There are several methods for learning shiatsu massage, depending on the level of proficiency desired as a shiatsu practitioner. Weekend courses can provide a quick introduction to the basics of shiatsu massage, as well as a few basic skills. Full professional programs can take up to three years, while weekend courses can provide a quick introduction to the basics of shiatsu massage, as well as a few simple skills. People should plan on receiving several shiatsu massages before beginning to study this style to see if it is a massage approach that works for them.
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that dates back to the 1800s. It’s based on older massage techniques from Traditional Chinese Medicine. During a shiatsu session, the practitioner applies targeted pressure to specific pressure points on the body with the fingers, palms, and occasionally elbows, with the goal of relieving pain and intense emotions, as well as contributing to overall physical health. Shiatsu is a well-known and well-respected form of medical therapy in Japan, with the government encouraging citizens to receive it as well as licensing and certifying practitioners. Shiatsu massage can be learned from professionals who have been trained in hundreds of years of healing traditions.
A traditional professional shiatsu program lasts three years, and only a few massage schools around the world provide this level of education to people interested in learning shiatsu massage. The instructors are usually from Japan or from Japanese-style schools, and they cover a wide range of topics such as anatomy, pressure points, and massage ethics. Although students will be expected to know Japanese, Japanese schools provide some of the best instruction. Students can apply for licensure from the Japanese government if they studied in Japan, or professional certification from a massage organization in another country after completing a professional program.
Shiatsu massage can also be learned through an apprenticeship with an experienced practitioner. Many practitioners in Japan provide this service, and they may also teach Westerners in English or other languages. This type of learning environment can also be found outside of Japan, though students should choose a teacher who is fully trained and licensed. A reputable shiatsu practitioner will gladly tell you where he or she received training and for how long.
Finally, many massage schools offer a shiatsu program in which students can learn shiatsu massage over the course of a weekend intensive or a longer course. These programs are designed for people who have already completed their massage therapy training and want to add shiatsu to their repertoire. They do not provide professional certification to people who want to work as shiatsu practitioners, though many massage therapists who have completed such programs advertise “shiatsu massage” as a service they provide.