Course Overview

Shiatsu is a deep, invigorating, style of massage developed over millennia and brought to western shores in the 20th Century. "Shiatsu" literally means "finger pressure." Similar to acupressure, shiatsu harmonizes the body’s energy by applying thumb and palm pressure to 14 major energy channels (meridians). Shiatsu promotes self-healing, provides long-lasting stress relief and relaxation, and restores the body’s energy to its natural state of homeostasis.

A typical Shiatsu session is both relaxing and energizing as the therapist employs pressure while moving about the body in a rhythmic, flowing sequence. All major muscle groups are stretched and all joints in the body are mobilized, restoring energetic harmony and a sense of bodily awareness. Students work together throughout the program, developing camaraderie and competence as they practice on one another in and outside of class. At the end of the program, students will then be able to apply, practice and refine newly learned techniques through participation in SFSM's student massage clinic.