The first year is split into two parts: the Living in Harmony Course, which consists of seven weekends, lays the foundations for Shiatsu-Acupressure practice. This is followed by the Living in Harmony Completion, which consists of six weekends. We use continuous assessments as well as monthly worksheets and homework assignments.
The second year introduces Zen Shiatsu theory and muscles, the third year Traditional Chinese Medicine, Physiology and Pathology. Each year builds on the knowledge gained in previous years. By the end of the course you will have satisfied all the requirements laid down by The Shiatsu Society.
At the beginning of your training we introduce tutorials. You work on Teachers to help us assess where you are with all aspects of the training.
Homework and practical assessments are spread throughout each year. They cover subjects like anatomy, pathology, case studies and character profiles.
Our course has been ratified by The Shiatsu Society. All students completing this course are automatically placed on the register of the Shiatsu Society.
The work in the first year gives a good grounding for anyone interested in complementary health or growth work.
Year 1
The First Year Living in Harmony Completion course curriculum will introduce the following topics.
- working with the flow of the 5 Elements
- developing your diagnostic abilities
- creating individualised treatments
- Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel (final two meridians)
- Touch-based ways of working with the 5 Elements
- Full and Empty diagnosis (focus of treatment)
- On-Site and Table Shiatsu
- developing your question and counselling skills
- Food and Health (to enhance your treatment with recommendations)
- Facial diagnosis
Year 2
The Second Year of the course will strengthen your practical abilities by deepening your knowledge and experience with Zen Shiatsu.
We will broaden your repertoire of techniques, helping you to feel energy and work with it more precisely. You will be diagnosing and giving advice to clients, which will enhance and focus your treatments.
By the end of the year you will have learned the location and usage of all the acupuncture points that we teach.
Besides consolidating and extending the knowledge gained in the first year, we add the following topics:
- Zen Shiatsu, Meridian extensions & associations
- Completing our study of acupuncture points
- Recommendations (a more detailed look at diet, exercise and lifestyle)
- Muscles & Muscle Pathology
- Listening skills and Self Development
- Zen Hara & Back diagnosis
- Zen Meridian stretches
- Development of Touch
- Qigong
- Treatments on the public
Year 3
The Third Year course completes your understanding of Shiatsu with Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. This will provide you with a solid core of knowledge upon which to base your treatments and recommendations to clients. It will also support your faith in your energetic diagnosis. We will study Physiology and Pathology to increase your awareness of the types of conditions that people may ask you to work on and ensure that you recognize when you may need to refer them to another specialist or doctor.
You will research some diseases for presentation to the rest of the class. We will look at how you work with Qi and help you to develop your practice, refining the advice you give and improving the results you achieve with your treatments.
You will also prepare a short dissertation to show how Shiatsu Acupressure relates to another subject which you choose.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Yin & Yang
- 8 Principles
- Fundamental Substances
- Causes of Disease
- TCM foods
- Tongue diagnosis
- Meridian associations
- Direction of Qi
Physiology & Pathology
- we will look at each of the major organ systems and their common pathology
Personal Development
- Basic Counselling & Self Awareness
Practical Shiatsu
- Broadening your skills & enhancing Qi work
Recommendations
- Medicinal foods; TCM foods and lifestyle
Practice & Ethics
- How to run a practice & dealing with clients
- Case studies