Feeling good is right at your fingertips!
Self-massage offers a way to relieve stress and muscle tension, and give yourself a dose of tender, loving care.
It’s accessible wherever you are, whenever you need it. Join us for this LIVE, ONLINE WORKSHOP to learn techniques that you can add to your regular self-care routine — and feel better immediately!
“Michael has been very helpful in improving my sense of wellbeing and relieving symptoms of stress that affect the muscles of my back. I highly recommend Centered Presence!”
This event has already occurred. If you are interested in future offerings — either public or private — please send a message to Michael Patrick using this link:
About this session
Feeling good is right at your fingertips!
During this time of social distancing and physical precautions, you might not be able to visit your massage therapist to soothe your aches and pains, but you can visit yourself! Self-massage offers a way to relieve stress and muscle tension, and give yourself a dose of tender, loving care. It’s accessible wherever you are, whenever you need it. Join us for this LIVE, ONLINE WORKSHOP to learn techniques that you can add to your regular self-care.
What to expect
The online workshop will begin with an overview, followed by introductions. To establish a solid foundation, we’ll cover massage strokes, safety considerations (endangerment sites and contraindications) and helpful techniques. The use of common household props, like tennis balls, walls, and wall corners, will also be explored.
After getting acquainted with the techniques, two self-massage practice sessions will be guided: the first for general relaxation and the second to soothe problem areas.
Each self-massage practice segment will last approximately 10-15 minutes.
After each practice session, there will be opportunity for group discussion. Sharing what you discovered works for you may inspire others to find something that works for them too. And, you might find something else to try.
Bears know self-massage. “Ahhhh….that’s the spot!”
How to prepare
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Turn off your phone, buzzers, alarms, dings, notifications, announcements, etc.
Enjoy self-massage in any of these ways, or in all of them:
Standing - on the floor or against the wall can make it easier to access certain areas of the body and provide a stable surface for support
Seated - on a comfortable, supportive chair or on the floor using a cushion for comfort and wall for back support
Lying down - on a yoga mat, floor or sofa
Items to consider having available:
Lotion, cream or oil
These are optional. Certain massage strokes work better with lubrication, but all can be done without, such as through fabric.
Self-massage can be very effective without any lotions; the strokes selected, and the manner in which they are applied, can be adjusted.
Hand towel
Great to wipe away any excess lotion, if used.
Large towel or blanket
Cover the surface that supports you for your comfort and to keep the surface clean.
Wall, wall corner, or door jam
These are wonderful for applying broad pressure in a controlled manner, or applying specific pressure to hard to reach spots.
Tennis ball
Perfect for rolling around the body or applying pressure against the wall while standing.
Something to note
This workshop is for personal self-care purposes only. It does not qualify anyone to administer massage therapy to other persons, nor does it qualify anyone to teach, or practice massage therapy. If you are interested in the profession of massage therapy, please refer to laws and regulations in your state to receive proper training.
About the Facilitator
Michael Patrick, LMT, KYT, CPC
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Certified Professional Coach and former Scientist, I bring all the gifts of who I am to my work. Driven by the desire to elevate others, my career initially spanned the biotech industry, interdisciplinary research and laboratory safety. Over the past decade, it evolved to wellness and now I work in my own company, Centered Presence, Ltd. As a presenter, my workshops are characterized by elements of touch, intimacy, authenticity, embodiment, grounding, presence, spiritual practice and cultivation of inner awareness, which result in personal growth and empowered movement forward.