FOR BODY + BIRTH WORKERS
The Core Connections Abdominal Massage Intensive
The Details
SPRING 2026 :
Level 1- Apr. 16-17
Level 2- May 14-15
Fall 2026:
Level 1- Sept. 14-15
Level 2- Oct 19-20
8:30-5:00 each day (times may vary slightly)
Location- TBD within 3o mins of Richmond VT
For Vermont residents, you can apply for a grant through VSAC called the Advancement Grant. When applying, the school's name is "Core Connections Abdominal Centered Therapy". If you are applying for a grant, you must hold your space with a $200 deposit that will be refunded only when grant funds are received.
Core Connections is an NCBTMB approved provider.
Upon completion of:
Level 1 you will receive 13 CE hours
Levels 1 and 2 you will receive 28 CE hours
To register: please choose your option. Before payment you will be prompted to fill out a form where you will indicate whether you will be joining for Spring or Fall. You may need to look for the cart icon to continue with payment and registration. See more class details and description below. See class cancellation policy.
If you simply need more time to pay, or are applying for the VSAC grant, please choose this option.
Class Description
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.