Association of Biodynamic Massage Therapists
  • Welcome
  • About Biodynamic Massage
    • A Brief History
    • Therapeutic Aims
    • Theoretical Principles
    • The Practice
  • Finding a Practitioner
    • Practitioner - London
    • Practitioner - East England
    • Practitioner - South East
    • Practitioner - South West
    • Practitioner - Midlands and North
    • Practitioner - Ireland
    • Practitioner - Scotland
  • Become a Member
    • Becoming a Member
    • Members Page
  • Professional Training
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Research
  • Blog
  • The Journal
  • CPD Resources
  • Data Protection Guidance
  • New Page

Welcome!

Biodynamic Massage is a form of massage that addresses both the body and the mind.  It affects all aspects of our being - physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual.  ​It was developed in the 1960's by Gerda Boyesen, a clinical psychologist and physiotherapist, interested in the effects of massage on people's mental health.

Members Page

Latest News

Latest Covid-19 Guidance March 2021

Members have asked for us to provide some updated guidelines on returning to biodynamic massage work. Back in January 2021, when there had been large surge in Covid cases,  we recommended against practising unless there was an overwhelming therapeutic need.
 
The picture is changing slightly  – with new infections down and many therapists and clients receiving vaccinations. We refer you to guidelines published by CNHC in January. ABMT concurs with these recommendations which support therapy work under certain conditions, not least that:
  • You must only provide the therapies you are registered for, on a one-to-one basis to clients, for an identified mental or physical health condition or injury that is causing them severe pain or having an adverse impact on their mobility or their quality of life.
The full guidelines can be found here: https://www.cnhc.org.uk/working-during-covid-19-latest-updates-0, and include reference to safety precautions and use of PPE. Please read these guidelines carefully to ensure you comply, if and when you feel it is safe to return to work. Of course, if you do not feel it is safe and right, it is equally important not to practise.
 
As usual, if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Committee.


On-line Content

The link below will take you to a recent  YouTube video made by Theo, our Professional Development Officer about body psychotherapy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnQln4iA10w&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3rAkoRxxv74s-ScBdAXBbqKmfiD_RSuxSjnMfTG5Lpacv5bZ58O93lBH8

There is also one for Welldoing.org by our Chair, Lindsey about the unique therapeutic contact we make in biodynamic massage:

https://welldoing.org/article/what-biodynamic-massage-therapy-video?fbclid=IwAR3J0iAZtwkW9DQRie2uz-5aaGOyzi2UaFrEToevIKocltFTNEvuGyMjK1I

Scarwork and Fascia



​We had a fantastic Afternoon Session on 23rd November, from Jan Trewartha, who spoke about her pioneering work in the field of scarring and working with the fascia. This is relatively new work in the UK and certain to develop extensively in the coming years, as its effects are transformational.
 
I’d like you to read the testimonial below of one of our members, Laura Hawksley, who volunteered for Jan’s taster session, and to draw your attention to the course Jan is offering in July next year. Here is the link.
https://www.bodyinharmony.org.uk/event/sharon-wheelers-scarwork-5
If you are thinking of applying, Jan has offered a £30 discount on the next course for members of the Association. All you need to do is to email her before applying.
 
Here is what Laura has to say:
 
"The AGM last weekend was an opportunity for those who attended to meet Jan Trewartha and hear her speak with a gentle conviction about Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork. Her demonstration of a couple of techniques and opportunity to practise on each other added an experiential element to a really relevant and fascinating session.
 
For myself, I had the added experience of being able to  volunteer a scar and thought I would share a little bit about it. Jan worked on my caesarean section scar, using feather touch and down the rabbit hole techniques. Using the lightest of touch and subtlest of movements I could feel shifts down my left leg, gluts and abdomen, leading to a feeling of more freedom of movement as I walked to the station. That night I was exhausted! 
 
At home both my partner and daughter noticed a change in the shape of my belly, less of a fold tightly pulled in and more of a flop! For myself, my gluts remain more relaxed, and I feel less constricted across my lower abdomen. My scar is shallower than it was and less tightly attached to my abdominal muscles. 
 
It is difficult to feel that I am doing justice in describing Jan's skill and the changes she has instigated in my scar. It feels that these benefits are continuing over time and I sincerely thank her."
 
For those of you interested in this training, the course will be held at the North London School of Sports Massage, not far from Seven Sisters tube. Here is the link again:
https://www.bodyinharmony.org.uk/event/sharon-wheelers-scarwork-5
 
To attend, you need to be a practising body worker with at least one year’s experience. 
It is also possible to pay in instalments. – you pay a 20% deposit and then spread the rest of the cost over 8 months.



Our Journals

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The ABMT aims to produce two journals a year - our most recent being in September 2019. You can find out more about these and how to submit for our peer-reviewed publication here:
http://www.abmt.org.uk/the-journal.html


Listing in Welldoing.org

We are very pleased to announce that biodynamic massage is now included in the on-line therapy site,  Welldoing.org, The link is: https://welldoing.org/types-of-therapy and there is a listing in the drop-down menu. To register as a practitioner therapists must be registered with UKCP or BACP. Thanks to Amy Barnes for her efforts here!

Registering with CNHC

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Your membership with ABMT allows you to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the government-supported voluntary register of complementary therapists. Most complementary therapies in the UK do not have statutory regulation, which means it can be challenging for members of the public to know what therapists have high quality training, ethical, and professional standards. By joining the CNHC register, you show that you meet these standards, and can be searched for by prospective clients on their website. Other benefits of CNHC membership include:

- Possibilities of employment in, or referrals from the NHS.
- Exempt status from London Borough's special treatment licences.
- PR and marketing support.
- Reimbursement for clients with certain private healthcare plans.
- Job, volunteering and CPD opportunities.


Please note: from Monday 1 October 2018 the registration fee will be £70. 
​
 
If you are interested in registering, you can do so by completing the 'request to register' form here:

Keeping in Touch

To receive information about ABMT activities including updates on research, articles from our journal and events join as an Associate Member and receive our bi-annual journal and regular newsletters. Discover more
  • Welcome
  • About Biodynamic Massage
    • A Brief History
    • Therapeutic Aims
    • Theoretical Principles
    • The Practice
  • Finding a Practitioner
    • Practitioner - London
    • Practitioner - East England
    • Practitioner - South East
    • Practitioner - South West
    • Practitioner - Midlands and North
    • Practitioner - Ireland
    • Practitioner - Scotland
  • Become a Member
    • Becoming a Member
    • Members Page
  • Professional Training
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Research
  • Blog
  • The Journal
  • CPD Resources
  • Data Protection Guidance
  • New Page