Treatment of the Head and Neck Area: A Holistic Understanding and Integration

Treatment of the Head and Neck Area: A Holistic Understanding and Integration

Course description

Many of our massage clients come to us because they want to relax their necks and shoulders or suffer from persistent tension headaches. The masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint are often under pressure, contributing to the symptoms.

In this course, we will delve into the structure and anatomy of the head and neck and their connection via the spine and sacrum to the feet. We learn how to work with soft fingertips and effectively combine different myofascial techniques with silent holds and a lot of presence. This helps us not only to sink mindfully into perceived points of tension but also to address the often overlooked, delicate structures of the skull and cervical spine. The connection to the earth by including the feet is fascinating. This can help our clients achieve deep relaxation and pain relief and allow energy to flow freely again.

Mindful exploration of our anatomy in movement and stillness allows us to feel the anatomical structures to be treated on our bodies, thus supporting sensory awareness and compassion towards ourselves and others.

Learning objectives

Fingertips as a sensory tool: using tension points and tissue flow as additional information during the massage.

Integral anatomy of the structures of the head and neck and their connection to the rib cage and shoulder girdle

Detailed work on the jaw, chewing muscles, and suboccipital muscles

Deep work on the muscles of the neck and their connection to the shoulder girdle and thoracic spine

fine mobilization of the cervical spine, including the deep muscles of the neck

Techniques on the feet and lower leg

Seamless integration of the detailed techniques into the flow of an Esalen® massage

Consciously integrating breaks and still holds into the treatment of the neck and head

Course date

25.04 - 27.04.2025

Course schedule:

Friday, 25.04.2025: 14:00 - 18:00

Saturday, 26.04.2025: 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:30

Sunday, 27.04.2025: 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:30

Number of teaching hours: 18 hours, EMR/ASCA compliant, EMBA (Esalen® Massage & Bodywork Association) recognized.

Prerequisites: Esalen® Massage Practitioners or in training.

Course leaders

Eva-Maria Leve

Eva lives and works in Dortmund as an alternative practitioner in her own practice, focusing on bodywork and body therapy. She is certified in Esalen® Massage, Deep Bodywork®, and Somatic Experiencing® (trauma healing, according to Peter Levine)

Eva is an EMBA-certified Esalen® Massage teacher who organizes Esalen® Massage and Deep Bodywork® trainings in Germany.

Lili Imboden

Lili practices Esalen® Massage and Craniosacral Therapy in Herzogenbuchsee. She sees mindful touch, movement, singing, and dance as a gift of life to connect with herself and others. Lili is an EMBA-certified Esalen® Massage teacher and coordinates the Esalen® Massage Switzerland network.

What to bring: a neutral plant-based oil, sheets, note-taking material, exercise-friendly clothing, and a picnic lunch if desired.

Number of participants: 8 - 14.

Costs: Fr. 520.-

Course location: Yogatelier, Bahnhofstrasse 32, 4900 Langenthal. Click here to see the map as pdf: Yogatelier directions/parking pdf.

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation up to 4 weeks before the course is free of charge. If you cancel up to 2 weeks before the course, you will pay CHF 200, after which the full course fee is due. If a replacement participant can be found, there is no cancellation fee.  Please cancel by e-mail to lilianimboden@lilispraxis.ch. By registering, you agree to the cancellation conditions.