Course Structure
The Shiatsu College Dublin offers a three-year part-time course leading towards a practitioner diploma. No prior knowledge of bodywork or educational qualifications are required to begin your studies. However the Foundation course (2 week-ends) is a prerequisite to starting the full practitioner training.
This course meets the requirements of The Shiatsu Society of Ireland, the governing body of Shiatsu in Ireland. This society requires that each professional course is at least 500 hours over 3 years. It must also follow a Core Curriculum and be taught by registered teachers. Workshops with international teachers will also form part of the training.
There are specialist teachers in Anatomy and Physiology. On each week-end all courses are taught by at least two teachers to bring a variety of styles and input. Experienced teachers from other Shiatsu schools will be presenting weekends in years 2 and 3, bringing in depth experience and knowledge.
Course Levels
Foundation Course
The Foundation course includes:
- A simple full body treatment in sitting and lying positions
- Sensing energy (ki)
- The basic Shiatsu techniques
- Exercises to relax and improve posture
The Foundation course is compulsory to proceed to Year 1 and is the only entrance requirement.
This short course over 2 weekends allows you to find out if Shiatsu is for you without committing yourself to the expense of a full year's study.
Practitioner Training Year 1
A comprehensive introduction is presented over 10 non-residential weekends or equivalent.
Topics include:
- Full body treatment, prone, supine, side-lying and sitting positions
- Sensing Ki
- Traditional Chinese Medicine theory including Yin & Yang and Five Elements
- The Zen Meridian system (covers 14 meridians - location, treatment and personality profile)
- Zen Shiatsu Theory
- Zen Hara Diagnosis
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Self-Development (including Do-In, Makko-Ho, Chi Gung and Yoga exercises, developing intuition, awareness of posture and breathing)
- Oriental Diagnosis
There are short exams in Shiatsu theory and practice at the end of Year 1 and approximately 3 hours per week of home study and practice is required. You will be asked to submit 25 recorded treatments to go to the next level.
Practitioner Training Year 2
This course comprises 11 weekends and a 5-day residential (or equivalent), and the opportunity to work with the general public at supervised student clinics. During this year your treatments will become more flowing and confident as you develop your own style within the framework of the Shiatsu 'form'.
Topics covered are:
- The Classical Meridian System
- Zen Back Diagnosis
- Oriental Medicine Theory (continued)
- Bo & Yu points for treatment and diagnosis
- Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
- Ethics and the Client - Practitioner Relationship
- Further Self - Development exercises
Year 2 demands more time and commitment than Year 1 - approximately 5 hours per week of home study/practice. Completion of a theory and practical assessment and 100 recorded treatments are required to go to the next level.
Practitioner Training Year 3 (Clinical Year)
Year 3 is the Probationary year during which you will receive a Probationary Diploma from the college (valid for one year), entitling you to begin your clinical practice and to practice professionally under the supervision of the College with insurance through the Shiatsu Society of Ireland.
The course comprises 10 weekends and a four and a half day residential component (or equivalent), plus supervised student clinics and a theoretical and practical assessment (two days). Students undertake a Shiatsu placement providing a written report at the end of it.
Topics covered are:
- Revision and refinement
- The therapeutic relationship
- Point location & usage
- Sotai muscle balancing techniques
- Sports Injuries
- Pregnancy & Childbirth
- Oriental Medicine Theory (continued)
- Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (continued)
- First Aid
- Moxibustion and Cupping
- Nutrition/Food Energetics
- Your Shiatsu Business (marketing and business skills)
The Year 3 demands similar time and commitment to Year 2. Completion of 100 recorded treatments and a Special Project are required before sitting the final assessment.
