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.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be fully equipped to integrate Abdominal & Visceral massage techniques into your existing massage practice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following completion of this Abdominal & Visceral Massage course, students have been able to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
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.
Abdominal and visceral massage is a gentle, specialist bodywork approach focusing 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.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists, remedial therapists and practising bodywork professionals who want to develop safe abdominal massage techniques and broaden their treatment skills.
No. This is a CPD course for qualified therapists. Students should hold a minimum Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent before attending.
Students must hold an Ofqual Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent. The course is particularly suitable for therapists with Sports Massage Level 4 or higher. Students should check with their insurer before booking if they are unsure whether abdominal and visceral techniques can be added to their policy.
You will learn abdominal and pelvic anatomy, digestive system function, the diaphragm, breathing mechanics, the gut-brain connection, contraindications, red flags, client positioning, safe draping, palpation, abdominal massage techniques and structured treatment routines.
The course includes abdominal effleurage, kneading, circular abdominal techniques, colon-focused stroking, rolling, skin wringing, vibrations, breathing-related work, palpation and structured abdominal massage sequences.
Abdominal massage may support comfort, relaxation and healthy abdominal movement in some clients with bloating, constipation or abdominal tension. It should not be presented as a medical treatment and therapists must work within their scope of practice.
No. This course does not qualify therapists to diagnose or treat medical digestive conditions. It teaches safe abdominal massage techniques that may be integrated into an existing massage or bodywork practice, subject to insurance and professional scope.
The course covers contraindications, cautions and red flags such as unexplained abdominal pain, acute inflammation, fever, infection, recent surgery, pregnancy considerations, suspected hernia, undiagnosed lumps, severe digestive symptoms and conditions requiring medical referral.
Students learn professional draping, positioning, communication and consent procedures. Abdominal work is taught with sensitivity and respect, ensuring client modesty, privacy and comfort are maintained throughout treatment.
Yes. The course is practical and students usually work with each other under tutor supervision. This helps learners develop safe pressure, sensitivity, confidence and appropriate abdominal palpation skills.
No. There are no formal written or practical exams. Students are assessed through in-class observation, supervised practice and tutor feedback. A CPD certificate is issued when the required competencies have been met.
Yes. The course is accredited by BCMA and IGCT and provides 14 CPD points. Students should check with their insurer before using abdominal and visceral massage professionally.
Qualified therapists may integrate abdominal and visceral massage techniques into their existing practice after completing the course, subject to appropriate insurance, professional scope of practice and safe clinical judgement.
The course is held in person at London School of Massage, King’s Cross / Caledonian Road, London.
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.
FHT, BCMA, IGCT, IICT Accredited Course
ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Course