Abdominal & Visceral Massage Training for Qualified Therapists

BCMA & IGCT Accredited Training 

This 2-day Abdominal and Visceral Massage Course at the London School of Massage is designed to help qualified therapists develop a clear understanding of abdominal anatomy and learn how to apply a safe, structured and effective abdominal massage treatment.

Abdominal Massage is a gentle but highly effective form of manual therapy that works with the soft tissues of the abdomen to support relaxation, breathing, digestion, mobility and nervous system regulation. This course introduces therapists to both the theory and practical application of abdominal and visceral massage techniques, helping them understand how the abdomen relates to digestive function, posture, stress, breathing patterns and overall wellbeing.

Throughout the course, learners will study the abdominal wall, digestive tract, diaphragm, pelvic region, related organs and connective tissues. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the gut and nervous system, as well as the importance of practitioner sensitivity, appropriate pacing, safe pressure, client comfort, dignity and professional boundaries.

The practical training focuses on specific hands-on techniques to help support gut mobility and abdominal function. Therapists will learn how to work with key areas of the digestive tract and surrounding soft tissues, using a structured treatment approach that can be adapted to the needs of the client.

This abdominal massage training course is intended to give practitioners greater confidence when working with the abdomen, while expanding their understanding of digestive, postural, breathing, stress-related and menstrual presentations commonly seen in clinical practice. This includes the supportive use of abdominal massage techniques for clients experiencing dysmenorrhea, where appropriate, with an emphasis on gentle, respectful and non-invasive approaches to help ease abdominal tension, support relaxation and improve client comfort.

Abdominal and visceral massage techniques can be integrated into relaxation massage, remedial massage, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, holistic treatments and clinical bodywork. This makes the course a valuable addition for therapists looking to broaden their treatment skills and offer a more comprehensive approach to abdominal, digestive and whole-body wellbeing.

This course is ideal for therapists looking for abdominal massage courses, visceral massage courses, abdominal massage training or visceral massage training in London, delivered by the London School of Massage.

Summary: What You Will Learn on this Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course

  • Abdominal and pelvic anatomy
  • Structure and function of the digestive system
  • The gut-brain connection, vagus nerve and nervous system regulation
  • The diaphragm, breathing mechanics and abdominal tension
  • Safe assessment, palpation and observation skills
  • Contraindications, cautions and red flags
  • Safe draping, positioning, consent and client communication
  • Practical abdominal and visceral massage techniques
  • Working with bloating, constipation, abdominal tension and restricted gut mobility
  • Menstrual discomfort, including dysmenorrhea where appropriate
  • How to integrate abdominal massage into full-body and specialist treatments
  • For detailed course content explore our course content tab


Why Choose this Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course

  • Accredited by BCMA & IGCT
  • Earn 14 CPD points
  • 2-day, practical format with tutor demonstrations and supervised practice
  • Clinic ready protocols focused on abdominal, digestive and visceral massage techniques.
  • Evidence-informed approach integrating assessment with targeted techniques
  • Complements remedial, sports and clinical massage courses for better client outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be fully equipped to integrate Abdominal & Visceral massage techniques into your existing massage practice.

Course Requirements

Students must hold an OFQUAL (or equivalent) Massage Level 3 qualification (minimum). This course is advised for Sports Level 4 and higher so if you do not have this qualification, please check with your insurance companies prior to booking this course. 

This course has been specifically designed with the Massage Therapist in mind but is open all practising therapists including Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Sports Science practitioners (with massage training).

Without an accredited Diploma, you may be able to attend the course, but you will not receive an accredited certificate. This may affect your ability to obtain professional insurance.

Without an accredited Diploma, you may not be able to join a professional association.

If you are unsure, please e-mail us a copy of your qualifications and we can advise you if it's accepted for this course.

Who This Course Is For

Mobilisation

Accrediting & Approving Associations

Our Abdominal & Visceral Massage course is approved by one or more of the following accrediting or insuring bodies:


       FHT - approved massage courses at London School of Massage      CMA - approved massage courses at London School of Massage      IGCT - approved massage courses at London School of Massage      BCMA - approved massage courses at London School of Massage           Balens - approved massage courses at London School of Massage
 

What You Will Learn in This Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course

Abdominal Massage is a practical, hands-on training course designed for massage therapists who want to develop safe, confident and effective abdominal massage techniques. This abdominal massage course explores how to assess the abdomen, apply appropriate pressure and use specialist massage methods to support abdominal comfort, digestive function, bloating, flatus and constipation.

Ideal for qualified therapists looking to expand their skills, this abdominal massage training focuses on palpation, client positioning, abdominal treatment techniques and structured massage sequences. Students will learn how to work sensitively with the abdominal region while developing a clear understanding of safe practice, pressure application and treatment flow.



During the course, you will learn:

  • How to prepare the client safely and comfortably for abdominal massage
  • How to palpate the abdomen before treatment
  • How to assess abdominal tension, sensitivity, pain and tissue response
  • The main reasons abdominal massage may be used, including bloating, flatus and constipation
  • Basic awareness of the digestive system and key abdominal structures
  • How to apply abdominal effleurage using safe and appropriate lines of work
  • How to use kneading techniques over the abdominal region
  • How to apply structured stroking movements across the abdomen
  • How to use circular abdominal massage techniques around the umbilicus for a tense abdomen
  • How to perform abdominal vibrations using stationary and moving techniques
  • How to combine brisk lift stroking with vibration techniques
  • How to work with the transverse colon and descending colon
  • How to use rolling techniques as part of an abdominal massage routine
  • How to perform skin wringing techniques to the abdominal region
  • How to gradually increase depth once the client is comfortable and the tissues have adapted
  • How to apply abdominal massage with care, sensitivity and appropriate pressure
  • A structured abdominal massage sequence for constipation
  • How to combine palpation, whole-hand stroking, kneading, colon stroking, rolling and finishing techniques
  • When additional techniques, such as hacking, may be used for a flabby abdominal wall
  • How to deliver abdominal massage treatment with confidence, professionalism and clinical awareness


This abdominal massage course gives therapists the practical skills and confidence to incorporate abdominal massage techniques into their treatments, helping them provide more tailored support for clients presenting with abdominal tension, digestive discomfort and constipation-related concerns.

Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course Assessment Overview

There are no formal exams for this course.

In-class assessment and instructor feedback - ongoing evaluation of practical skills with real-time feedback to support learning and development. A CPD Certificate will be issued if the instructor believes the required competencies have been met.

Career Opportunities After Completing Our Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course

Following completion of this Abdominal & Visceral Massage course, students have been able to:

  • Refine their current practice and treat clients more effectively

  • Offer a newer type of massage treatment

  • Treat clients using advanced massage techniques
  • Supplement their full-time income with part-time massage work

  • Develop their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio

  • Join professional bodies, increasing credibility and access to further resources.

NEXT COURSE DATES

Frequently Asked Questions:

Abdominal & Visceral Massage Course London

What is abdominal and visceral massage?

Abdominal and visceral massage is a gentle, specialist treatment that focuses on the abdomen, digestive area, diaphragm and surrounding soft tissues. It uses careful hands-on techniques to support relaxation, ease abdominal tension and encourage healthy movement through the abdominal region.

You will learn abdominal anatomy, safe draping, client positioning, consultation skills, contraindications, palpation, breathing awareness and practical abdominal massage techniques. The course will also introduce how abdominal work may be adapted for presentations such as bloating, constipation, abdominal tension and stress-related discomfort.

Yes. The course is practical, and students will usually work with each other under tutor supervision. This helps learners develop confidence, sensitivity and safe hands-on technique.

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