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Program and Curriculum
The Living Earth Shiatsu program is 500 hours in duration. The course is a blend of Shiatsu theory and practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anatomy and physiology, Communications and Ethics and Student Clinic. The course is taught with a strong emphasis of the practical aspects of Shiatsu. The vast theoretical component of Shiatsu which permeates the practice will also be taught. The underlying philosophy of the program consists of three elements: The course is taught in an attentive, holistic, integrated manner with small class sizes to allow detailed individual instruction. The class is structured to expand the student's awareness of their own body as well as teaching the depth and power of Shiatsu. Shiatsu Practice (235 hours) The complete basic palm and thumb sequence is covered. The more advanced elbow and knee techniques are subsequently taught. The style of shiatsu taught is two-handed, meridian style shiatsu called Earth Shiatsu, encompassing the supine, prone, side and sitting positions. Stretching techniques are also included. Focus on proper technique, posture, stances and attentiveness will be taught. Students are also responsible for presentations and practical demonstrations on the treatment of syndromes and diseases using Shiatsu. Earth Shiatsu® Earth Shiatsu® is a synthesis of martial arts, exercise, meditation, nature awareness and Shiatsu theory and practice. This system provides a powerful and unique approach to Shiatsu which focuses on using the Ki of the Earth. Earth Shiatsu® provides a restorative, calming treatment for the receiver as well as rejuvenating the giver. Shiatsu Theory (75 hours) Topics include history, styles of shiatsu, techniques, postures, indications and contraindications. An in-depth study of the acupoints (tsubos) and channels (meridians) including their location and function will be covered. The theory of Kyo-Jitsu, hara and back Assessment/Diagnosis as well as the physical and psychological effects of Shiatsu are also discussed. Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (80 hours) The Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an in-depth study of Yin/Yang Theory, Five Elements, the Zang/Fu Organs and fundamental substances such as Qi, Blood, Essence and Body Fluid. Students will learn patterns of disharmony, pathogenic factors, basic differentiation, pulse and tongue diagnosis, four diagnostic methods and the etiology of diseases. TCM provides a rich body of theoretical material which underlies the theoretical aspect of a Shiatsu treatment. Student Clinic (50 hours) Student clinic is an opportunity to do full Shiatsu treatments in a supervised environment. The hands-on experience allows for knowledge and insight to be obtained through clinical experience. Students work on a wide variety of patients in both an in-class environment as well as supervised outreach work.. Anatomy and Physiology (50 hours) This part of the program allows students to integrate studies from a western holistic perspective into their practice. A study of cell structure and function and the skeletal and muscular systems are discussed in-depth. The respiratory, digestive, circulatory, urinary and reproductive systems are also covered. Communications and Ethics (9 hours) A short, yet important part of the program introducing the student to the role of Shiatsu in a society that is predominantly oriented towards Western medicine. Communications skills, patient intake forms and emotional factors and their role in bodywork are covered. The therapist/patient relationship, professional ethics and boundaries complete this discussion of psycho-emotional therapeutics. |
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