Frequently Asked Questions

Os terapeutas que são adequados para a prática de Sarga Bodywork responderão sim a todas as perguntas abaixo:

• É um terapeuta manual experiente e habilidoso?
• Tem excelente equilíbrio e controlo de movimento?
• Tem capacidade para manter um foco excecional, paciência e presença centrada?
• É sensível ao sistema nervoso dos seus clientes e às suas preferências de contacto?
• Pratica uma disciplina somática, como Yoga, Pilates, dança, Feldenkrais ou artes marciais?
• É apaixonado por exercício, movimento e saúde?
• Está em excelente condição física?

Sarga Bodywork will absolutely get easier with practice, however learning this modality can be quite rigorous at first and excellent physical conditioning (particularly isometric strength), is a must in order to gain the most from a Sarga Bodywork course. Yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts, or any full-bodied practice that encourages both strength and flexibility will help to condition you for practicing Sarga Bodywork.

For Sarga Bodywork courses on raised massage tables
We understand that weight alone does not determine fitness, balance, or capability. However for safety reasons, we ask that you inform us if you are under 100 pounds, over 175 pounds, or 6' or more in height. We may want to inquire further to ensure that the techniques taught in our courses can be performed safely and within the working limits of the massage tables in our classroom, especially since the Sarga Silk allows practitioners to generate additional force beyond bodyweight. Note that if you are over 175lbs but can meet our 4 fitness requirements, we may have other options for you - lets chat!

Additionally, we have courses on floor-based massage tables and massage mats where biometrics and fitness are less of a consideration. While basic strength and conditioning is still important here, a floor-based practice provides practitioners a much wider and more stable working area. If you would like to discuss these options or anything else related to the points above, please contact us.

For more on practitioner weight and safety considerations, please review “Safety Considerations for Sarga Bodywork on Raised Massage Tables" under the “Equipment” section below.

4 fitness measurements
Here are four fitness measurements that can help to gauge your ability to learn and perform SargaThai with success:

1. The ability to balance on one foot for at least 1 minute without holding onto anything for support.
2. Excellent cardiovascular conditioning and the ability to perform cardiovascular exercise (jogging, swimming, etc.) for 10-15 minutes without stopping.
3. The ability to perform at least 3 sets of 20 squats.
4. The ability to isometrically hold a plank for at least 1 minute.

If you would like some conditioning guidance to help you learn and perform SargaThai with confidence, our Sarga Fit online course is an excellent resource designed with the fitness demands of SargaThai and Sarga Bodywork in mind.

We get this question a lot, and while we recognize that there is no substitute for in-person learning environments, especially for kinesthetic and touch-based trades, there are benefits and drawbacks to both in-person and online learning.

Online Courses
Online education is a rapidly evolving interface that has made leaps and bounds in the last several years. Dynamic, intuitive, and user-friendly platforms have made digital learning increasingly seamless and effective. With Sarga Bodywork's online courses, you will gain access to a step-by-step learning experience that includes high-definition video instruction, accompanying written materials, and access to a private Facebook group for ongoing support. Here are a few key benefits of starting your Sarga Bodywork training online:

• Learn from home!
• Move through the course curriculum at your own speed.
• Start with Sarga 101 Online to see if you like the material and join an in-person course later.
• Lifetime access and archivable format gives students the ability to reference the material as needed.
• Online course cost is more affordable than live courses.
• No travel or travel expenses

In-Person Courses
Sarga Bodywork's in-person courses are physically and mentally demanding, technique-based programs. A lot of material is packed into these courses and proficiency in the techniques is gained with subsequent practice of the material after class. Our curriculum is designed to build on itself, becoming more integrated with each day of class. Be sure to prepare your body and mind for a rigorous learning experience! Here are a few key benefits of starting your Sarga Bodywork training in-person:

• Traditional, time-tested live learning format encompasses visual, verbal and kinesthetic learning styles.
• Group classes help to facilitate accountability, feedback, and camaraderie.
• Ability to receive real-time feedback from a skilled instructor.
• Ability to feel the techniques from other students and an instructor.

Can't decide which track is best for you? Contact us to schedule a time to chat.

Consulte a nossa declaração de propriedade intelectual aqui.

Os pés são ferramentas incríveis para terapia manual e, enquanto profissionais de trabalho corporal, a capacidade de realizar massagens com os pés abre um novo leque de opções biomecânicas. A massagem com os pés descalços é uma prática ancestral, especialmente em várias regiões da Ásia e do Pacífico, e inclui técnicas de terapia manual aplicadas ao corpo do recetor utilizando os pés do terapeuta. Estas técnicas muitas vezes imitam técnicas realizadas com as mãos dos terapeutas, mas uma diferença importante é que a massagem com os pés tende a ser menos “pontual” e é capaz de proporcionar uma pressão mais profunda e consistente devido à maior área de contacto dos pés e à força gravitacional que pode ser utilizada para aplicar as técnicas.

A fáscia é o tecido conjuntivo que forma uma matriz contínua de suporte estrutural tridimensional em todo o corpo e envolve cada célula, conectando células a órgãos, órgãos a sistemas de órgãos, e interpenetra todos os músculos do corpo.

Definimos a técnica miofascial como terapia manual caracterizada por contacto lento, sustentado, oblíquo e de elevada aderência, com o objetivo de estimular uma resposta de alongamento na fáscia associada ao tecido muscular (mio) (ver shear-force).

A massagem miofascial pode ajudar a tratar dores musculares, inflamações e restrições, relaxando músculos contraídos, estimulando o alongamento e hidratação do tecido e melhorando a circulação.

Our goal with Sarga Bodywork is to deliver a systematic, full-body "combing" of the connective tissue. Like running a comb through tangled hair, our techniques promote better organization in the body's fibrous fascial network. Emerging science attributes these effects largely to fascia's dense innervation, which serves as a direct conduit to the central nervous system.

Sarga Bodywork subscribes to the idea that the therapeutic manipulation of fascia (myofascial technique) can be characterized as having slow, sustained, oblique and high-tack contact, and we experience these techniques as facilitating a lengthening, hydrating, detoxifying and organizing effect on the fascial network of the human body. We find the broad contact surface of the human foot to be an incredibly useful and intelligent tool for this purpose!

But what does that actually mean in practice? Below we detail how our four main myofascial technique concepts translate into practical application.

1. Slow
   By “slow” we mean that as we apply a manual therapy technique, we are moving at a speed that allows us to “stay behind the wave” of the recipient’s tissue as much as possible. This requires that the “slack” in the tissue remains ahead of our manual therapy tools, and a gentle, yet assertive stretch is applied to the tissue behind our manual therapy tools. If our manual therapy tools get ahead of this “wave” of tissue, we no longer consider it to be a myofascial application, which Sarga Bodywork emphasizes in practice. “Slowness” will vary from body to body and is more of a felt sense than a quantifiable speed, but is achieved by a combination of adequate pressure, oblique vector direction, and a specific quality/quantity of lubrication.
2. Sustained
   By “sustained” we refer to a consistency in the manual elements that underlie the myofascial techniques that Sarga Bodywork practices. Speed, pressure, oblique vector direction, and friction maintain an equanimity and rhythm that are not choppy or imposing to the affected tissues, but rather seamlessly adjust to their qualities from the start to the finish of an applied technique.
3. Oblique
   By “oblique” we refer to the angle of application, whereas this angle is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the tissue that is being affected. This oblique application of manual therapy techniques has a “shearing” effect on the underlying layers of connective tissue, thereby facilitating mobility between these layers.
4. High-tack contact
   By “high-tack contact” we refer to manual therapy applications that are not slick or slippery from massage oils and lotions, but rather maintain a certain “tack” and “drag” on the affected tissues. While this kind of friction might imply discomfort, Sarga Bodywork techniques seek to stay on the soothing, parasympathetic side of manual therapies, and by no means should recipients experience any discomfort during a Sarga Bodywork treatment.

De acordo com o Dicionário de Medicina Complementar e Alternativa da Mosby:

Massagem é a aplicação de diversas técnicas manuais de toque e deslizamento nos músculos e tecidos moles para promover relaxamento e melhorar o bem-estar dos clientes.

Trabalho corporal utiliza paradigmas de toque terapêutico com o objetivo de restaurar a saúde e o equilíbrio de toda a pessoa através do trabalho no corpo. Ou seja, o corpo é visto como uma porta de entrada para aceder à saúde sistémica.

Embora Sarga Bodywork seja um método de massagem descalça que utiliza os pés como principais ferramentas para técnicas de terapia manual, e embora os nossos instrutores tenham formação em Ashiatsu, pioneirado por Ruthie Hardee, bem como em Massagem Tailandesa, Shiatsu com os pés descalços e Chiavutti Thirumal do sul da Índia, Sarga Bodywork como modalidade não é nenhuma das anteriores.

Inspiramo-nos nestas metodologias e honramos os nossos professores e as ricas tradições que informam e inspiram o nosso trabalho. Mas, tal como existem muitos métodos que utilizam as mãos como ferramentas de terapia manual, o Sarga é uma nova adição ao crescente mundo da massagem realizada com os pés.

O que distingue mais o Sarga das metodologias acima referidas é: 1) O uso de força tensional através do nosso equipamento proprietário, 2) Técnica miofascial* e o uso parcimonioso de lubrificante, 3) Técnica miofascial orientada direcionalmente*.

*Existem muitas escolas de pensamento sobre a fáscia e a sua manipulação. Aqui, definimos a técnica miofascial como uma terapia manual caracterizada por um contacto sustentado, oblíquo e de alta aderência, com o objetivo de estimular uma resposta de alongamento na rede fascial.

*Inspiramo-nos em algumas teorias da Integração Estrutural e no trabalho de Ida Rolf. Embora o Sarga Bodywork não seja, de forma alguma, uma forma de Integração Estrutural, emprega técnica miofascial orientada direcionalmente, ou técnicas aplicadas em direções específicas que visam ajudar a reverter padrões de ineficiência estrutural no corpo.

There are so many different learning styles and skill levels that affect our students' ability to master Sarga Bodywork, but in general here is our suggested learning flow:

1. Enroll in Sarga Bodywork Beginner (Sarga 101) and review everything up to the Technique section before deciding on what kind of Sarga equipment to purchase.

2. Purchase equipment, continue with the online coursework, and practice regularly for 1-3 months before enrolling in an in-person course.

3. Attend Sarga 101 in-person. Begin practicing the techniques immediately after your class to optimize integration of the techniques.

Note: Enrolling in Sarga 102 In-Person right after Sarga 101 In-Person is an option if:

• You are a quick and confident learner.
• You have already gained proficiency in Sarga 101 techniques independently with the online coursework.

4. Practice regularly for 1-3 months while completing the 20 practice sessions required for Sarga Bodywork Certification.

5. Complete Sarga Bodywork Certification

6. Enroll in Sarga Bodywork Advanced (Sarga 102) Online and practice the techniques independently before attending Sarga 102 In-Person.

Sarga equipment and merchandise are not included in in-person course tuition, but students attending in-person Sarga Bodywork courses receive a 10% discount on all purchases.

Sarga equipment and merchandise are not included in in-person course tuition, but students attending in-person Sarga Bodywork courses receive a 10% discount on all purchases.

Each Sarga Bodywork instructor maintains their own registration terms but in general you may opt to transfer your course registration to another course before 30 days from the start date of the course for which you have submitted payment for. A transfer fee of $75 plus any course fee differences will apply upon transferring to your new course. Course transfers are valid for 12 months from the start date of the course you originally registered. Transfers are not available for registrants less than 30 days prior to the start of your registered course date. Please contact yous instructor for more details and/or to initiate a course transfer. For more details on Sarga Bodywork's course policies, click here.

Sarga Bodywork Certification is needed if you are planning to offer Sarga as a service in your practice. Getting your certification allows you to advertise your Sarga Bodywork services, gives you access to marketing materials and comes with discounts & exclusive offers.

In order to complete Sarga Bodywork certification, you must successfully complete the following steps:

1. Complete Sarga Bodywork Beginner (Sarga 101) online or in-person.
2. Complete the course quizzes in the online manual with a grade of 80% or better.
3. Purchase Sarga Bodywork Certification.
4. Complete 20 practice sessions on at least 8 different individuals and submit 20 Practitioner Feedback Forms for review (the downloadable form is available with Sarga Bodywork Certification).
5. Provide proof of massage licensure in the state/country where you practice (if applicable).
6. Complete a 1-hour live online evaluation with a Sarga Bodywork instructor in which you will be expected to demonstrate core techniques outlined in Sarga 101 (evaluations can be performed on either a floor-based table or a raised massage table).

Upon successful completion of the certification steps, you will receive the following:

1. Ability to use CERTIFIED SARGA BODYWORK PRACTITIONER® to promote the Sarga Bodywork treatments and techniques that you offer in your manual therapy practice.
2. A certificate signed by Sarga Bodywork founder, Jivatma Massaguer that states you are a CERTIFIED SARGA BODYWORK PRACTITIONER®.
3. Listing in the Sarga Bodywork Practitioner Directory.
4. Sarga Bodywork logos and stock imagery that you are welcome to use on your marketing and informational media (social media platforms, promotional print materials, etc.).

Sarga Bodywork has equipment and courses that are designed for either raised massage tables or floor-based mats. While many barefoot bodyworkers prefer to work on portable raised massage tables, others may choose to work on the floor because of the stability that a larger working area provides, or because they can incorporate Sarga Bodywork into their existing floor-based bodywork practices such as Thai massage. Each configuration has its unique benefits and limitations, and students will tend to gravitate toward one or the other.

Note that all of the raised-table techniques taught in our courses can be applied to a floor-based practice, however many techniques taught in our floor-based courses cannot be applied to a raised-table practice.

Benefits of Floor vs. Table:

• Larger and more stable working area.
• Floor-based techniques have an easier learning curve.
• If you do not meet our fitness measurements, our floor-based courses can still be accessible.
• If you are over 175 lbs and/or over 6 feet in height, a floor-based practice might suit you better.
• Easily integrated with other floor-based bodywork practices.

Benefits of Table vs. Floor:

• All the material our raised-table courses can be applied to a floor-based practice.
• If you already have a raised table practice, your clients do not need to acclimate to a different configuration.
• Easier to incorporate hand-based techniques.
• Elderly clients and clients with impairments have less trouble getting on/off a raised massage table.

Sarga Bodywork is a rigorous practice that requires excellent physical conditioning. Strength, flexibility and a fine-tuned kinesthetic awareness are a must for practicing Sarga Bodywork safely and without risking injury to both practitioner and recipient.

All Sarga Bodywork techniques are done with just one foot at a time on the recipient’s body, and the therapist’s full body weight is never fully on the recipient, so having a heavier build is not problematic if abiding by the limits of your massage table’s design and weight capacity.

Raised massage tables used for Sarga Bodywork must meet the following requirements:

• Must be of excellent quality and condition.

• Must have an adequate “working weight” capacity. There is a working weight limit on every massage table, which usually accounts for the weight of the recipient plus the pressure of the exerted force via the massage therapist. For foot-based massage modalities on a raised table, the massage table’s working weight must be able to support the recipient’s bodyweight, plus the therapist’s bodyweight, plus the moving pressure exerted by the massage therapist. Most massage tables have at least a 500-pound working weight capacity, but massage tables made by reputable massage table manufacturers can usually support much more (for example, Earthlite or Oakworks massage tables are very well made and are designed to easily hold over 2,500 pounds (static weight), with a working weight capacity of 750 pounds or more). Check the label posted beneath your massage table or research your massage table’s make and model to make sure that it meets your working weight requirements.

• Must have a medium/firm foam (massage tables with soft/thick foam cushioning don’t give enough standing stability for therapists.
• The width of your massage table must be no smaller than 30” (tables that are between 32” and 36” wide are ideal).
• For practitioners over 6 feet in height we recommend no less than a 35" wide table, or a 32" table with a low height range capacity.
• Sarga Bodywork methodology works best at a lower-than-average table height range (slightly above therapist's knee level). This lower height facilitates proper body mechanics per our methods and increases working stability for foot-based techniques.
• The rubber bumpers or any other obstructions on either rail of your massage table must be removed as the Sarga Strap can get caught on these.
• Must have non-slip rubber pads on the legs.
• The Sarga Massage Table by Earthlite is a portable massage table that meets all of the requirements listed above.
• Stationary and electric massage tables can also be used for Sarga Bodywork and are good because they are very stable and have higher weight capacities than portable massage tables. However, width and foam density still need to be considered.
• Massage tables that have extra moving parts (such as a for a tilt feature) tend to be problematic over time with the added wear and tear of barefoot massage.