Introductory Massage Classes at Balsamroot

Massage has been clinically demonstrated to benefit physical, emotional, and mental health and is particularly helpful to older people, including those who are anxious, ill, suffering from dementia, and in hospice care.  These hands-on stand-alone classes offer accessible instruction that will help you use basic touch to care for your loved ones and yourself, even if you’ve never previously done massage. 

Friday, January 31, 10-11:30 am; repeated Tuesday Feb. 25, 4-5:30 pm:

            Gentle Massage for Family Caregivers.  Learn techniques to practice on the loved ones you care for that can calm anxiety and potentially address its attendant undesirable behaviors, make your loved one feel better physically, promote better sleep, and make you feel better, too.  Wear loose comfortable clothing.  Participants will work in pairs with each other or they may bring loved ones if the situation permits (please consult with the instructor in advance in the latter case).

Monday Feb. 3, Noon-1:30 pm; repeated Wed. March 4, 4-5:30 pm

            Self-Massage to Ease Stress and Tension.  Learn techniques you can use at any time of the day—some brief, some more extended--that will physically relax your body, thus prompting emotional and psychological relaxation and mitigating the uncomfortable, unhealthy symptoms of stress.  Wear loose comfortable clothing. 

Each class is $35; all include handouts, individual coaching, and extensive practice.  Classes are held in the Balsamroot Studio, 755 N Main, Suite D (Main and Sublette, Kruse Insurance Plaza, facing Convergys’ south parking lot).

Minimum class size 3; Maximum 7.  Please reserve your place well ahead of time  by contacting Susan Swetnam, LMT and instructor, at swetsusa@isu.edu (preferred) or 208-339-1130.

Susan is now offering private classes for groups of at least 3 in the above topics. She’ll come to your group or you can come to her studio. This is a great way for your service, book, or knitting club; Bible study group; or other group of friends, officially organized or not, to have a good time learning something that will deeply benefit your lives. Special topics not listed are available by arrangement. Cost: 3-6 people, $35 each. 7 or more people, flat fee of $250. Maximum class size: 15.