Intraoral Massage
Update 2022
We have been teaching intraoral work since it was legalized in Washington State in 2008. During the pandemic, we have figured out how to maximize learning and minimize exposure. Since July 2020, we teach the work with clear strategies for navigating masking protocols. We ask that students complete a health symptom questionnaire at the beginning of class. If there is any question in your health status, we ask that you contact us. (Home testing may help to clarify your status -- this is recommended, not required.)
Our Essentials of Intraoral Work class has been finely honed, offering a great doorway into this work for manual practitioners of all kinds. It's a great addition for almost any client.
We are currently revising our Advanced Intraoral courses—from a 2-day weekend course, to several 1-day classes. We're launching two of these in 2024, and we'll be adding a third in 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!
Essentials of Intraoral Massage
Increase your skills for addressing TMJ disorder, headaches, whiplash, and other musculo-skeletal problems in this 2-day class. We'll review anatomy and kinesiology of the face, anterior neck, cranial base and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Learn basic techniques to balance the jaw (bite and chewing) and the anterior neck (hyoid sling and upper cervicals). Consideration of the psychological and emotional loading of the face and mouth is covered, along with specialized intake, charting, hygiene and client management skills that are necessary when working in such a vulnerable area.
Enrollment is limited to ensure a good student-teacher ratio and there is ample in-class exchange time. Intraoral work for LMTs is legal in Washington State—and this class prepares you not only to receive the state's required endorsement, but also to offer your clients excellent work.
I liked the excellent review of technique/palpation on the second day. Really solidified my new learning and increased my confidence in using this material. I can’t believe I’ve gone so long without this set of skills. I feel like I’ve gotten a huge boost to my expertise! — Dina G
As a new practitioner I was a bit nervous about taking this class. Lauren and Richard put me right at ease and made it very easy to ask for extra instruction. Loved their teaching style—warm and friendly. I would highly recommend this class! — Michele W
Advanced Intraoral Work
Breathe Easier: Advanced IO for the Sinuses & Airway
Poor air flow contributes to many health challenges, including sinus congestion, narrow palate, and sleep apnea. Manual methods can mobilize the facial bones that comprise the sinus passages. When these structures have appropriate position and movement, promoting air flow and sinus drainage. In this one-day class, we’ll review the anatomy of the facial bones, air sinuses and respiratory mechanism. We’ll also cover manual methods for assessing and mobilizing the bones of the face.
The manual technique is gentle, specific and highly effective, allowing you to work with people who have recent trauma or acute pain. The instructors have a wide background in structural, cranial and orthopedic methods, and are committed to bridging with various learning styles and individual backgrounds. Enrollment is limited to ensure a good student-teacher ratio and there is ample in-class exchange time.
Prerequisite: Endorsement to practice intraoral work. Those therapists who have previous intraoral classwork, but are not endorsed may attend class with prior approval.
TMJ from Above: Advanced IO for the Cranial Base
Working with the muscles that surrounds the mandible, as we learn in the Essentials of Intraoral course, can help balance jaw function and tension across the TMJ. However, for some of us, the base of the skull itself is unbalanced, creating an asymmetric platform for the joints. In this class we’ll review the anatomy and function of the region, and learn how to assess and balance the cranial base, dural membranes and sub-occipital muscles.
The manual technique is gentle, specific and highly effective, allowing you to work with people who have recent trauma or acute pain. The instructors have a wide background in structural, cranial and orthopedic methods, and are committed to bridging with various learning styles and individual backgrounds. Enrollment is limited to ensure a good student-teacher ratio and there is ample in-class exchange time.
Prerequisite: Endorsement to practice intraoral work. Those therapists who have previous intraoral classwork, but are not endorsed may attend class with prior approval.
Neural Balance through Advanced Intraoral Work
This class is being developed for 2025 -- more soon!
Thank you for another amazing weekend! I was able to put some of this to work yesterday and wanted to share the experience with you. I have an intraoral client and there has been significant improvement in the last 3 weeks. Upon getting up and going through jaw ROM, she was excited to find tha the feeling of muscular restriction was gone and that her ears were more clear. Thank you for the tools that allowed me to go to a deeper level with her! I always learn so much from you on so many levels. Thank you again for your teaching! — Rebecca C
Balancing the Face for Structural Integrators
Gain effectiveness in freeing the deep patterns in the cranium with this 3-day class! Under the myofascial layers outside the skull and around the jaw, the facial bones create the scaffolding for the mouth, nose, eyes and ears. Learn to distinguish and treat imbalances of the myofascia from problems involving the shape of the face and the alignment of the mandible. Day one begins with a review of myofascial intraoral basics to prepare us for the deeper work to come. We’ll learn visual and palpatory assessment methods for the TMJ, mandibular position, facial bones and cranial base. Next, we’ll explore each facial bone in turn, creating a fundamental protocol for effective treatment using intraoral and intranasal approaches. Anatomical landmarks, suture and joint relationships, and pertinent neural and vascular passages will be covered. On the final day, we’ll bridge from the local patterns in the head to full body patterns. Along with postural considerations, these techniques are indicated for TMJ dysfunction, migraines, chronic sinus infections and trauma to the face.
Prerequisites:
- This class is approved for IASI Category 1 credits. All students must have graduated from a IASI Approved Structural Integration program to participate.
- SI Practitioners must either be licensed to practice intraoral work or have studied intraoral as part of their SI training. Those SI Practioners who only have had previous intraoral classwork from a different mode of learning and are not licensed to practice intraoral work, may attend class with prior approval. WA state SI Practioners who do not have their intraoral endorsement are eligible for it by taking this class.
Scheduling: Generally, this class is coordinated through a small group of SI practitioners who come together (rather than a general listing/enrollment). If you and your colleagues are interested, contact Lauren to start the discussion!
Downloadable Documents
- TMJ Homecare (pdf)
Client brochure with instructions for home jaw muscle care - Getting Results by Working Inside the Mouth (pdf)
A key territory for treating headache, whiplash, and jaw pain, by Lauren Christman, LMT and Richard Polishuk, LMT - Cranial SOAP Chart (pdf)
Further reading
Essentials of Intraoral Work
- Thomas Myers, Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians, 3rd Edition
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Chaitow, Leon & DeLany, Judith, Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques
- Whitney Lowe, Massage for Orthopedic Conditions
Advanced Intraoral Work
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Jean-Pierre Barral & Alain Crobier, Trauma (mechanical, not autonomic)
- Alain Gehin, Atlas of Manipulative Techniques for the Cranium & Face
- Torsten Liem, Cranial Osteopathy – Principles and Practice
- McMinn, Hutchings & Logan, Color Atlas of Head and Neck Anatomy
Balancing the Face for Structural Integrators
- Thomas Myers, Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Jean-Pierre Barral & Alain Crobier, Trauma (mechanical, not autonomic)
- Alain Gehin, Atlas of Manipulative Techniques for the Cranium & Face
- Torsten Liem, Cranial Osteopathy – Principles and Practice
- John Smith, Structural Bodywork
Supplies
- Gloves (latex, non-latex, finger cots) - available through a variety of medical suppliers; it's good to shop around for any special deals. Usually you have to buy in bulk (at least a case of boxes - 12) to get the low prices:
- Corks (for TMJ self-care) - available through home brewing companies, locally and on the net. It's nice to get natural corks, and keep them in a dry, scent free place.
- Skull Models or charts can be an invaluable support when talking with clients about their condition.
General models and charts: anatomicalchart.com (through LWW publishers)
For models that are more rare (real bone, pediatric, animal), take a look at Skulls Unlimited.
Fremont
4000 Aurora Ave N, Suite 114
Seattle, WA 98103
Shoreline
116 NE 194th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155
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