Instructed by Ailsa Keppie, BSc Hons in Physiology, RMT, MFR Practitioner

Register here:

Gua Sha Level 1-2 and MFR Face and Neck October 2024

Registration Deadline: September 21, 2024

Date:                         October 5-6, 2024 (2 days) *IN-PERSON        Maximum: 24 Registrants

Time:                         9:30am­–4:30pm (Saturday–Sunday)

Location:                 Château Moncton
100 Main Street
Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 1B9

Fee:                           $400  (ANBMT/Student Member)                       $500 (Non-member)

*This course is $500 in-person when offered by the Instructor.

(PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION; RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED)

CEUs:                        Previously approved for 6 category A CEUs (refer to CMTNB CEU policy).

                                    *Student members are eligible to take this course. Gua Sha Level 1-2 and MFR Face and Neck October 2024 2

Chateau Moncton, $129.00 + taxes (15% HST and 3.5% MAT) per day night (2 queen beds), includes breakfast, WIFI, and freeparking. A block of 10 rooms have been reserved. Book one month in advance to secure a room. Phone 506-870-4444. BookingReference: ANBMT Group.

*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Trisura (BFL Canada) has approved Guasha to be added to the RMT policy. There is no additional premium. Guasha is a higher-risk-exposure / invasive modality by Trisura.  Participants must submit certificates of training to the ANBMT for endorsement to practice this modality.

Course Details

This is a 2-day (12-hour) in-person course.

Day 1–Guasha Level 1 & Level 2

Guasha therapy is traditionally a modality used by practitioners of Chinese medicine. It is used to clear blockages of  ‘chi’ in specific energy pathways of the body. Guasha is becoming more mainstream in the past few years and the tools and practices are included in many types of healing treatments. This course will be dealing with the practical applications of Guasha as myofascial work, and how to integrate Guasha into a massage treatment.

Guasha therapy is especially effective at treating fascial adhesions which include things like Dipteran’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis, as well as common ailments such as frozen shoulder, headaches, and low back pain. It can also be helpful in treating types of inflammatory conditions, where fluid is getting stuck in certain areas of the body. The advanced course also deals with TMJ, headaches, and treatment of the face for various conditions and general health and drainage. Some connections to the TCM acupuncture meridians and Eastern medicine point of view, will be discussed and incorporated.

Day 2–Advanced MFR and Guasha for the Face and Neck

This course will provide instruction in advanced myofascial techniques for the facial muscles and the muscle and fascial attachments down the anterior cervical area and along the clavicle. The techniques taught will be based on John F. Barnes’ style of fascial work and TCM Guasha therapy.

Course participants will have a prerequisite knowledge of basic fascial work and of the anatomy of the face and neck. They will also be expected to be familiar with Guasha technique from the level 1 course.

Important Details

All Guasha is contraindicated for pregnancy and is not recommended for young children or the elderly. Other contraindications as for massage.

There will be an hour lunch break each day. The instructor will be available to answer questions or observe technique. Live demos of all techniques will be shown using volunteers who are attending the course  and videos of all techniques will be sent out after the course so participants can review them for personal learning only. Students are expected to come prepared to practice with other participants and should bring shorts and tank top or suitable attire.

Students should bring their own table if possible and a sheet to cover the table and headrest. Pillows are optional.

What to bring

• Portable massage table (1 per 2 participants)
• 1 set of sheets, 1 large towel + 2 small towels
• Pillow
• Massage oil or cream
• Yoga/Gym attire
• Massage lubricant or oil
• Medical gloves in your size (4 or 5 pairs)
• Gauze pads (1-2” diameter) for the Sunday course
• Notes can be sent to course participants, if desired
• Tools for the course can be ordered from Eastern Currents. See links below for recommended ones. Please allow time for delivery of these before the course dates. You may purchase similar tools from other suppliers if you wish or there are some.
• Other household options that could work for the duration of the course. The instructor will have some tools available for practice and/or purchase.

*Please address the course instructor directly at ailsakeppie@gmail.com for options.

• https://www.easterncurrents.ca/ProductDetail/GS714_Premium-Jade-Gua-Sha-Tool–Heart-Shape
• https://www.easterncurrents.ca/ProductDetail/GS707_Gua-Sha-Arch

About the Instructor

Ailsa works as an RMT in Nova Scotia and is in her 15th year of practice. She has taken post graduate training in myofascial release with a women’s health specialization, Somatic psychotherapy training, intimacy education and ethics and boundaries. She has completed a two-year program in Somatic Sex Education with trauma informed training. Providing the knowledge and skills necessary for RMT’s and other health professionals to offer safe and therapeutic work for the anterior thorax and breasts is an important goal for Ailsa and an important extension of practical knowledge for Massage therapists.