This program will explore how lived experiences manifest in the body and mind, and how bodyworkers can approach their work through a trauma-informed lens. Together, we will step into the intersection of:

• The Nervous System

• Developmental Trauma & Adaptive Survival Patterns

• The Role and Application of Attuned Touch

Hybrid offering. Summer 2026. Details announced soon!

Core Connections: Abdominal Massage Intensive
A two-part professional training for bodyworkers and birth workers
Many practitioners intuitively sense that the abdomen holds untapped potential for deep healing—but lack the tools or training to work with this area confidently. Whether you’ve done limited abdominal work or simply feel it’s the missing link in your current practice, this training is designed to help you integrate safe, effective, and transformative abdominal massage into your sessions.

Core Connections bridges Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western anatomy to offer a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to abdominal bodywork. You’ll learn techniques to support the digestive system, reproductive health, emotional regulation, and overall core function—empowering your clients to access healing at the physical and energetic center of the body.

Level 1: Foundations of Abdominal Massage
(2 days)
Level 1 provides a strong foundation in abdominal massage, emphasizing connection, core awareness, and the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You'll begin to develop a relationship with the abdomen through a blend of structured forms and intuitive touch.
In this level, you’ll learn to:

• Build confidence in connecting with the abdomen safely and respectfully

• Understand the relationship between core imbalances and whole-body symptoms

• Apply basic TCM theory to guide assessment and treatment

• Learn full-body sequences that support digestive and reproductive function

• Perform gentle yet effective techniques for working with the psoas and deeper core muscles

• Begin sensing qi and developing energetic awareness in abdominal work

• Support clients experiencing pelvic/abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, or postpartum healing

Level 2: Advanced Abdominal Massage & Integration
(2 days)
Level 2 deepens your hands-on skills and expands your understanding of the abdomen through the lens of Western and TCM anatomy. You'll refine your touch, expand assessment skills, and learn how to address stagnation, deficiency, and tension throughout the core and beyond.
In this level, you’ll learn to:

• Deepen your ability to listen and respond to the body’s signals through refined touch

• Expand your anatomical understanding of digestive and pelvic structures through organ specific massage techniques

• Continue to identify and address patterns of stagnation and imbalance

• Integrate abdominal work with the pelvis, low back, hips, and jaw for full-body regulation

• Further develop a trauma-informed, intuitive approach to abdominal massage

This training offers a rare opportunity to gain practical, grounded skills for working with the abdomen in a way that’s safe, powerful, and deeply restorative. Whether you're a massage therapist, birth worker, or other hands-on practitioner, Core Connections will support you in meeting your clients’ needs with more depth and clarity

Next Class dates:

Level 1- May 14-15

Level 2- June 4-5

Exchange-

Level 1: $525

Level 1+2: $850

Location-

Balance Massage School of Vermont, 4278 Vermont Rte 100, Duxbury, VT 05676

We are honored to provide the option to hold your space with a deposit if you are applying for a grant through VSAC .

Core Connections is an NCBTMB approved provider. Upon completion of both Level 1 and 2 you will receive 28 CE hours to help maintain your local Massage Therapy licensure.

Register below

Certificate in Musculoskeletal Anatomy

for Massage Therapists, PT Students, Yoga Instructors, and Related Professionals

ANNOUNCING THE NEXT ROUND FOR SEPTEMBER 2025!

Enhance Your Expertise with the BMSVT Musculoskeletal Anatomy Certificate Course

Are you a Massage Therapist, Yoga or Pilates Instructor, or a professional in a related field?

You have a gift – a natural ability to build trust and connect with your clients. They return to you time and again because of your knowledge and the welcoming environment you create.

But perhaps you feel a growing frustration. Despite your skills, you yearn for a deeper understanding of the medium through which you work – the human body. You want to elevate your expertise and enhance your ability to support those you serve.

The BMSVT Musculoskeletal Anatomy Certificate course is designed precisely for you. Dive deeper into the intricacies of the human body, enrich your practice, and take your ability to support your clients/students to the next level.

Balance Massage School of Vermont is pleased to introduce a specialized certificate program designed for bodyworkers, massage therapists, yoga teachers, pilates instructors, personal trainers, and professionals in related fields. Any professional working with and through the body can benefit from this course! This comprehensive course provides an in-depth understanding of the musculoskeletal system, enhancing participants' professional expertise and effectiveness with clients. The program is suitable for individuals with or without a background in Human Anatomy & Physiology. Whether your goal is to brush up on A&P from school or to gain a deeper educational foundation of the human musculoskeletal system, this interactive course supports your aspirations.

Travel through the regions of the body, learning the muscles, bones, fascia, nerves, and other supporting structures along the way. Enhance your expertise of the Musculoskeletal System, improving treatment efficacy and client outcomes!

The program is taught by Steph Haddox, owner and lead instructor at Balance Massage School of Vermont (BMSVT). Steph brings an extensive background in working with the human body. Her career began as a Division 1 athlete & coach, followed by a transformative career in massage therapy, and culminating in years of teaching Anatomy & Physiology at BMSVT. Coming from a long family line of teachers, she is passionate about teaching in creative and dynamic ways, transforming 2D textbook content into an engaging 3D learning experience.

Participants will join the Professional Massage Therapy Certificate students in this learning, and benefit from a multifaceted approach to education. We integrate multiple learning styles, hands-on techniques, repeated exposure to key content, and integration of material. Additionally, the course offers exceptional support, ensuring a robust and enriching educational experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Comprehensive Body Understanding: Attain in-depth knowledge of the various regions of the human body and planes of movement.

• Surface Anatomy Recognition: Accurately identify and describe the surface topography of skin, bones, and fascial structures.

• Palpation Technique Proficiency: Develop advanced palpation skills to accurately identify bones, bony landmarks, specific muscles from origin to insertion, and muscle fiber direction.

• Skeletal System Identification: Identify and articulate the location of bones, bony landmarks, and joints within the human body.

• Muscle Anatomy Knowledge: Name, locate, and describe the muscles of the body, including their origins, insertions, and actions.

• Muscle Layer Anatomy: Learn the detailed anatomy of muscles, including the muscle belly, fascicles, and individual muscle fibers, along with the associated connective tissue layers.

Details:

15 classes. Must attend 11 out of 15 to receive certificate.

Wednesdays 8am-12pm at Balance Massage School in Duxbury.

Sep 3 - Dec 17 (Nov 26 OFF).

Registration process: Fill out the registration form by clicking “REGISTER” below and send in deposit of $300 to secure your spot in the course. Once these two steps are completed, you will receive an email confirming your place in the certificate program. That’s it!

$2,500 - VSAC Advancement Grant Approved! Payment plan options and in-house scholarships available. We believe in accessibility and supporting bodyworkers in their continued education pursuit. There are a limited number of scholarships available that will be offered on a first come - first served basis. Scholarship application information provided in the course registration form.

Additional costs: students will need to purchase Trail Guide to the Body textbook & workbook for the course ($118.90) from Books of Discovery. Students can also choose to purchase The Anatomy Coloring Book as well, but this is optional. Colored pencils are recommended with this purchase.

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