The Portugal Massage Training Program
A Typical Day of Bodywork Training
At different points in the program the schedule may vary from that described below. This however will give you an idea of what to expect in a typical day on the Portugal program.
Early morning: Breakfast in your own accommodation. If you like, you can practice yoga on the beach or run along the beach or the cliff top.
Morning: Class begins with an extensive warm-up, done with attention to anatomical awareness. There are exercises designed to loosen and strengthen your body, increase your knowledge of where you hold tension and how to release it. The warm-up culminates in the “dance of massage”, a series of massage like movements set to music. Practice sessions follow the warm-up on some days. The morning period provides an opportunity to practice the massage from the beginning incorporating new sections or techniques learned the previous day. You will also usually receive a massage from a fellow student. This morning practice session gives you the chance to work independently, developing the flow of your massage but is also supervised, with someone available for feedback and to answer any questions. Some mornings the focus is on hands-on anatomy or theory class.
Lunch: The weather usually permits lunch outside. You can bring a packed lunch or return home to make your own meal. If you prefer to eat out, there are several beach side cafes a short walk away.
Afternoon: The afternoon session begins with a circle and check- in time, providing an opportunity to get in touch with your own feelings, share what is going on with you with the group and keep in touch with how everyone else is doing. Experiential exercises to increase your ability to be fully present, enhance your sense of touch and explore your body awareness often follow. Some of the afternoon session consists of a demonstration of new strokes and techniques for a specific part of the body or of a new modality, along with applied anatomy. This is followed by in-class practice, with close supervision and help from your teachers. Additional anatomy, physiology and theory is also covered.
Dinner is on your own but there is a group potluck at least once a week
The above schedule is usually followed for the first month. After that we often switch to a schedule of 8-12, and 3-7:30. Everyone appreciates the long midday break, especially as the days grow warmer.
The program Monday to Friday. Alternate weekends there is a half day practice session. Other wise weekends are free. At the end of both the first and second months there are three free days, to give students an opportunity to integrate what they have learned so far and to travel a little if they desire. Portugal is a beautiful and fascinating country and Spain is just 2 hours away.