SARGA BODYWORK® is a barefoot massage method that employs the use of a fabric strap fastened to a massage table to deliver therapeutic myofascial and deep tissue techniques. This length of fabric is used by practitioners for stability and to add tensional and gravitational force to specific manual therapy methods. These methods, applied with the broad contact surfaces of the feet facilitate less restriction and more ease and relaxation in recipients’ bodies.

In this in-person course you will gain an understanding of Sarga Silk alignment and wrapping methods, will be able to perform Sarga Bodywork techniques for both posterior and anterior applications and will learn a full body 90-min sequence. Note that all raised-table techniques taught in this course can be applied to a floor-based practice. Includes lifetime access to the Sarga 101 online courses and access to a private Facebook group for ongoing course support. This course package provides 35 Continuing Education credits upon completion of both the in-person and online curriculum (NCBTMB #1431).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & PREREQUISITES:

• Must have at least 1 year of manual therapy experience.

• Must meet your state/country's massage licensure requirements (if applicable).

• Must have current liability/malpractice insurance in the state/country where you practice.

4 days / 10am-5pm

24 CEUs in-person + 11 CEUs online

Two experienced barefoot bodywork educators. One immersive learning experience.

Lisa DiGirolamo

Lisa brings two decades of massage therapy experience and a passion for therapeutic barefoot bodywork to the classroom.

As the first Sarga Bodywork instructor certified on the mainland United States, Lisa has played a pioneering role in bringing this innovative modality to massage therapists across the country.

Her professional background combines Eastern and Western bodywork approaches, including Thai Massage, DeepFeet Ashiatsu, and Sarga Bodywork. She is also an NCBTMB Approved Provider and has worked alongside other healthcare professionals throughout her career.

Based in Connecticut, Lisa owns Cedar & Spruce Wellness and travels nationally to educate fellow massage therapists.

China Facchini

China is the owner of Ashiatsu Myrtle Beach LLC in South Carolina and an experienced barefoot massage practitioner and educator specializing in Sarga Bodywork and DeepFeet Bar Therapy.

Her teaching approach emphasizes practical application, strong body mechanics, safe technique, and helping massage therapists develop confidence using their feet as effective therapeutic tools.

Beyond the classroom, China is the founder of the South Carolina Massage Championship and the American Competitive Massage Alliance, where she works to advance professional education, collaboration, and recognition within the massage therapy industry.

Better Together

China and Lisa bring complementary teaching perspectives, extensive hands-on experience, and a shared enthusiasm for barefoot bodywork.

With two instructors guiding the training, students benefit from individualized attention, multiple perspectives, and a supportive environment for learning and refining their techniques.

Whether you're discovering barefoot massage for the first time or expanding your existing skills, China and Lisa look forward to helping you build a strong foundation in Sarga Bodywork.

Join us for Sarga 101 in Gainesville, Florida at the Florida School of Massage! Gainesville offers a welcoming blend of natural beauty, local restaurants, independent shops, and a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Home to the University of Florida, the city provides a wonderful setting for four days of hands-on education and professional development. The Florida School of Massage is an established massage education institution with a long-standing commitment to the massage therapy profession.

Exploring Gainesville

When you're not in class, enjoy Gainesville's local restaurants, coffee shops, and beautiful natural surroundings. The area is known for its freshwater springs, scenic nature trails, and outdoor recreation.

Travel & Accommodations

Students traveling from outside of Gainesville will find a variety of hotels and accommodations throughout the city, including options near the University of Florida and downtown Gainesville. Lodging, meals, and transportation are not included in course tuition. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and travel. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please do not book flights or lodging until the course enrollment minimum is met and the course is confirmed. Give yourself sufficient travel time; plan to arrive at least one day before class starts, and depart the day after class ends.

Florida School of Massage
6421 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608

https://floridaschoolofmassage.com/directions/

FROM DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE:

Go south on 13th Street (Route 441) 1.5 miles past the intersection of Williston Road (Route 331). The school will be on the northbound side immediately following the intersection of 441 and SW 63rd Ave. Turn around at the next available u-turn (about 500 ft.) and make a right turn into the school parking lot.

FROM THE NORTH (LAKE CITY, FL):

Take I-75 to exit 382 (Gainesville/Williston exit). Make a left turn at the end of the ramp at the traffic light and then make a right onto 34th Street/Rocky Point Road at the second traffic light. Follow this road to the end and make a right turn onto route 441. The school will be on the northbound side across from you. Turn around at the next available u-turn (about 500 feet) and make a right turn into the school parking lot.

FROM THE SOUTH (OCALA, FL, SARASOTA, FL , ORLANDO, FL):

Take I-75 to exit 382 (Gainesville/Williston exit). Make a left turn at the end of the ramp onto Williston Road and then make a right onto 34th Street/Rocky Point Road at the second traffic light. Follow this road to the end and make a right turn onto route 441. The school will be on the northbound side across from you. Turn around at the next available u-turn (about 500 feet) and make a right turn into the school parking lot.

FROM THE EAST (JACKSONVILLE, FL):

Take Route 10 West to Route 301 South. When you arrive in Waldo, follow signs for Route 24/Gainesville (exit is on the right). Route 24 will turn into Waldo Road. In about 15 miles, make a left turn at the traffic light onto Route 441 South (13th Street). In 1.5 miles the school will be on the northbound side immediately following the intersection of Route 441 and SW 63rd Ave. Turn around at the next available u-turn (about 500 ft.) and make a right turn into the school parking lot.

The school Gift Shop is open to the public and is fully stocked with health and awareness books, supplies and gifts.

A full line of academic textbooks is available, as well as a large variety of books on subjects ranging from massage therapy and health to conscious living and creative play.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am- 4pm and Sat. 10-2

https://floridaschoolofmassage.com/bookstore/

Please confirm that you meet our requirements.

For this in-person course, the following requirements apply:

- Must have at least 1 year of manual therapy experience.

- Must meet your state/country's massage licensure requirements (if applicable).

- Must have current liability/malpractice insurance in the state/country where you practice.

- If you are not sure that you meet these requirements, please contact us.

Review Course Information & Policies

In-Person Course Tuition is non-refundable, but may be transferrable.

Please review the following information before registering for this course:

- Course Policies

- Come to Class Prepared

Student weight and fitness as it relates to classroom safety and the capacities treatment equipment used in the classroom:

Sarga Bodywork understands that weight alone does not determine fitness, balance, or capability. However, for safety reasons, we ask that you inform us if you are outside of the biometrics listed below. We will inquire further to ensure that the techniques taught in our courses can be performed safely and within the working limits of our equipment. This is highly important since the Sarga Silk allows practitioners to generate additional force beyond bodyweight. Please note that being outside of these biometrics does not necessarily exclude you from our course offerings! If you would like to discuss these options, please contact me at 860-961-4668.

• Registering for a course on raised massage tables: Students verify they are not less than 100 lbs. in weight, not more than 175 lbs. in weight, and not more than 6' in height. Students must understand the importance of their honesty as it relates to safety and liability in this regard. Failure to disclose this information may result in needing to make equipment and/ or technique modifications during class, and may even result in dismissal without a refund if classroom safety is compromised.

• Registering for a course on floor-based massage tables or massage mats: Students verify they are not less than 100 lbs. in weight, not more than 225 lbs. in weight, and not more than 6' in height. Students must understand the importance of their honesty as it relates to safety and liability in this regard. Failure to disclose this information may result in needing to make equipment and/ or technique modifications during class, and may even result in dismissal without a refund if classroom safety is compromised.

• Students outside the biometrics listed above: Please contact us to discuss other options for learning Sarga Bodywork.

Fitness requirements to successfully learn & perform Sarga Bodywork:

- The ability to balance on one foot for at least 1 minute without holding onto anything for support. Ankle and knee stabilizing exercises are highly recommended in preparation for this course, especially if you've had previous injuries and/or surgeries to these joints.

- Excellent cardiovascular conditioning and the ability to perform cardiovascular exercise (jogging, swimming, etc.) for 10-15 minutes without stopping.

- The ability to perform at least 3 sets of 20 squats.

- The ability to isometrically hold a plank for at least 1 minute.

Sarga Bodywork will absolutely get easier with practice. However, learning this modality can be  rigorous and challenging at first. Excellent physical conditioning (particularly isometric strength) is a MUST in order to gain the most from a Sarga Bodywork course.