Abdominal and Visceral Massage Training for Qualified Therapists

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.

Abdominal Massage Course Details

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

 

Who This Course Is For

Mobilisation

Abdominal and Visceral Massage Course Overview

Abdominal Massage uses gentle, controlled techniques to work with the abdominal wall, diaphragm, digestive area and surrounding soft tissues.

Students train in:

  • Abdominal and pelvic anatomy
  • Digestive-system structure and function
  • The diaphragm and breathing mechanics
  • Gut-brain and nervous-system connections
  • Abdominal observation and palpation
  • Client consultation and consent
  • Professional positioning and draping
  • Effleurage, kneading and circular techniques
  • Colon-focused massage movements
  • Vibrations, rolling and tissue mobilisation
  • Treatment planning and aftercare

Who Is the Abdominal Massage Course For?

The course is suitable for qualified:

  • Massage therapists
  • Sports massage therapists
  • Advanced therapeutic massage practitioners
  • Remedial and soft-tissue therapists
  • Physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors
  • Other eligible bodywork professionals with massage training

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.

Integrating Abdominal Massage into Treatments

Abdominal Massage may be offered as:

  • A focused abdominal treatment
  • Part of a full-body massage
  • An addition to advanced therapeutic massage
  • A breathing and relaxation-focused treatment
  • Part of a suitable holistic or wellbeing session
  • A complementary technique alongside other soft-tissue approaches

This gives qualified therapists greater flexibility when planning individual treatments.

What You Will Learn on the Abdominal Massage Course

The course develops the practical skills required to deliver safe, comfortable and structured Abdominal and Visceral Massage treatments.

Abdominal Anatomy and Palpation

Students learn:

  • Abdominal wall and digestive-system anatomy
  • Diaphragm and breathing mechanics
  • Important abdominal and pelvic landmarks
  • Safe observation and palpation
  • Assessing tension, sensitivity and tissue response
  • Adapting pressure to the individual client

Abdominal and Visceral Massage Techniques

Practical training includes:

  • Abdominal effleurage
  • Kneading and circular movements
  • Whole-hand abdominal strokes
  • Colon-focused massage techniques
  • Rolling and skin-wringing techniques
  • Stationary and moving vibrations
  • Breathing-related techniques
  • Gradual progression of pressure

Structured Treatment Routines

Students learn how to combine:

  • Consultation and consent
  • Comfortable positioning and draping
  • Abdominal palpation
  • General abdominal massage
  • Colon-focused techniques
  • Breathing and relaxation work
  • Treatment completion and aftercare

The routines can be adapted for full treatments or incorporated into existing massage sessions.

Consultation and Professional Practice

Training covers:

  • Client goals and treatment history
  • Abdominal comfort and digestive concerns
  • Contraindications, cautions and referral indicators
  • Maintaining client dignity
  • Professional boundaries
  • Treatment records
  • Appropriate aftercare and homecare
  • Integrating abdominal massage into an insured practice

Entry Requirements for the Abdominal Massage Course

Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in:

  • Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • An accepted equivalent massage or bodywork discipline

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:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Attend both practical training days
  • Give and receive abdominal massage techniques
  • Have suitable spoken and written English
  • Follow professional consent and draping procedures
  • Work within their existing scope of practice

Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage before booking.

Practical Participation

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.

How Is the Abdominal Massage Course Assessed?

There is no separate formal examination.

Assessment takes place throughout both training days through:

  • Tutor observation
  • Supervised partner practice
  • Safe palpation and pressure
  • Professional positioning and draping
  • Appropriate technique selection
  • Recognition of contraindications
  • Consultation and consent
  • Structured treatment delivery
  • Response to tutor feedback

Students receive practical correction and support throughout the course.

Abdominal Massage Certification and Accreditation

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.

Offering Abdominal Massage Professionally

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:

  • Private massage practices
  • Sports and therapeutic massage clinics
  • Holistic therapy practices
  • Spas and wellness centres
  • Mobile and home-based practices
  • Multidisciplinary wellbeing settings

Positive Client-Focused Outcomes

Appropriately selected Abdominal Massage techniques may support:

  • Abdominal relaxation
  • Greater breathing awareness
  • Temporary reduction in abdominal tension
  • General digestive comfort
  • Relaxation during periods of stress
  • Comfortable abdominal movement
  • A more complete whole-body treatment experience
  • Increased body awareness

Treatment is always adapted to the client’s comfort, health and individual goals.

Professional Benefits

The course can help therapists:

  • Work confidently with an area often omitted from massage
  • Develop abdominal palpation skills
  • Broaden their treatment menu
  • Offer focused abdominal massage sessions
  • Add abdominal work to full-body treatments
  • Provide more individualised massage
  • Develop stronger consultation and draping skills
  • Expand their advanced CPD portfolio

Further Training and Progression

Suitable progression options include:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course London

Who is the Abdominal and Visceral Massage Course suitable for?

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:

  • Two bath-sheet-sized towels
  • Two hand towels
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Flip-flops
  • One couch cover with a face hole or a king-size flat sheet

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.

Next Course Dates

No course dates available.

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