Zen Shiatsu--600 Hrs
Harmonizing the Body's Energy Network Based on
Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Zen Shiatsu Therapy study program is offered only in evening classes, with new sessions beginning every September. Classes meet two evenings per week, 6-10PM and one weekend day per month, 9AM to 4PM. The Shiatsu program is presented in 3 graded levels of study, requiring 12 months for completion. Upon successful conclusion, the student is awarded a Diploma in Shiatsu Therapy.
Graduates of other massage or health programs will find these studies to be complementary to existing skills, and may want to consider training in only Level-1 and/or Level-2. Those who complete the Practitioner Course (Level-3), are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to offer Shiatsu to members of the public on a professional level.
Level 1: Basic Shiatsu – 80 Classroom Hours
Traditional Chinese Medicine – 35 Hours
Introductory Chinese Medicine Theory/Philosophy, incl. Yin/Yang, Qi, 5-Elements & Correspondences; Significant Tsubo Locations; Basic Assessment Evaluations; Introduction to T’ai Chi and Qigong; Classical Meridians, Locations & Indications
Shiatsu Techniques – 45 Hours
Shiatsu History and Theory; Basic Shiatsu Sequence/Techniques; 5-Element Hara Assessment; Acupressure Applications; Contraindications; Zen Shiatsu Kyo/Jitsu Concepts; and 10 Out-of-Class Practice Sessions w/Documentation
Level 2: Intermediate Shiatsu – 130 Classroom Hours
Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies – 50 Hours
Additional Acupressure Point Studies/Applications; 5-Vital Substances; Causes of Disharmony; "Diagnostic" Techniques (Looking, Listening, Questioning, Touching); Evaluation/Treatment Appoaches, incl. 6 Divisions, Yu (Shu) Points, Bo (Mu) Points, 8 Principles/Zang-Fu Concepts, Acupuncture Demo & Lecture; T’ai Chi Yang Style Short Form
Shiatsu Techniques and Applications – 80 Hours
Alternate Client Positioning (Seated, Prone, Supine, Side-Lying); Working Meridians with Alternate Methods; Zen Shiatsu Theory; Masunaga's Hara Diagnosis; Masunaga Extended Meridians; Advanced Stretching (Shiatsu, Makko-Ho, PNF, AIS); 10 Out-of-Class Practice Sessions w/Documentation
Level 3: Shiatsu Practitioner – 210 Classroom Hours
Traditional Chinese Medicine Studie – 60 Hours
Continuing Acupoint Applications (Transporting Points, Source Points, Supplementation & Drainage); Moxibustion Studies & Application; Extraordinary Vessels (Descriptions, Functions, Locations, Acupressure Applications); Magnetic Therapy (Related to 5-Phases, Extraordinary Vessels w/ Manaka Ion Pumping); Vibrational Therapy; Qigong Healing & Meditation
Shiatsu Techniques and Applications – 150 Hours
Shintai Shiatsu (Postural Assessments, Physical/Energy Relationship, Corrective Techniques); Seitai Shiatsu (Specialized Sequence related to lymph flow); Soft Tissue Release Techniques & Applications to Zen Shiatsu; Supervised In-House Clinic w/Documentation and Client Feedback (70 of 150 Hours)
Additional Studies
To complete required studies for granting a Diploma, students must take:
Anatomy & Physiology ------------- 140 Hrs
Professional Development ---------- 40 Hrs
These courses can be taken concurrently with Shiatsu studies; at the conclusion of the 3 levels of the Shiatsu program; or prior to beginning the Shiatsu program. Depending on when these courses are taken could extend the Shiatsu program beyond 12 months.
