Guide to Becoming a Shiatsu Practitioner

Everyone loves a good massage, but the traditional Japanese method of Shiatsu, (finger-pressure), is more than just a relaxation technique, It has been used extensively in Japan for years as a medical diagnostic and treatment tool. Shiatsu massage involves the use of the fingers and palms to apply pressure to the body. The belief is that by applying pressure to specific points, or Tsubo, on the body that it is possible to diagnose and treat (shindan soku chiryo) all of the systems of the body. The professional Shiatsu Practitioner is trained to feel for any imbalance in the body, and to treat it accordingly.

Shiatsu is similar to acupressure in that it is a pressing of the fingers and hand as opposed to the rubbing techniques of other types of massage. A Tui na practitioner actually uses a combination of shiatsu, acupressure, kneading, and rolling techniques to achieve the desired effect.

Anyone considering becoming a shiatsu practitioner should realize that the training involves more than just learning the massage technique. The perspective shiatsu practitioner should posses a strong spiritual core. The commitment to shiatsu also involves stretching and breathing exercises in conjunction with dietary awareness. This is necessary for the level of physical fitness required to perform the shiatsu manipulations.

If you believe that you have the required traits to become a shiatsu practitioner, it is time to select a shiatsu school. When considering a school it is important to keep the licensing requirements in the state where you intend to practice in mind.

The International School of Shiatsu, founder in 1978, is a leader in the training of Shiatsu Practitioners. The School offers everything from an introduction to Shiatsu course to a full Shiatsu 640 hour program. To become a practitioner, an additional 370 hour program is required. This includes advanced techniques, clinical practicum, Oriental medical theory, and Western Anatomy and Physiology.

The Shiatsu Society has substantially higher requirements for its members. Three years of training, and a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice after program graduation are necessary for membership.

An appropriate Shiatsu instructional program should offer training in a structured environment by licensed Shiatsu teachers. Classes should always include Anatomy and Physiology, the Classical Meridian System, the Five Element Theory, and Zen Shiatsu. Extensive Clinical Practicum should also be a part of the training of a Shiatsu practitioner.

After receiving your diploma, you are now ready to apply for a license to practice shiatsu. In the United States, in places where local law does not govern the practice of Shiatsu, it is required that you complete two years and 2200 hours to obtain a Shiatsu World Standardized License. After you obtain your license, you may wish to open your own shiatsu clinic. Be sure to check local laws governing that type of business. You may be required to apply for an additional license. It may be best to join an established shiatsu clinic to gain valuable experience, and to build a reputation and client base.

Remember, Shiatsu is considered a medical treatment that may increase blood flow, and should never be used on those patients with heart disease or bleeding disorders.