Shiatsu Therapy Training and Chinese Medicine Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Shiatsu Therapy Training

Change your life by helping others change theirs

Healing with touch may be the oldest and simplest form of health care. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, Chinese medical text, written during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for paralysis, chills, and fever. It was one of the principal methods of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was said to have been given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. "The physician must be experienced In many things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, in the 5th century BCE, "but assuredly in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid”.

Shiatsu therapy is a powerful touch therapy that will enable you to change your life path and have a positive impact on the lives of others. Typically, students who attend our program want to develop and use the power of healing touch, and are eager to explore and learn about the eastern way of balancing body, mind and spirit as a means to achieving optimum health and happiness. They want to integrate western medical knowledge and the wisdom of eastern medicine into a professional health care practice that offers the best of both worlds to their clients.

“And thank you once again for all your knowledge, this course has changed my life, I will continue to grow with this new found knowledge which I cherish deeply.” L.M., 2004 graduate

Some of our goals

To provide a thorough understanding of the human organism, its structure and functions, from both eastern and western perspectives

To provide a holistic view of health, disease, and the healing process
To provide therapeutic skills that enable graduates to work with clients in ways that both support the healing process and prevent illness
To provide participants with the personal tools necessary to establish a successful professional practice after graduation
To provide a lively, interactive learning environment that stimulates and encourages the learning process.

Why study Shiatsu?

Simply put, because it works. Most people come for their first shiatsu treatment because they experience pain of some kind. A 1996 study entitled “Shiatsu massage therapy: a remarkable healing technique in spine pain”, published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, determined that shiatsu treatments “led to statistically impressive therapeutic results and pain reduction as well as greater muscle tone and flexibility.”

In addition to its therapeutic effectiveness, shiatsu can be beneficial for the therapist. Most students report increased flexibility, improved posture and a deeper self awareness over the course of the program; these benefits directly affect their personal health and professional effectiveness as therapists.

In summary, the new 750 hour Shiatsu Therapy Program will prepare you in six months to work as a professional that integrates subtle energy work and manual therapy and do so in a variety of settings. You will be able to assess the human energy system and use your evaluation to provide treatments that are unique to the needs of your clients and therefore enable them achieve better health sooner with results that last.

Why choose our program?

Depth of Training: You will become a specialist in Zen Shiatsu, an advanced style of Shiatsu Therapy that will provide the education needed for developing your professional practice. Some graduates have used their training as a solid foundation for other studies in both eastern and western forms of therapy.

Experience: The Shiatsu Therapy Program was the first professional training program in western Canada. Our shiatsu instructors are all Registered Shiatsu Therapists, qualified and experienced in their teaching areas. We are dedicated to shiatsu and providing the highest quality education possible.

Small classes: Our classes of 20 students or less provide an atmosphere that optimizes learning and individual growth and development. All practical classes have teaching assistants who are graduates of the program.

Innovation: We continually upgrade the program content and improve teaching methods, incorporating the feedback we receive from our students.

Funding: Our full time program is eligible for student loans and other forms of financial support.

Exciting career opportunities: Our students find placements in various settings: the growing spa industry, with other therapists in complementary health care facilities, in offices offering stress management treatments, or in their own clinics. Our graduates have used their training to work in other provinces and other countries, such as Mexico, Belgium, Spain and Australia.

The Curriculum

Shiatsu Practical 1: 270 hours

Essential shiatsu techniques - the principles of breathing, movement, and pressure application
Treament sequences in prone, supine, sitting and side positions
Hara assessment - location and palpation of reflex areas in the abdomen
Back assessment
Introduction to Kyo and Jitsu energy conditions
Methods of tonifying and dispersing energy
Stretching to stimulate meridian flow
Advanced techniques
Specific treatments for musculo-skeletal disorders
Specific treatments for specific health issues
Corrective Exercise
Developing a unique style and flow of treatment
Chair Shiatsu
Table Shiatsu

Shiatsu Theory 1: 144 hours

Eastern medical theory: Qi, Yin-Yang, Vital Substances, the Five Phases, Organ Theory, causes of disease
Meridian theory: locations and functions of the 14 channels used in shiatsu therapy
Tsubo Theory: locations and functions of major acupuncture points
Zen Shiatsu theory & meridian system
Facial assessment
Taking a case history
Case study discussion
Contraindications & cautions in treatment

Personal Development 1: 73 hours

Introduction to energy awareness
The therapeutic relationship
Marketing and Business Fundamentals
Qi Gong

Anatomy: 51 hours

An exploration of human anatomy for students of shiatu and other complementary/alternative therapies

Physiology : 51 hours

A theoretical and practical foundation of knowledge of the physiology of the human body for students preparing for careers in health related professions

Pathology: 30 hours

The principles and mechanisms of disease
Common specialized medical terms
Basic knowledge & skills important in the prevention of certain diseases & medical conditions

Kinesiology: 18 hours

Basic concepts & terminology concerning the anatomical, physiological & biobmechanical bases of movement
Common orthopedic injuries and simple prevention and treatment plans
Basic evaluation & assessment of common joint injuries

Student Clinic: 108 hours

Development of confidence offering treatment to the public under instructor supervision
Integration of theory, assessment and treatment to deepen the understanding of shiatsu theapy and its benefits

Additional Requirements

CPR/First Aid
Two professional treatments

Shiatsu Therapy Training and Chinese Medicine Vancouver

Schedule

1: FULL TIME PROGRAM

Next Intake: September 12, 2011

Please Note: Student clinic will begin after 10 weeks of training. At this time, the schedule will be modified to accommodate all students in the clinic. Students will have the option of scheduling their clinic hours during the day, or on evenings and weekends. Student clinic will be held at Sourcepoint Shiatsu Centre, and at other locations in the community.

A: Core Curriculum

The core curriculum comprises 750 hours of instruction over 22 weeks, with 33 hours of class time for the first 10 weeks and 36 hours per week thereafter. There will be no classes on statutory holidays.

C: Additional Study Time

Students should expect to allow at least 10 hours per week for studying outside of scheduled class time, and be able to complete at least one practice session per week. The Western Science component of the program can be particularly demanding, particularly for those who have been away from formal studies for some time. Please contact the program director, Ted Thomas, at 604-876-0042 for more information if you have any concerns regarding your ability to budget the additional hours

Tuition and other costs

Core program at Langara College: $7149.00.
Professional treatments: average cost is $60 to $70 per session (2 treatments are required)
Shiatsu course books, acupuncture charts, shirt for student clinic and a student membership in the S.T.A. of B.C: $325.00. Students have the option of buying the books and materials package at the beginning of the program; books are also available online at Amazon Books. Students must purchase the books for Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology separately. The cost for these texts is approximately $250.00
First Aid/CPR course: $60 to $65.00

Books and materials list

A. Shiatsu and Eastern Theory Texts:

The Book of Shiatsu. Paul Lundberg
Shiatsu Theory and Practice. Carola Beresford-Cooke
Zen Shiatsu. Shizuto Masunaga
Shiatsu: The Complete Guide. Chris Jarmey and Gabriel Mojay
Between Heaven and Earth. Harrietn Beinfield and Efrem Korngold
Acupuncture Charts

B. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology Texts:

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Tortora
Anatomy Colouring Book. Kapit and Elson (optional)
Pathology A to Z. Kalyani Premkumar

C. Other:

Sourcepoint Shirt for student clinic
Student membership in the Shiatsu Association of BC

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

Tuition payment options:

Payment in full, payment by term, or loans for eligible students. Please contact the Langara College Continuing Studies office at 604-323-5322 for more information.

Payment by term:

September Intake: First term payment: $3649.00. Deadline: August 15th. Second term payment: $3500.00, due December 31st.

Student Loans:

Student loans may be available for students in the full time program. To apply for a student loan, students must fill out a Canada Student Loan Application form completely (access this on-line) and make an appointment with a financial aid worker at the main Langara College campus to review the application. Students are required to pay a deposit while waiting for their funding. This deposit will be credited to their tuition balance.

Withdrawal Policy:

Students withdrawing prior to the first class will receive a full refund minus the $50.00 non-refundable application for admission fee. There is also a $35.00 administration fee for withdrawal. Once classes have started, participants will be charged $100.00 per day for the first three days, after which the fee will be $150.00 per day. A day is equivalent to 6 hours of evening class time.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must be 19 years of age and high school graduates.
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
Preference will be given to those who have prior experience in shiatsu or other healing arts, martial arts, yoga, psychotherapy, or other forms of personal growth.
It is strongly recommended that applicants have received at least two professional shiatsu treatments before considering this program.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-serve basis, so it is recommended to apply early to avoid disappointment

Application Procedure

Applicants must complete the Application for Admission form with the required documentation and enclose a non-refundable administration fee of $50 payable to Langara College , Continuing Studies. Students will be contacted by mail or phone after their application has been reviewed. To receive an Application for Admission package, contact Ted Thomas at 604-876-0042 or email ted_thomas@shaw.ca

Shiatsu Certification

Certification

A certificate will be granted upon satisfactory completion of all theoretical and practical assignments and requirements.

Faculty

Joe Barnwell M.Ed, RCC, RST

Joe is a Registered Shiatsu Therapist and graduate of Sourcepoint Shiatsu Centre. He has more than 20 years experience as a clinical counselor and paddling instructor. His teaching of Shiatsu is enhanced by this work and his life experience. He has a private practice in shiatsu and counseling in North Vancouver.

Michael Hamer, RMT

Michael trained and worked as an accountant before attending massage therapy school. During his twenty five years he has also supported a wide variety of small businesses, including other health related professionals through his accounting practice. He is able to make bookkeeping fun and simple for shiatsu and massage therapists to integrate into their professional lives.

David Li Lam, MD, DTCM, RMT

David graduated as a Medical Doctor from the Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana , Cuba , and did post graduate training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. He has taught human anatomy, physiology, and pathology since 1986, and currently has a private practice in acupuncture and massage therapy in Richmond .

Kim Pechet, B.A. (Psychology)

Kim has been a professional psychic and mediation instructor since 1987. In her meditation classes she uses yoga and guided visualizations to assist participants open up to their inner world. Over the years, Kim has helped thousands of students to develop their sensitivity and knowledge of the human energy system.

Saul Rosembaum, RST

Saul Rosenbaum graduated from the Professional Training Program in Shiatsu Therapy at Kikkawa College in Toronto in 1989. Saul is the past president of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. He is a practitioner at Sourcepoint, and supervises the student clinic. He also has a house call service offering treatments in homes, businesses and on film sets.

Allen Sawkins, RST

Allen graduated from the British School of Shiatsu-Do in London in 1993. In addition to teaching in the Practitioner Program and maintaining a private practice, he practices shiatsu at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

Ted Thomas, RST, R.Ac., ABT

Ted is the director of Sourcepoint, and has been teaching shiatsu since 1986. He is a Registered Acupuncturist and a certified instructor with the A.O.B.T.A. (American Organization for Bodywork therapies of Asia ). In his professional practice he incorporates acupuncture, shiatsu and corrective exercise

Guest Instructors

A number of guest instructors will be introduced during the program, giving participants the benefit of receiving information and techniques from different perspectives.

Student Comments

I wanted to thank you for being such an integral part of a really transformative two years of my life. The way in which you taught and supported us all in the CSP program was greatly appreciated. I will always feel a special closeness to all in the class. L.T., 1998 graduate

Many thanks for all you've shared with us these past years. I never could have imagined how much growth and change this learning has inspired. M.N., 1998 graduate

Thank you so much for providing an opportunity such as Shiatsu. It came at the right time of my life and I'll always be grateful to you and the way the course was taught. D.M. 2002 graduate

Thank you for helping me see my potential. I have learned more than I realize and thoroughly enjoyed going through the process with you. A.A, 2003 graduate

Thank you for putting together such a world class program. G.V., 2003 graduate

Thanks for making and keeping this program high quality. The pace was intense and the knowledge, growth and experience I gained reflect the work. Your unfailing commitment is appreciated. M. T., 2003 graduate

| www.langara.bc.ca |

The Shiatsu Therapy Program is offered annually in September. The full time program is 22 weeks long and ends in March. The program provides in depth professional training in the healing art of shiatsu therapy, as well as opportunities for personal growth and development. Graduates of our 750 hour program are eligible to apply to the Shiatsu Therapy Association (S.T.A.) of B.C. for Registered Shiatsu Therapist (R.S.T.) status, and may also apply to become members of the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (A.O.B.T.A.)

Our program integrates eastern medical philosophy with western sciences and self care. It is this synthesis that helps make shiatsu therapy a unique and valuable component of an emerging health care model that recognizes the role of prevention and the use of non-invasive therapies. The program provides comprehensive instruction in Zen Shiatsu, a form of Japanese physical therapy that utilizes firm sensitive pressure and gentle stretches to balance the flow of life force energy, or Ki, that underlies and energizes all of our functions. Developed by Shizuto Masunaga, Zen Shiatsu is an integration of Master Masunaga’s vast clinical and teaching experience in shiatsu, eastern medical philosophy, western anatomy and physiology, and psychology. The system recognizes that body, mind and spirit are a unified whole, and that touching another person is more than a purely physical act. Our graduates become skilled practitioners of this healing art and are prepared for success as members of a growing community of complementary health care professionals.

"...you are not looking for a specific disease but improving the patient's life by working from the roots of his existence and enlightening the patient to a better way of life."

Master Shizuto Masunaga