Massage Training in the Jungles of Belize

Travel Stories - Massage Training in the Jungles of Belize - First Impressions
By KG Stiles

For thirty years I’ve taught massage and helped to develop a variety of massage and health related programs in a variety of settings. Each training is always unique and a pleasure for me. However the opportunity to train local Belizeans in the art of massage has stayed with me as one of the most memorable because of its dramatic impact in the lives of the students I taught.

In the Spring of 1995 I am invited to teach massage in the jungles of Belize, Central America, a tropical paradise. Excited to see a Mayan ruin I step off the plane. It’s hot! In minutes I'm drenched in sweat. Getting through customs is a long wait. It's best to come to Belize with a relaxed attitude.

We drive in our air conditioned four-wheel-drive along old Northern Highway, one of two paved roads in Belize, a single lane of asphalt leading into the jungles. Tropical fruit and nut trees abound. Flowering orchids hang on tree limbs and everywhere there is a tangle of green. Playing chicken we miss occasional oncoming traffic. My destination, Pretty See Jungle Ranch, an eco-tourist resort just outside of Maskall village, population 900.

Taking the Baboon Sanctuary turn-off we pass a marker for Altun Ha ruins, one of the most powerful Maya ceremonial centers, so I am told. We're an hour outside of Belize City. I gaze down the dirt road turn-off.

Centuries ago the Maya built lofty pyramids in these jungles. Today archaeologists work to excavate and restore many of these ancient ruins. It was at Altun Ha that Dr. David Pendergast unearthed a burial tomb in the Sun God's Temple, containing a sculpted jade head of Kinich Ahau, the Mayan Sun God. It weighed nearly 10 pounds. The largest Maya jade carving ever found.

Please join me for the next segment of Travel Stories ~ Massage Training in Belize - Life.


KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts and individual clients. KG is a Mind Body Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and founder of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products. Click to learn about KG’s Consulting Services. Click to learn about KG’s Presentations and Workshops. Click to learn about KG’s entire line of Products and Services. More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!