Acupressure & Shiatsu Training Program
Instructor: Barbra Esher, L.Ac.
PROGRAM: Learn how shiatsu and acupressure can transform and deepen our experience of life as well as strengthen our understanding and connections to each other, the earth and to the unfolding of our lives. This class is experiential, exciting and practical, giving you tools and techniques to utilize with your friends and family immediately after the first class.
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure that originated in Japan, used all over the world today to manage pain and maintain health. Gentle, deep pressure is applied to acu-points and energy channels extending over the body. By the end of Level 5, you learn a complete shiatsu session, benefitting from practicing with classmates, giving as well as receiving. It is said in Japan that “less is more” which translates in shiatsu as the less you do, the more effective you are. Less muscle effort, more relaxed sinking into points with your body weight. You find when you practice shiatsu correctly, that you do not become fatigued; you actually feel physically and spiritually better after giving a treatment!
Also by the last class, you gain a basic understanding of Traditional Chinese medicine, including the location and correspondences of the 12 main energy channels, and the ability to assess basic energetic imbalances using Yin/Yang and Five Element theory.
CLASS: The class is taught over five Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. There is a one 45 minute lunch break and two 15 minute tea breaks during the day. The levels must be attended in order. Shiatsu/acupressure is performed fully clothed (please wear comfortable yoga-like clothing) without oils on a mat on the floor. Foam mattress toppers make convenient and inexpensive portable shiatsu mats. A twin size is $10-$25 at Wal-Mart.
CERTIFICATION:
This is a 75 hour hands-on training Program. For Certificate of Completion from Tulsi Holistic Living, students must complete the following:
35 hours in-class training
25 hours hands-on practice
15 hours home study (2 required books + homework assigned from the book)
After the end of the first class, you are eligible to join as a student member of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA.org). These classes are also part of a professional Asian Bodywork Therapy Certification Program upon whose completion you are entitled to apply to take the examination for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Asian Bodywork Therapy Certification (NCCAOM.org).
Level 1: Healing with Wood
Yin and Yang is the most fundamental concept in Chinese medicine as well as the most profound. It is the basis of all phenomena in the universe. Further dividing Yin/Yang are the Five elements of which you start your exploration with the Wood Element, including its associations such as the Liver/Gall Bladder energy channel. You learn basic shiatsu skills and a complete seated shiatsu session, practicing on each other.
Level 2: Healing with Fire
Wood transforms naturally into the Fire Element, just as easily as spring becomes summer. You learn the associations with the Fire Element including the Heart/Small Intestine, Pericardium/Triple Heater. Access these channels by learning a complete side position Shiatsu session, incorporating what was learned in the previous class.
Level 3: Healing with Earth
The Earth element is about being centered, nourished and grounded. Connecting to the Spleen/Stomach energy channels helps you learn the other Earth associations. You get a chance to enjoy and practice the supine shiatsu position.
Level 4: Healing with Metal
Metal touches on inspiration though the Lungs and letting go through the Large Intestine. You learn these energy channels, their associations and the arms and chest part of a shiatsu routine as you breath and release all unnecessary tension.
Level 5: Healing with Water
Fall (Metal) flows into winter (Water) where you reach the dark and sometimes scary places of your being. This is where your potential lies- where you germinate that which arises in spring! (Wood) You learn most people’s favorite shiatsu session, the prone shiatsu position. |
