Catalog of CORE Bodywork Classes

The following is a list of classes that (Noah) Steven J. Karrasch teaches for bodyworker/massage credits. Please note that each is numbered with an Arkansas approval number except for two or three which are not approved by the State of Arkansas. Missouri has no system in place to certify providers:  all these classes have been submitted as Missouri CEU classes by practitioners and approved as such. And, (Noah) Steven Karrasch is an approved provider by the National Certifying Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); as such, any of the following classes will be accepted for CEU credit by NCBTMB.

Some of these classes have not been presented in several years. The year noted at the end of each entry indicates when the class was last presented. If you see a class that interests you, but don't see it on the Upcoming CORE Bodywork Classes page, please email Noah to learn when this class will soon be offered near you.

 

The following classes are for 3 CEU's and are generally packaged two per day for $125:

Effective Movement for Bodyworkers

(AR #194)  3 CEU's

Many bodyworkers don't have a good idea of how to treat their own bodies correctly to maintain health and movement for themselvess as well as give better work to their clients. This seminar focuses on monitoring work habits to correct faulty postures, movements, and work attitudes. Class members will give and receive work with instruction on how to improve their effectiveness. In addition to lecture/demo time and exercises to open congestion we'll all receive work. (2009)

Focusing Intention: Working a Plan

(AR #195)  3 CEU's

This class is for any bodyworker who has ever asked, "What should I do with this body?" The three parts of the class are 'assessing', 'intending' and 'working'. We will examine each other's structure for clues as to what needs to happen in a session; get client feedback and develop a plan based on our ideas and client input; and work on the client — being ready to modify the intention at any time. We'll plan our goals and sharpen our skills as we learn how and why we work with a client.  (2005)

PSOAS: Key to a Resilient Body

(AR #226)  3 CEU's

The focus of this class will be a detailed anatomy of the psoas; how psoas problems can connect to other problems in the body; how to access, relieve and balance the muscle. Methods include lecture/demo, handouts and hands-on experience with a partner. Noah prefers to teach this class in the six hour format Psoas:  Storer Of All Stress.  (2002)

Foundation of Back Pain

(AR #227)  3 CEU's

In this class we intend to release back pain by working below the knee. The theory is that by bringing flexibility and resiliency to the ankle hinge, tibialis posterior muscle and interosseus membrane of the leg, we restore shock absorbency to the lower body and the back, and in fact, even to the head and neck. A simple basic recipe for working with the lower legs is given, demonstrated, and practiced by each class member.  (2009)

A New Look at Kinesiology

(AR #228)  3 CEU's

This is a right-brain, intuitive look at kinesiology — although it is good to interface with a more left-brain medical model, it is also useful to see the deep line of the body as a rubber band and to consider how to best stretch that rubber band to create flexibility and movement in the deep line. Each individual in the class will create and receive a treatment plan designed to isolate and stretch holding patterns in their deep line with goals similar to traditional kinesiology.  (2000)

Arm Cleaning for Bodyworkers (and Others)

(AR #97-93)  3 CEU's

This class will focus on the idea that bodyworkers congest their own arm and shoulder girdles in their work, and need maintenance and prevention to remove the congestion. Through lecture, demo and partner work we will learn how to clean arms for massagers as well as any professional who congests their arms and shoulders. Part of the theory of this class is to compare shoulder and hip girdles and to treat the arms as front legs. A great class for massagers who find themselves in pain.  (2009)

The CORE* Philosophy

(AR #97-160)  3 CEU's

Noah has been developing CORE* Bodywork over the past twenty three years. In this introductory/overview class he discusses working with the first layer of core resistance, calling for movement and expansion as we challenge the layer, and asking for integration of the whole bodymindcore as we release the client's holding patterns. Lecture/demo/experiential work. A great intro.  (2008)

The Heart Hinge

(AR #97-107)  3 CEU's

The heart hinge around T5-8, can be closed down on many of us due to various factors:  emotional, physical, chemical. The focus of this class is to challenge massagers to see this part of the spine as shortened on the front, pulling down to cover and protect the heart. We then discuss concepts and techniques that help to release old stuck patterns in the hinge, opening the psoas/diaphragm connection on the front of the spine and accessing the deep heart space. Demo/partner work.  (2007)

Emotional Anatomy

(AR #97-108)  3 CEU's

Certain diseases, symptoms, postures and patterns can correspond to specific emotions or reactions to situations. An emotional situation over a long period of time leads to a posture that supports that emotional pattern. The focus of this class is to validate this idea so we as bodyworkers can facilitate the release of these emotions trapped in the bodymindcore mechanism. Without pretending to be psychologists, we can often recognize a specific emotion-related holding pattern and encourage the identification and release of it. This is not necessarily a time when we will release emotions; it is more a time to discuss how and when it may be appropriate to facilitate a client's emotional release.  (2005)

Ethics for Bodyworkers Intensive I

(AR #98-155)  3 CEU's

Most of us face ethical issues at some time in our careers — whether of a business nature, sexual, confidentiality, or any other area — how do we deal with ethical concerns? This class begins with the applicable canons of the counselinig profession and applies them to bodywork, inviting discussion and ultimately the creation of group and individual codes of ethics with which we all feel comfortable and can work under such a code. A much needed class on a little discussed issue.  (2005)

Ethics for Bodyworkers Intensive II

(No AR CREDIT)  6 CEU's

Since NCBTMB raised the requirement for ethics in their renewal package, Noah added this class. It builds on Intensive I above, though can be taken without I as a pre-req. We continue the work of I, but add role plays and answer specific student questions and dilemmas  faced in a real world practice. The day goes quickly!  (2008)

Stretching at the CORE

(AR #98-152)  3 CEU's

This class is designed to help massagers teach useful and healing stretches to their clients. Using the above kinesiology model, our focus will be:  how can we access, stretch, and challenge the deep line holding patterns of our clients in an individualized way? As we work through the handout, we will try each stretch and speculate on which population might benefit from it and how to best teach the stretch to the client. Also makes a great individual fitness program.  (2006)

Success in Therapies — How?

(AR #98-156)  3 CEU's

Dr. Jerome Frank has written Persuasion and Healing, a book that identifies four elements common to successful healing regardless of the model of the practitioner. In this class we look at the four commonalities and discuss how we can enhance them in our own practice. We will also role play to increase our skills in the four areas.  (2005)

Releasing the Jaw and Neck

(AR #98-184)  3 CEU's

This class focuses on techniques for releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw and cranium. We will examine the anatomy of working from the periphery to the issue:  psoas/diaphragm, anterior longitudinal ligament to hyoid bone, pterygoids, scalenes and occipitalis. We learn specific techniques that will change the way you think about a jaw. This class has also been somewhat replaced by the Floating Hyoid Bone class in the six hour section.  (2002)

Serratus Muscles: Key to Inspiration

(AR #98-184a)  3 CEU's

Here we deal with four specific muscle sites:  serratus anterior, serratus posterior superior and inferior, and transversus thoracis. We'll study the anatomy of the four, discuss how they maintain the rib cage in a frozen pattern that inhibits breath flow, and demonstrate and practice myofascial techniqeus in partner work for their release. Imagine four sets of hands stabilizing a rib cage against the breath, and you have an idea of what we are working with.  (2004)

Fancy Footwork: CORE* Reflexology

(AR #98-184b)  3 CEU's

This class serves the premise that much poor health is due to a static condition of the foot, and attempts to restore flexibility to the feet through deep reflexology, movement cues, and postural realignment. In addition to traditional reflexology cues, we will examine anatomical landmarks of the foot and leg that we can stimulate manually as well as through movement and posture. Often paired with Foundation of Back Pain, this is a powerful day.  (2009)

Freeing the Low Back Anad Tailbone

(AR #2000-314)  3 CEU's

Noah has received requests to teach a low back class and developed what is considered a good recipe for freeing the area based on PQRST. The formula touches Periphery, Quadratus, Rib Twelve, SI and Tail. Work will be done through loose clothing. The final touches are geared toward releasing tailbone traumas, which we have all experienced. This class is now usually presented as part of Unwinding the Spine class, in six hours.  (2001)

The Top Ten Hot Spots

(AR #2002-331)  3 CEU's

No longer scheduled. See Top Ten in the 6-hour classes.  (2002)

Postural and Movement Awareness Cues

(AR #2000-312)  3 CEU's

Noah believes every good bodywork session should leave a client with a movement or postural awareness 'assignment' — something they can practice for themselves to enhance the benefit of their sessions. This class delivers Noah's top 20 movement and postural cues developed over 23 years of work, and teaches students how to challenge their clients to continue their own work.  (2003)

Fibromyalgia and the Breath

(AR #2000-313)  3 CEU's

It is Noah's theory that the condition diagnosed as fibromyalgia is almost always preceeded by one or more traumas:  surgery (particularly in the stomach area), sharp physical trauma, severe emotional trauma, or a sense of being overwhelmed by life. While massage and other factors can improve the condition, Noah wants to teach the client to remember how to breathe!  (2007)

The Top Ten Hot Spots

(AR #2002-331)  6 CEU's

In 23 years of practice Noah has found certain areas that will effect the greatest change and that are common to many of us. This list presents the ten most common and effective places to work. We will lecture/demo, palpate, give and receive work at each spot.  (2009)

Unwinding the Spine

(AR #2002-332)  3 CEU's

Many people suffer from back pain and problems. In this class we look at various techniques that may be useful in relieving that pain. With a demo, then partner work in each segment, we experiment with various body positionos to help open, access and unwind the spinal 'stuck' spots. A really good class.  (2009)

 

The following classes are for 6 CEU's and are generally cost $125 or £100:

PSOAS: Storer of All Stress

(AR #2003-402)  6 CEU's

Three hours just is not enough time to explore the complicated muscle and its releationships to other parts of the body. Noah believes the psoas acts as a lightning rod to attract excess trauma and store it along the deep body line. Besides intensive study of anatomy, function and aberration, how to work, and how to elicit client work.  (2009)

Training Your Clients to Help

Formerly Four Hands — One Client/Reading Muscle Roadmaps/Exploring Fascial Waters

(AR #2003-403)  6 CEU's

Massage therapists are obviously tactile learners. This class illustrates myofascial planes or meridians; roadmaps; then students work in groups of three to learn to talk and listen through the tissue. When students return to their studios, they get creative in challenging their clients to provide the force of that now missing extra set of hands.  (2008)

The Floating Hyoid Bone and Its Many Anchors

(AR #2007-537)  6 CEU's

Noah has come to see the muscles above and below the hyoid as being for the health of the neck, similar to what the psoas does for the middle body — as a spanner, health of the muscle is important. In this class' afternoon session we will study in-depth the muscles of the hyoid, self palpate, and work inside each other's jaws (optional). A challenge.  (2009)

Noah's Set: Simple, Effective Technique

(AR #2008-552)  6 CEU's

Noah has taken 25 of the little simple 'tricks' of his trade learned over the years, and presents them from the ground up. We work with 1-4 techniques per segment of the day in demo/partners format. You will come out with a new appreciation for the saying, "Work smarter, not harder!"  (2009)

Meet Your Body

(AR #2009-569)  6 CEU's

Based on Noah's recently released book to help clients continue their process positively, this class teaches how to teach your clients how to teach themselves. We work through the 21 described hinges of the body, palpating, releasing physically; then looking at stretches and awareness work we can all use.  (2009)

Shoulder Holders

(AR #2009-570)  6 CEU's

This and the knees class below are examples of teaching what you need to learn. "I seem to have sabotaged my body on too many occasions — was it just to teach me about these places?" says Noah. We look at the four 'rotator' muscles, but also at their two dozen friends and supporting characters. Demo and partner work.  (2009)

Reclaiming the Knees

(NOW approved in AR)  6 CEU's

Again, due to the challenges in Noah's own body he has become more familiar with the various knee ligaments and now assigns muscles above and below to a support network for a particular ligament; then working to release problems in the supporting muscles. A fascinating conversation waiting to happen.  (2009)

 

The following classes begin at 20 CEU's and are priced individually:

CORE I Intensive

(AR #113)  20 CEU's  Cost $450

CORE I focuses on the basic ideas of the CORE Philosophy:  assess, learn to access the correct layer of resistance, creating movements and breathwork for the client, and how to integrate work done. We also cover intention, psoas muscle, stretching and the CORE one session recipe, which we also observe, practice on each other, and on a client. Generally done in a 4-hour night, then two 8-hour days (UK:  three 6-hour days). There is no pre-requisite for CORE I — any massage therapist (and many lay people) with curiosity can benefit from this class.  (2009)

CORE II Intensive

(AR #229)  24 CEU's  Cost $500

CORE II could also be called 'Critical Thinking for Bodyworkers'. What do we do with this body? How do we create a plan, spread over three days and three sessions? This may be my hardest class. Other areas viewed:  CORE I review, pelvic floor, contraindications, seated backwork. Each student will give and receive three-series of CORE work. Pre-requisite: CORE I or at least three of my 6-hour days. Three 8-hour days.  (2009)

CORE III Intensive

(AR #98-153)  60 CEU's  Cost $1,000

In CORE III we focus on the 5-session series developed by Noah and respecting the work of Ida Rolf. In six intensive days (8a-6p) we review, observe a series, practice the series in partnership and work with one model through the sessions. This is the most intensive of an intense series of classes and a very effective personal growth seminar as well. Pre-requisite: CORE I or equivalent, CORE II and instructor approval. Six 10-hour days.  (2009)

CORE IV Intensive

(AR #98-154)  72 CEU's  Cost $1,500

Noah generally suggests taking off six months to a year before proceeding with CORE IV. In eight days we review the series, observe, practice on each other, and take two models through the sessions. This class is the culmination of the CORE training, and leads to full practitioner status. Pre-requisite:  CORE I, II, III and instructor approval. Eight 9-hour days.  (2009)