“Shiatsu” is a Japanese word meaning “finger pressure”.
The official definition of Shiatsu for the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan is the following: “Shiatsu is a method of working on the human body, where the thumb, fingers and palms, without the use of any tools, apply pressure, to correct internal malfunctioning, promote and maintain health and cure various diseases. ”
Shiatsu is based on the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the oldest healing methods. The pressures on the body are exercised on acupuncture points and along the meridians.
Any discomfort or illness shows according to the theory of shiatsu, an imbalance in the vital energy of the person.
Indicatively shiatsu helps to problems such as:
Headaches, pain in the back, shoulders, neck
Muscle tension, grip, fatigue or weakness
Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, bad temper
Digestive disorders
Weak circulation, swelling of extremities
Respiratory disorders
Gynecological disorders
Shiatsu Training is divided into three cycles:
1st cycle of Shiatsu education
The first cycle is aimed at beginners who wish to learn all the basic principles and techniques of shiatsu on the body and face, so they can restore the balance of receivers with simple health problems such as headaches, pains in the back and neck, anxiety, etc. Also aimed at professionals who want to combine it with other methods such as reflexology, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, aesthetics, etc.
Educational material
- History and basic principles of Zen Shiatsu
- Theory of Qi & Yin – Yang
- Introduction to the theory of 5 elements
- Introduction to physiology of Zang – Fu organs (internal organs)
- Discrimination and balancing kyo – Jitsu
- Stretching, joint mobilization and access techniques at 12 meridians on 4 positions (prone, supine, side and sitting)
- The main Tsubos (points) of the meridians and their uses
- Techniques for the neck, face, abdomen (Ampuku) and soles
- Transversal techniques for the muscles of legs
- Diagnosis and techniques in Hara (abdomen)
- Contraindications
2nd cycle of Shiatsu education
The second cycle education delves into more complex techniques, combined with the theory of shiatsu and traditional Chinese medicine. Aimed at those who wish to broaden their knowledge in order to get to practice shiatsu treatment to health problems such as musculoskeletal, digestive, psychosomatic disorders, respiratory disorders, insomnia, etc.
Educational material
- Therapeutic approach and application of techniques of shiatsu according to the principles and pathology of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Meridians according to the theory of Zen Shiatsu
- Techniques with the palms, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees, soles
- Stretching and joint mobilizations
- Other balancing techniques such as grip, vibration etc.
- Meridians and points categories
- Function of the 12 main meridians points
- The paradox meridians Ren and Du and their points
- Techniques for balancing kyo – Jitsu (toning and dispersion)
- Diagnosis by various methods such as Hara, back, tongue, face, the pulse, the front Mu points and the back Shu points etc.
- Exercises to harmonize the healers’ energy
- Diagnosis
3rd cycle – Professional Shiatsu Education
The third cycle completes the training according to the standards of the European Shiatsu Federation. Following the first and second educational cycle it constitutes an additional year of studies to further deepen and systematize the diagnosis, pathology and especially the balancing techniques of shiatsu.
Educational material
- Reviewing all techniques to access the meridians in all positions
- The Five Phases and the idiosyncratic factor (theory and practice)
- Integration of all energy levels in shiatsu (physical, psychological, mental, spiritual). Exercises, Hara diagnosis
- Moxa and cupping
- Evaluation and enrichment of diagnosis during treatment
- Clinical practice with supervision
- Counseling