The two-day Abdominal and Visceral Massage course at London School of Massage provides specialist practical training for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners.
Students develop a clear understanding of abdominal anatomy and learn gentle, structured techniques for the abdomen, digestive area, diaphragm and surrounding soft tissues.
Training includes palpation, client positioning, professional draping, breathing-related techniques, colon-focused massage and complete abdominal treatment routines.
The course is delivered through tutor demonstrations, supervised partner practice and ongoing individual feedback, helping therapists work with the abdomen sensitively, confidently and professionally.
| Course name | Abdominal and Visceral Massage Course |
| Course type | Accredited advanced CPD course |
| Course duration | Two practical training days |
| Suitable for | Qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners |
| Entry qualification | Recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or accepted equivalent |
| Recommended background | Particularly suitable for Level 4 Sports Massage therapists and experienced practitioners |
| Training format | Face-to-face practical classroom training |
| Practical training | Palpation, abdominal massage, colon-focused strokes, breathing techniques and structured treatment routines |
| Theory training | Abdominal anatomy, digestive-system function, diaphragm, nervous-system connections and safe practice |
| Course materials | Electronic coursebook and certificate |
| Assessment | Ongoing practical assessment and tutor feedback |
| Formal examination | No separate formal examination |
| Accreditation | BCMA and IGCT |
| CPD points | 14 CPD points |
| Professional use | Integration into an existing insured massage, sports massage or bodywork practice |
| Training location | London School of Massage, King’s Cross |
| Progression | Advanced Therapeutic Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Therapy Massage |
| Booking | Enrol through the Abdominal and Visceral Massage course page |
Abdominal Massage uses gentle, controlled techniques to work with the abdominal wall, diaphragm, digestive area and surrounding soft tissues.
Students train in:
The course is suitable for qualified:
Students without an eligible qualification should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Qualified practitioners can also explore the complete range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
Abdominal Massage may be offered as:
This gives qualified therapists greater flexibility when planning individual treatments.
The course develops the practical skills required to deliver safe, comfortable and structured Abdominal and Visceral Massage treatments.
Students learn:
Practical training includes:
Students learn how to combine:
The routines can be adapted for full treatments or incorporated into existing massage sessions.
Training covers:
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in:
The qualification should include Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
The course is particularly suitable for therapists holding Level 4 Sports Massage or an advanced manual therapy qualification.
Applicants must also:
Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage before booking.
Students work as both therapist and model during the course.
Practical training includes abdominal observation, palpation, professional draping and direct hands-on massage of the abdominal area.
Students with recent abdominal surgery, pregnancy, acute abdominal symptoms or another condition affecting practical participation should contact the school before attending.
There is no separate formal examination.
Assessment takes place throughout both training days through:
Students receive practical correction and support throughout the course.
Successful students receive a London School of Massage Abdominal and Visceral Massage CPD certificate.
The course is accredited by BCMA and IGCT and carries 14 CPD points. Further information is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.
This is an advanced CPD course for practitioners who already hold an eligible professional qualification.
Students should obtain suitable professional therapist insurance before using abdominal and visceral massage techniques commercially.
Qualified and insured therapists may integrate Abdominal and Visceral Massage into an existing massage, sports massage or holistic bodywork practice.
The techniques may support work in:
Appropriately selected Abdominal Massage techniques may support:
Treatment is always adapted to the client’s comfort, health and individual goals.
The course can help therapists:
Suitable progression options include:
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners who would like to develop safe, sensitive and confident abdominal massage skills.
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
The course is particularly suitable for experienced therapists and those who hold a Level 4 Sports Massage or advanced manual therapy qualification. If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, you are welcome to contact London School of Massage before booking.
No. This is an advanced CPD course that builds on existing massage skills, anatomical knowledge, consultation and professional client care.
Students who are new to massage should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Applicants without an eligible qualification should contact London School of Massage before booking, as attendance alone may not allow them to obtain professional insurance or use the techniques commercially.
You will learn how to provide a structured abdominal massage treatment with care, sensitivity and professional confidence.
Training includes abdominal and pelvic anatomy, digestive-system function, the diaphragm, breathing mechanics, consultation, consent, positioning, draping, observation and palpation.
Practical techniques include abdominal effleurage, kneading, circular movements, whole-hand strokes, colon-focused techniques, rolling, vibrations, gentle tissue mobilisation and breathing-related work.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
You will be assessed continuously throughout both training days through supervised partner practice, tutor observation and individual feedback.
To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate safe palpation, appropriate pressure, professional consultation and consent, suitable positioning and draping, recognition of contraindications and confident delivery of a structured abdominal treatment.
No. London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns acting as both therapist and model, so you do not need to bring a separate model.
The practical training includes direct work on the abdominal area. Professional consent, communication, positioning, draping, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students should bring:
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and participate fully in the practical sessions.
A complete course-specific list, including any additional items required, will be provided after enrolment.
Students who plan to offer Abdominal and Visceral Massage professionally will also need access to a suitable massage couch, linens and standard massage treatment supplies.
Qualified therapists who successfully complete the course may integrate suitable abdominal massage techniques into their existing massage, Sports Massage or bodywork practice where this falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
Before offering the treatment commercially, students should confirm that Abdominal and Visceral Massage is covered by their professional insurance. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.
Therapists who would like to continue developing relevant skills may also consider the Advanced Therapeutic Massage Diploma Course, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course or Scar Therapy Massage Course.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994. The course is taught by experienced lecturers who understand anatomy, safe abdominal work, professional boundaries and hands-on clinical application.
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