Shiatsu Therapy - Boulder College of Massage Therapy

THE ART OF ZEN SHIATSU THERAPY
Foundational Techniques and Theory: Prone Position
This is the first of two modules designed to give the student a basic foundation in the fundamentals of Zen Shiatsu therapy. The student learns to work with the meridians accessible in prone position, applying palming and thumbing techniques. Change occurs rapidly when the back of the body is treated, making it the perfect place to begin to feel the effects of Shiatsu. In addition, learning efficient alignment and proper body mechanics will magnify the student's
ability to feel change occurring in the client. Through a lecture format, the course will lay the theoretical and philosophical groundwork for such concepts as: the seven rules of Shiatsu,
functions of ki, meridian anatomy and physiology, and how the concept of Zen Shiatsu thearpy applies to both the giver and the receiver.

Foundational Techniques and Theory: Supine Position
This Zen Shiatsu therapy course, in combination with the Prone Position course, is the perfect review for anyone having studied Zen Shiatsu and an excellent beginning for those wishing to incorporate Shiatsu into their bodywork practice. By deepening an understanding of alignment and correct body mechanics, the student will begin to feel the movement of energy within himself or herself, as well as within the client. The student will learn foundational techniques with the client in supine position. Through a lecture format, the course will include: five rules of joint movement, meridian anatomy and physiology; a comparison of Asian and Western medicines, and five-element correspondences.

Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Leg
This Zen Shiatsu thearpy course introduces the extended meridian system based on the lifework of Shizuto Masunaga. Review of the six traditional meridians in the legs will lay the groundwork for learning the additional six meridian extensions. Knowing all twelve meridians in the lower
extremity is the first goal toward giving a complete session. The application of Kyo/Jitsu theory to these meridians allows the student to begin working on a more complex level. The student can now focus on influencing and restoring the proper flow of energy in the body. The course includes: review of the six traditional meridians in the legs, anatomy of the six extended meridians in the leg, and application of Kyo/Jitsu theory.

Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Arm
This Zen Shiatsu therapy course begins with a review of the six traditional meridians in the arms. Feeling secure with these meridian locations will make learning Masunaga's six meridian extensions that much easier. Masunaga reinstated the extended meridian system because he felt the body needed to be touched along the entire course of the meridian with the sensitivity of the hands. Applying Kyo/Jitsu theory to all the meridians in the upper extremity will help students become aware of, and influence the quantity and quality of, energy in the body. The course includes: review of the six traditional meridians in the arms, anatomy of the six extended meridians in the arm, and application of Kyo/Jitsu theory.

Hara Assessment: The Expression From Within
This Zen Shiatsu therapy course marks the pivotal contribution Master Masunaga made to the practice of Shiatsu. Through hara assessment and the application of Kyo/Jitsu theory, the student will learn to recognize the specific meridians that need to be worked in a session. Meridian physiology will be expanded so that the student can interpret what the hara assessment is expressing about the client's physical, emotional, and mental health. It is an exciting moment when students realize they have sophisticated tools to assist their clients through life changes and health challenges. The course includes: location and palpation of hara assessment areas, application of Kyo/Jitsu theory to hara assessment, Masunaga's Kyo/Jitsu test related to hara assessment, creation of the composite – extrapolating the essence of the hara assessment, and application of the hara assessment to a full-body session.

Exploring the Body in Side Position
This Zen Shiatsu therapy course will teach the student to give a full-body session in side position. Detailed work on the head, neck, and shoulders allows the student to address many common ailments such as neck and shoulder injuries, headaches, migraines, TMJ, and sinus congestion. Learning techniques for the back, buttocks, and legs will prepare the student to work with clients who cannot lie in prone or supine positions. This is very useful when working with pregnancy, people recovering from surgeries, and lower back and neck injuries. Kyo/Jitsu theory will be applied to this work so that the student can continually monitor and influence the efficient distribution of energy, needed for optimum health, in the body. The course includes: side-lying techniques for head, neck, shoulders, and torso; side-lying techniques for back, buttocks, and legs; anatomy of GB meridian in the torso; adaptation of BL and KI meridians in the back; adaptation of HC and SI meridians in the buttocks; adaptation of GB and LV meridians in the legs; and application of Kyo/Jitsu theory.

Learn More