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 ourselves. 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 6, 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.

The class is taught over six Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. There is a one 30 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.

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 phenomenon 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 & Earth

Wood transforms naturally into the Fire and Earth Elements, just as easily as Spring becomes Summer. You learn their associations including the Heart/Small Intestine, Pericardium/Triple Heater and the Spleen/Stomach energy channels. You access these channels by learning a complete Side position Shiatsu session, incorporating what was learned in the previous class.

Level 3: Healing with Metal & Water

The Fire of Summer transforms to the Metal and Water Elements of Fall and Winter. You experientially learn their associations including the Lung/Large Intestine, Kidney/Bladder energy channels. You will learn and practice the Supine Shiatsu position.

Level 4: Healing with the Flow of Cycles

Sheng and Ko cycles are explained which is how the Five Elements work together, controlling each other and nourishing each other. You see how this relates to etiology and the disease process as a whole. You gain an understanding of how all of the energy channels form a continuum in time with the body clock. You learn most people’s favorite shiatsu session, the Prone Shiatsu position.

Level 5 & 6: Creating Treatment Protocols

You incorporate all the material learned thus far into assessment and treatment for a variety of conditions. These classes are practical, confidence building and fun!