Are you looking for a job that combines your passion for natural therapies with your knowledge of oriental philosophy and medicine? If so, you should think about a career in shiatsu. Shiatsu, the most sought-after and respected form of therapeutic massage in Japan, is in high demand in Australia, so now is an excellent time to become a qualified practitioner.
Read on to learn more about this type of massage therapy and the qualifications required for shiatsu therapists to practise professionally.
Shiatsu in a Nutshell
Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure." Developed in Japan in the first half of the 20th century, it is a form of acupressure based on the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A shiatsu practitioner uses the thumbs, fingers and palms to control the energy flow or Qi (Ki) in the body, which is responsible for maintaining balance and harmony.
A shiatsu treatment differs from deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, and other forms of massage treatments in that it focuses on joint and connective tissue massage. Other massage techniques, on the other hand, work on the muscles' superficial or deeper layers.
While a practitioner trained in Western massage therapy works directly with the muscles and connective tissues, kneading and rubbing them to provide relief from pain, muscle knot release and flexibility restoration, shiatsu massage therapists use steady pressure on specific localities (meridians). Although both methods differ, the results are often reported to be equal to or better than those received during a conventional Western massage treatment.
Other Key Differences:
- Most types of massage therapy are performed on a massage table, while shiatsu sessions are performed on the floor with the client lying on a futon mat or other padded surface.
- Clients in Western massage therapy are partially or completely undressed, whereas those receiving shiatsu massage wear loose clothing.
- A massage therapist will use essential oils or other lubricants to help with the strokes, whereas a shiatsu therapist will not.
- Massage therapy is typically performed on someone else, whereas shiatsu massage therapy can be performed on oneself with the proper techniques.
Source: Infographic a Day
Studying Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a stand-alone therapeutic bodywork that requires no prior experience or training in Western massage modalities to study and become a qualified practitioner. However, a diploma level shiatsu course usually combines shiatsu with other oriental therapies and is very comprehensive. A variety of study options are available, allowing students the opportunity to study at their own pace and pay as they go. Study options include:
- A shiatsu short course gives you an overview of shiatsu and oriental therapies. It's a good course to take if you are still unsure about whether or not to pursue a career in shiatsu.
- A Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine takes 1.5 years to complete if studied full-time. There are also options for part-time study.
What is the Best Shiatsu Training School?
If you want to pursue a career in shiatsu, it is important that you attend a school that is accredited by recognised shiatsu and natural therapies associations such as the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia (STAA). After earning a Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies, you can work as a professional practitioner and apply your diploma towards a university degree if you want to continue your education. Many shiatsu practitioners have diplomas in other complementary therapies as well, which they use in addition to their shiatsu practice.
Visit Natural Therapy Pages' complete listing of shiatsu courses to find a shiatsu school near you that meets your goals, budget and lifestyle. There are many study programs available to help you realise your dream of becoming a shiatsu massage therapist. Check out their extensive offerings, which include evening classes, online courses and many others.
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