—for example, due to postural patterns, habits, or physical and internal patterns of tension. As the tissue becomes softer and more permeable again and begins to reorganize itself, even long-held patterns of tension can be released. Blood and lymph flow, as well as chi (life energy), can once again flow more freely through the tissue, revitalizing it.

These changes are often experienced not only on a physical level. As deeply held tensions release and the body finds more space and mobility, this can also affect our emotional experience and overall well-being. A sense of greater openness, vitality, and inner peace can emerge.

This workshop provides a clearly structured approach and methods that can be easily integrated into one’s own practice. We work with advanced Deep Bodywork techniques and combine them with Esalen® Massage to expand the therapeutic possibilities for practicing bodyworkers.

This seminar is suitable both for people who are just beginning to learn massage and bodywork, as well as for experienced practitioners who wish to expand their repertoire to include the effective therapeutic techniques of Deep Bodywork.

We’ll learn effective Deep Bodywork techniques for the entire body and combine them with the long, presence-based strokes characteristic of Esalen massage. This creates a powerful blend of structural change and pain relief with deep relaxation and integration.

A special emphasis is placed on good and effortless body mechanics. We learn to work from a place of inner lightness, so that even deep work does not have to involve unnecessary effort or strain on our own bodies.

In addition, we explore how Deep Bodywork can be meaningfully integrated with other therapeutic and healing approaches, particularly when working with chronic pain and deeply held tension patterns. In doing so, we consider the person as a whole—body, emotional experience, and inner well-being—and support a comprehensive process of pain relief, mobility, regeneration, and integration.
Prerequisite: Massage experience is recommended for this workshop.

Course Content

• Ergonomically ideal body posture for each participant, enabling work with gravity rather than muscle strength. This makes giving Deep Bodywork effortless and receiving it a sensitive and organic experience.
• Advanced work on the lumbar region to release the quadratus lumborum and address chronic pain in this area
• Effective techniques for the psoas and adductors to bring the pelvis and spine into optimal alignment with gravity
• Addressing chronic pain and understanding the connection between fear and pain during deep work
• Understanding “therapeutic healing reactions” and how to handle them competently

Course Objectives

• Understanding the structure and function of the lumbar region, the quadratus lumborum, the psoas, and the thigh adductors
• Deep connective tissue techniques suitable for treating these areas
• Effortless integration of these techniques into one’s own massage practice
• Use of subjective and objective observation skills to assess the client’s needs and responses
• Ability to work with cases of acute and chronic pain
• Ability to understand contraindications and healing reactions to treatment
• Ergonomic and safe standing and movement at the massage table to work with gravity, which can positively transform participants’ entire massage practice, prevent injuries, and make the work more enjoyable and effortless.

Perry will also have time to address specific questions from participants.

After completing five courses, participants can earn the “Deep Bodywork Practitioner” certificate.

Prerequisites

Massage experience is recommended for this workshop.

Note

32 hours of training/continuing education, EMR/ASCA compliant.

What to Bring

Neutral, plant-based massage oil and a richer massage cream (thicker consistency, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, etc.).