~ 235 Distance Hours

Students enrolled in this course will achieve the following objectives, building a comprehensive foundation in Namikoshi Shiatsu, Acupressure, and AcuChi Jin Shin:

Core Learning Areas:

1. Anatomy & Physiology

   • Study of musculoskeletal anatomy, the integumentary system, and the nervous system.
   • (Note: 220 hours in Anatomy, Physiology, and Holistic Health Connection are covered in #100.)

2. Contraindications, Social Interactions, Ethics, and Business Practices

   • Understanding professional ethics and social interactions for practitioners.
   • Review of contraindications in practice.
   • (Note: 60 hours in Ethics and Business Practices are covered in #100.)

3. Pathology and Patterns of Illness

   • In-depth exploration of pathology and the common patterns of illness in the context of Oriental Medicine.
   • Understanding how illness manifests in body systems and energy flow.

4. Tendino-Muscular Points in the Namikoshi Routine

   • Study and application of tendino-muscular points used in the Namikoshi Shiatsu routine, focusing on therapeutic benefits.

5. Charting the Twelve Meridians and Eight Extraordinary Channels

   • Mastery in charting the 12 main meridians and the 8 extraordinary vessels/flows.
   • Understanding the pathways and connections of these channels in the body.

6. Yin/Yang and Five Element Theory

   • Comprehensive study of Yin/Yang theory and its balance in body systems.
   • Five Element theory as applied to health, energy, and treatment strategies.

7. The Vital Essences (Qi), Zang and Fu, Curious Organs, and The Three Burners (San Jiao)

   • Exploration of vital essences (Qi), the Zang-Fu organs, and the Curious Organs.
   • Study of the Three Burners (San Jiao) and their role in energy distribution.

8. Location of Acupressure Points

   • Learning and locating acupressure points, including potent points, source points, Luo points, and Marma points for effective treatments.

9. Oriental Analysis Skills

   • Developing skills in tongue analysis and pulse diagnosis.
   • Mastering the 8 principles of diagnosis, 5 Element Wu Sheng, and 5 Phase Theory to assess imbalances and formulate treatments.

10. Points of Caution and Contraindications

    • Identifying points of caution in acupressure and Shiatsu practice.
    • Understanding contraindications to ensure safe and effective treatment delivery.

This course provides a well-rounded foundation in the theory and practice of Oriental bodywork and acupressure, enabling students to apply these skills in professional settings.

~ 100 Hours in Distance Clinical Study

This course is designed to develop students' practical and healership skills through the completion of case studiesfocused on specific conditions related to imbalances in the 5 Elements, Meridians, Body Systems, and Energy Systems. Using Oriental Bodywork Methods, students will gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating these imbalances.

Course Objectives:

1. Completion of 10 Full Case Studies

   • Each case study requires students to work with a client over 4 sessions to develop a thorough understanding of their condition, using a combination of diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques.
   • Health History and Diagnostics: Students will perform an initial client assessment, including health history and diagnostics, to identify imbalances in the client’s body and energy systems.

2. Client Handouts for Self-Care

   • Develop self-care handouts for clients to support their healing journey between sessions, empowering them to take an active role in their well-being.

3. Practitioner Investigation, Session Notes, and Summaries

   • Document each session with detailed session notes, tracking progress, client response, and treatment adjustments.
   • Write case study summaries that compile findings, treatment outcomes, and recommendations for ongoing care.

4. Report Preparation and Large Case Study Summaries

   • Students will gain experience in preparing large reports and client summaries for clinical use. These reports will demonstrate the practitioner's ability to analyze, assess, and communicate treatment outcomes professionally.

5. Time Commitment

   • Each case study will require approximately 10 hours of preparation and completion, leading to a total of 100 hours for all case studies.

The Case Studies and Healership Skills course is essential for building real-world experience and developing the ability to manage ongoing client care. Students will refine their diagnostic and therapeutic skills while learning how to document and report their findings professionally, preparing them for success in clinical practice.

100 Hours of Practical Application in Oriental Bodywork Techniques

This course offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional clinic environment, providing real-world experience in Oriental Bodywork techniques. The Hands-On Student Clinic Practical can be completed onsite as an alternative to the Distance Case Studies.

Key Features:

• 100 Hours of Practical Application

  • Students will perform Oriental Bodywork sessions on clients in the clinic under the supervision of a professional practitioner.

• Supervised Sessions

  • A professional practitioner will provide supervision, feedback, and grading for each session, ensuring students refine their techniques and develop confidence in their skills.

• Study Report

  • Students will be required to write a Study Report for each session, summarizing the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Learning outcomes. This report will be an essential component of their professional development and documentation for future practice.

Upon Successful Completion, Graduates Will Be Able to Perform the Following Sessions:

1. 15-Minute Oriental Analysis Consultation

   • Conduct a brief, yet comprehensive, consultation to assess client needs and develop a treatment plan.

2. 15-30 Minute Chair Bodywork Session

   • Perform effective bodywork techniques in a seated position, targeting key tension points.

3. 30-Minute Neck, Shoulder, and Back Table Session

   • Provide a focused session to relieve stress and discomfort in the upper body using table techniques.

4. 60-Minute Full Acupressure Table Session

   • Deliver a full-body acupressure session on a table, addressing client-specific energy imbalances.

5. 60 or 120-Minute Combination Table Session

   • Utilize all the Oriental Bodywork skills learned to create a personalized combination session for clients.

6. 60 or 90-Minute Hot Waterstone Shiatsu

   • Perform a Hot Waterstone Shiatsu session, integrating heat and pressure to provide deep relaxation and therapeutic benefits.

7. 60 or 90-Minute Full Body Acupressure Relaxation Massage with Oils

   • Offer a complete relaxation experience with acupressure, using oils and gentle techniques to rejuvenate the body.

This Hands-On Student Clinic Practical course ensures that students are equipped with the practical skills and confidence to perform professional Oriental Bodywork treatments. The supervised, real-world experience is critical for students preparing to enter the field as certified practitioners.