The Lauren Berry Method® of Visceral Massage.
Saturday April 18th, in Reno
Class size is limited.
The journey to mastering Lauren's lymphatic work begins here.
Focusing specifically on the Small and Large intestines, Liver, and Cisterna Chyli, this 4-hour class offers hands-on techniques and protocols to restore healthy motility in the digestive and lymphatic systems.

If you’ve ever “gone with your gut” to make a decision or felt “butterflies in your stomach” when nervous, you’re likely getting signals from an unexpected source: your second brain. Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is revolutionizing medicine’s understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health, and even the way you think.
Scientists call this little brain the enteric nervous system (ENS). And it’s not so little. The ENS is two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to rectum.
What Does Your Gut’s Brain Control?
Unlike the big brain in your skull, the ENS can’t balance your checkbook or compose a love note. Its main role is controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination. The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain—with profound results.
The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation , diarrhea , bloating, pain and stomach upset. For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to these problems. But our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around. Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.
These new findings may explain why a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety. That’s important data, because up to 30% to 40% of the population has functional bowel problems at some point.
Continue reading here at the Johns Hopkins website:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
♠ When gut motility is compromised, especially in the lower colon (like the sigmoid flexure), it can contribute to sleep disturbances. And poor sleep? It makes constipation worse. A cycle begins.
What the Research Shows:
1️⃣ Poor Sleep Quality Increases Constipation Risk in Older Adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5931137/
2️⃣ Sleep Deficiency = More Severe Constipation
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.837139/full
3️⃣ Irregular Sleep = Irregular Bowels
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.638651/full
4️⃣ Insomnia & Constipation Co-Occur
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967586824002182
5️⃣ Shift Work = Bowel Disruption
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204627/
✨ Why Are They So Connected?
- Circadian Disruption: Irregular sleep scrambles your gut’s internal clock and motility rhythm.
➡️ Gut-Brain Axis Imbalance: Poor sleep raises stress and inflammation, making the gut more sensitive.
➡️ Nervous System Shift: Less sleep = more sympathetic overdrive and less vagal (rest/digest) activity.
➡️ Where Visceral Massage Comes In:
Gentle, precise manual therapy to the abdomen can restore the natural wave-like movement (motility) of organs like the sigmoid colon.
✅ This improves bowel function
✅ Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (great for sleep)
✅ Reduces bloating, tension, and emotional irritability
✨ If your clients complain of both constipation and poor sleep… the gut may be the key.
Let’s help restore internal rhythm — and unlock real rest.
➡️ Learn more:
https://musclemanagement.com/visceral-class
#VisceralMassage #GutBrainConnection #SleepAndConstipation #LymphaticHealth #BerryMethod #ManualTherapy #DigestionAndRest #ParasympatheticHealing
Based on Lauren’s pioneering approach to mobilizing lymphatic fluid — and guided by principles of hydraulic engineering — The Berry Method® is recognized for delivering fast, effective results. By understanding its foundational concepts, techniques that seem complex become remarkably simple, leading to restored, pain-free movement.
This class focuses on the essential — yet often overlooked — structures within the abdominal viscera, uncovering how internal balance and subtle movement dynamics create lasting change from within.
The skills you’ll gain aren’t just for today’s clients — they’ll strengthen your practice and outcomes for years to come.
An investment in this class is an investment in your knowledge, your results, and your future success.
Lauren Berry Sr: Registered Physical Therapist and Structural Engineer.
Taum Sayers and Muscle Management® Class Policies.
Live classes are limited to practicing therapists.
Course content and development:
Course content is primarily influenced by Taum's apprenticing with Lauren Berry, which began in 1978, and later as an assistant teacher in his classes. Taum continues interacting and co-teaching with other certified Berry Method® Practitioners/Teachers and health care professionals.
Informational resources include materials regarding the Berry Method® and other relevant published works.
For example:
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point Manual, by Janet Travell.
-The published works of Dr. Rene Cailliet, my one-time personal Physician. (God Bless you, Dr. Cailliet…good story:-)
Class presentations are updated and revised as student feedback warrants and knowledge evolves. At the end of each class, students complete a class evaluation form. This evaluation process has been constructive in keeping the classes current and worthwhile for future students.
Instructor:
The sole instructor for these courses is to be Taum Sayers.
Taum is a certified Berry Method® Teacher and Practitioner.
Advertising:
Course flyers are produced on a computer and made available via postings at massage schools, on www.musclemanagement.com in the class schedule section, via email, regular mail, Facebook, and by request. Flyers include information regarding Taum Sayer's training and experience.
Each promotion often includes a reference to Taum Sayers Certifications.
"Taum Sayers is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider under Category A." Provider # 152386-00
Tuition, Registration, available discounts, and refund policies:
The tuition fee for workshops may vary depending on the expenses related to the class.
Registrations require a deposit to hold the space.
As long as there is room in the course, the registration deadline is the first day of class via cash or credit card.
When advanced registrations are offered, there may be a discount; the remaining fee is due at the beginning of/by/on the first day of the class. Deposits are non-refundable, barring an emergency or unique situation determined on a case-by-case basis. Any refunds will be via check or electronic funds transfer (minus up to a $100 processing fee).
Cancellation policy: Students may designate a qualified substitute to attend and then credit their deposit to that substitute's class fee. Any early registration discount for the substitute is waived. Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus up to a $100 processing fee) within 3 weeks. All designation requests must be received 2 weeks before class starts. No changes will be made after that date.
All registration money will be refunded to students if registrations fall short of class financial requirements.
American Disabilities Act: Facilities will be handicap accessible. When students call and identify themselves as disabled, the instructor will discuss their needs and how to accommodate them in the classroom best. Students must notify the instructor of special requirements before the beginning of the class, allowing adequate time for reasonable allowances to be made. As listed in the ADA, allowances for special needs will be met as long as they do not impose an "undue burden" on the instructor.
There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Class records and student transcript policy: Records and transcripts will be maintained and stored within a secure file cabinet or on an electronic data storage unit for four years by Taum Sayers.
Student transcripts will be reproduced only per student request at a minimum charge.
Phones in Class:
To maintain a focused and distraction-free environment, we kindly ask all participants to turn their phones off during class. Thank you for your cooperation.
Photographs and Videos:
Photography and video recording of class content are strictly prohibited except by Taum's designated photographer. If you prefer not to appear in photographs or videos taken during the class, please notify Taum and the designated photographer in advance.
The information on this website and in Taum’s classes is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your physician, therapist, nutritionist, or any other health care provider.
Consult Your Physician or Health Care Provider. We suggest you send them the link to this page for their approval.
Our intent is not to replace any relationship that exists or should exist between you and your medical doctor or other health care professional.
You acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your health.
Once again, you know best your own body and its limits.
Respect those limits.
Registering for this class indicates that you have read,
understood, and agree to the above information referencing:
'The Medical Disclaimer information and Taum's Class Policies.'
After registering, the class preparation webpage opens up.
-
This class serves as a powerful foundation for Lauren's Lymphatic work.
-
This class is a core component within Taum's classes.
- You want these techniques when a client presents digestive concerns.
A Holistic approach.
It serves to remember that we, as therapists, do not heal anything. We simply recognize, respect, and support the body's 'built-in' healing ability.
Corrective Massage recognizes the importance of balanced relationships, movements, and interactions throughout the body's soft tissues*. These relationships include natural anatomical positions and functionally balanced movement unimpeded by soft tissue tension.
Functional balance implies that our soft tissues are working harmoniously to support pain-free, healthy movement and function.
In Taum's world of Corrective Massage, considering all bodily movement as an orchestration of soft tissue relationships is a fundamental principle and starting point.
These foundational principles include familiarity with Equilibrium and Homeostasis. AKA Balance.
For example: Walking initially appears to be a simple activity. It actually involves a complex orchestration of numerous soft tissues.
A symphony of movement:
Our body requires over 200 of our 600 muscles to take one step. Of those 200, many serve as compensating adapters working in the background to keep us upright as we walk. While all our weight is on the right foot, those background muscles are adapting and counterbalancing so we do not fall over.
Each and every soft tissue plays a vital role in the body's ability to move and adapt to unbalanced tensions.
Our bodies can adapt to those tensions.
But only so far...
Limping is an example of crossing the adaptation line.
Pain serves as an alert that unbalanced tension has exceeded the body's ability to adapt, and corrective therapy is required.
The foundational focus of this unique therapy is to interpret the alert and then identify and correct the soft tissue tensions and imbalances that have created those alerts.
Corrective massage has repeatedly proven to be an efficient and effective method to reduce and relieve pain.
I hope this information serves you and those you serve.

*Muscles, tendons, ligaments, membranes, and viscera.
How does Visceral Massage influence lymphatic flow?
Visceral massage positively influences lymphatic flow through several mechanisms:
1. Stimulates Lymphatic Drainage
- The lymphatic system relies on body movement and external pressures to facilitate the flow of lymph, as it lacks its own pumping mechanism.
- Visceral massage can enhance lymph movement in the abdominal cavity where many lymphatic vessels and nodes are located.
2. Reduces Congestion
- Visceral massage can reduce fluid buildup and release adhesions or restrictions around the organs, improving lymph circulation and overall detoxification.
3. Improves Organ Function
- The lymphatic system plays a role in maintaining immune responses and removing waste products. By improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage around the organs, visceral massage can help organs like the liver and intestines function more effectively in detoxifying the body and processing nutrients.
4. Enhances Abdominal Movement
- Gentle visceral massage promotes better movement of the abdominal muscles and fascia, indirectly stimulating the lymphatic vessels and supporting fluid movement.
5. Reduces Inflammation
- Lymphatic flow helps clear inflammatory byproducts. By increasing lymphatic circulation, visceral massage can assist in resolving inflammation in the abdominal cavity and surrounding areas.
This technique is often used in conjunction with other therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
Consider:
- Stagnant is not healthy.
- Every cell in the human body requires movement and moisture.
- That moisture is constantly being refreshed, recycled, and replaced.
- The Lymphatic, Digestive, and Visceral systems are essential to that process.
- All therapies strive to help stagnant things move.
Taum teaches you why, what, and how.
This class focuses on supporting healthy movement within the Lymphatic, Digestive, and Visceral systems.
This information is unique to The Berry Method® of Lymphatic Massage.
While western medicine recently 'discovered' the importance of our lymphatic and digestive systems, eastern medicine appears to have been recognizing and working with these 'Core' systems for centuries.
The lymphatic and digestive systems' participation in 'wellness' can often appear poorly understood when considered via the Western approach.
Lauren's approach and protocols for balancing the viscera help fill in some of those gaps.
This unique class focuses on the abdomen and uses no oil.
The class will be held at Synergy Healing Arts in Truckee,
part of 'Lift Workspace - Cowork, Conference & Wellness Center'
next to Truckee International Airport (KTRK)
10266 Truckee Airport Rd, Truckee, CA 96161





Brain fog?
Connected...yes
Connected...yes
The Lauren Berry Method® of Visceral Massage.
Saturday April 18th, in Reno
The journey to mastering Lauren's lymphatic work begins here.
Focusing specifically on the Small and Large intestines, Liver, and Cisterna Chyli, this 4-hour class offers hands-on techniques and protocols to restore healthy motility in the digestive and lymphatic systems.

If you’ve ever “gone with your gut” to make a decision or felt “butterflies in your stomach” when nervous, you’re likely getting signals from an unexpected source: your second brain. Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is revolutionizing medicine’s understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health, and even the way you think.
Scientists call this little brain the enteric nervous system (ENS). And it’s not so little. The ENS is two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to rectum.
What Does Your Gut’s Brain Control?
Unlike the big brain in your skull, the ENS can’t balance your checkbook or compose a love note. Its main role is controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination. The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain—with profound results.
The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation , diarrhea , bloating, pain and stomach upset. For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to these problems. But our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around. Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.
These new findings may explain why a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety. That’s important data, because up to 30% to 40% of the population has functional bowel problems at some point.
Continue reading here at the Johns Hopkins website:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
♠ When gut motility is compromised, especially in the lower colon (like the sigmoid flexure), it can contribute to sleep disturbances. And poor sleep? It makes constipation worse. A cycle begins.
What the Research Shows:
1️⃣ Poor Sleep Quality Increases Constipation Risk in Older Adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5931137/
2️⃣ Sleep Deficiency = More Severe Constipation
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.837139/full
3️⃣ Irregular Sleep = Irregular Bowels
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.638651/full
4️⃣ Insomnia & Constipation Co-Occur
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967586824002182
5️⃣ Shift Work = Bowel Disruption
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204627/
✨ Why Are They So Connected?
- Circadian Disruption: Irregular sleep scrambles your gut’s internal clock and motility rhythm.
➡️ Gut-Brain Axis Imbalance: Poor sleep raises stress and inflammation, making the gut more sensitive.
➡️ Nervous System Shift: Less sleep = more sympathetic overdrive and less vagal (rest/digest) activity.
➡️ Where Visceral Massage Comes In:
Gentle, precise manual therapy to the abdomen can restore the natural wave-like movement (motility) of organs like the sigmoid colon.
✅ This improves bowel function
✅ Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (great for sleep)
✅ Reduces bloating, tension, and emotional irritability
✨ If your clients complain of both constipation and poor sleep… the gut may be the key.
Let’s help restore internal rhythm — and unlock real rest.
➡️ Learn more:
https://musclemanagement.com/visceral-class
#VisceralMassage #GutBrainConnection #SleepAndConstipation #LymphaticHealth #BerryMethod #ManualTherapy #DigestionAndRest #ParasympatheticHealing
Based on Lauren’s pioneering approach to mobilizing lymphatic fluid — and guided by principles of hydraulic engineering — The Berry Method® is recognized for delivering fast, effective results. By understanding its foundational concepts, techniques that seem complex become remarkably simple, leading to restored, pain-free movement.
This class focuses on the essential — yet often overlooked — structures within the abdominal viscera, uncovering how internal balance and subtle movement dynamics create lasting change from within.
The skills you’ll gain aren’t just for today’s clients — they’ll strengthen your practice and outcomes for years to come.
An investment in this class is an investment in your knowledge, your results, and your future success.
Lauren Berry Sr: Registered Physical Therapist and Structural Engineer.
Date: TBD
Class size is limited to 12.
Taum Sayers and Muscle Management® Class Policies.
Live classes are limited to practicing therapists.
Course content and development:
Course content is primarily influenced by Taum's apprenticing with Lauren Berry, which began in 1978, and later as an assistant teacher in his classes. Taum continues interacting and co-teaching with other certified Berry Method® Practitioners/Teachers and health care professionals.
Informational resources include materials regarding the Berry Method® and other relevant published works.
For example:
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point Manual, by Janet Travell.
-The published works of Dr. Rene Cailliet, my one-time personal Physician. (God Bless you, Dr. Cailliet…good story:-)
Class presentations are updated and revised as student feedback warrants and knowledge evolves. At the end of each class, students complete a class evaluation form. This evaluation process has been constructive in keeping the classes current and worthwhile for future students.
Instructor:
The sole instructor for these courses is to be Taum Sayers.
Taum is a certified Berry Method® Teacher and Practitioner.
Advertising:
Course flyers are produced on a computer and made available via postings at massage schools, on www.musclemanagement.com in the class schedule section, via email, regular mail, Facebook, and by request. Flyers include information regarding Taum Sayer's training and experience.
Each promotion often includes a reference to Taum Sayers Certifications.
"Taum Sayers is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider under Category A." Provider # 152386-00
Tuition, Registration, available discounts, and refund policies:
The tuition fee for workshops may vary depending on the expenses related to the class.
Registrations require a deposit to hold the space.
As long as there is room in the course, the registration deadline is the first day of class via cash or credit card.
When advanced registrations are offered, there may be a discount; the remaining fee is due at the beginning of/by/on the first day of the class. Deposits are non-refundable, barring an emergency or unique situation determined on a case-by-case basis. Any refunds will be via check or electronic funds transfer (minus up to a $100 processing fee).
Cancellation policy: Students may designate a qualified substitute to attend and then credit their deposit to that substitute's class fee. Any early registration discount for the substitute is waived. Any refunds will be made via check or electronic funds transfer (minus up to a $100 processing fee) within 3 weeks. All designation requests must be received 2 weeks before class starts. No changes will be made after that date.
All registration money will be refunded to students if registrations fall short of class financial requirements.
American Disabilities Act: Facilities will be handicap accessible. When students call and identify themselves as disabled, the instructor will discuss their needs and how to accommodate them in the classroom best. Students must notify the instructor of special requirements before the beginning of the class, allowing adequate time for reasonable allowances to be made. As listed in the ADA, allowances for special needs will be met as long as they do not impose an "undue burden" on the instructor.
There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Class records and student transcript policy: Records and transcripts will be maintained and stored within a secure file cabinet or on an electronic data storage unit for four years by Taum Sayers.
Student transcripts will be reproduced only per student request at a minimum charge.
Phones in Class:
To maintain a focused and distraction-free environment, we kindly ask all participants to turn their phones off during class. Thank you for your cooperation.
Photographs and Videos:
Photography and video recording of class content are strictly prohibited except by Taum's designated photographer. If you prefer not to appear in photographs or videos taken during the class, please notify Taum and the designated photographer in advance.
The information on this website and in Taum’s classes is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your physician, therapist, nutritionist, or any other health care provider.
Consult Your Physician or Health Care Provider. We suggest you send them the link to this page for their approval.
Our intent is not to replace any relationship that exists or should exist between you and your medical doctor or other health care professional.
You acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your health.
Once again, you know best your own body and its limits.
Respect those limits.
-
This class serves as a powerful foundation for Lauren's Lymphatic work.
-
This class is a core component within Taum's classes.
- You want these techniques when a client presents digestive concerns.
A Holistic approach.
It serves to remember that we, as therapists, do not heal anything. We simply recognize, respect, and support the body's 'built-in' healing ability.
Corrective Massage recognizes the importance of balanced relationships, movements, and interactions throughout the body's soft tissues*. These relationships include natural anatomical positions and functionally balanced movement unimpeded by soft tissue tension.
Functional balance implies that our soft tissues are working harmoniously to support pain-free, healthy movement and function.
In Taum's world of Corrective Massage, considering all bodily movement as an orchestration of soft tissue relationships is a fundamental principle and starting point.
These foundational principles include familiarity with Equilibrium and Homeostasis. AKA Balance.
For example: Walking initially appears to be a simple activity. It actually involves a complex orchestration of numerous soft tissues.
A symphony of movement:
Our body requires over 200 of our 600 muscles to take one step. Of those 200, many serve as compensating adapters working in the background to keep us upright as we walk. While all our weight is on the right foot, those background muscles are adapting and counterbalancing so we do not fall over.
Each and every soft tissue plays a vital role in the body's ability to move and adapt to unbalanced tensions.
Our bodies can adapt to those tensions.
But only so far...
Limping is an example of crossing the adaptation line.
Pain serves as an alert that unbalanced tension has exceeded the body's ability to adapt, and corrective therapy is required.
The foundational focus of this unique therapy is to interpret the alert and then identify and correct the soft tissue tensions and imbalances that have created those alerts.
Corrective massage has repeatedly proven to be an efficient and effective method to reduce and relieve pain.
I hope this information serves you and those you serve.

*Muscles, tendons, ligaments, membranes, and viscera.
How does Visceral Massage influence lymphatic flow?
Visceral massage positively influences lymphatic flow through several mechanisms:
1. Stimulates Lymphatic Drainage
- The lymphatic system relies on body movement and external pressures to facilitate the flow of lymph, as it lacks its own pumping mechanism.
- Visceral massage can enhance lymph movement in the abdominal cavity where many lymphatic vessels and nodes are located.
2. Reduces Congestion
- Visceral massage can reduce fluid buildup and release adhesions or restrictions around the organs, improving lymph circulation and overall detoxification.
3. Improves Organ Function
- The lymphatic system plays a role in maintaining immune responses and removing waste products. By improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage around the organs, visceral massage can help organs like the liver and intestines function more effectively in detoxifying the body and processing nutrients.
4. Enhances Abdominal Movement
- Gentle visceral massage promotes better movement of the abdominal muscles and fascia, indirectly stimulating the lymphatic vessels and supporting fluid movement.
5. Reduces Inflammation
- Lymphatic flow helps clear inflammatory byproducts. By increasing lymphatic circulation, visceral massage can assist in resolving inflammation in the abdominal cavity and surrounding areas.
This technique is often used in conjunction with other therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
Consider:
- Stagnant is not healthy.
- Every cell in the human body requires movement and moisture.
- That moisture is constantly being refreshed, recycled, and replaced.
- The Lymphatic, Digestive, and Visceral systems are essential to that process.
- All therapies strive to help stagnant things move.
Taum teaches you why, what, and how.
This class focuses on supporting healthy movement within the Lymphatic, Digestive, and Visceral systems.
This information is unique to The Berry Method® of Lymphatic Massage.
While western medicine recently 'discovered' the importance of our lymphatic and digestive systems, eastern medicine appears to have been recognizing and working with these 'Core' systems for centuries.
The lymphatic and digestive systems' participation in 'wellness' can often appear poorly understood when considered via the Western approach.
Lauren's approach and protocols for balancing the viscera help fill in some of those gaps.
This unique class focuses on the abdomen and uses no oil.
Foundational to any Lymphatic work.
Date: TBD
Lift Wellness Center in Truckee, CA
Approved: 4 NCBTMB CE credits.
All my class's intentions include supporting you in mastering corrective massage more quickly and easily than I did.
Class size limited to 10
The class will be held at Synergy Healing Arts in Truckee,
part of 'Lift Workspace - Cowork, Conference & Wellness Center'
next to Truckee International Airport (KTRK)
10266 Truckee Airport Rd, Truckee, CA 96161








