COURSES

 

Overview

Shiatsu aims to promote relaxation and well being by re-balancing the energy (Ki) within the body, imbalances of which can manifest in physical and/or emotional problems. Shiatsu was developed in Japan from where it gets its name. Translated it means ?finger pressure?. The Shiatsu style taught by the BSS (Farnham) is Shiatsu-Do?. Shiatsu-Do was born from a distillation of many styles of Shiatsu. The basic principles of Zen Shiatsu theory developed by Masunaga have been blended with Cranio-Sacral principles to create a unique therapy.

Shiatsu-Do not only emphasises the Shiatsu techniques and sense of touch, but also considers in high importance the self-development of the student. Shiatsu-Do courses prepare the student to begin their own journey on their way to knowing and understanding themselves or towards becoming the best skilled and equipped Shiatsu practitioners.
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Course Outline

The British School of Shiatsu-Do offers a 3-year, part time modular course leading towards a practitioner diploma. The modules are structured to allow students to study Shiatsu-Do either as a means of self-development, recreational exercise, or as a career change towards becoming a professional Shiatsu practitioner.

No prior knowledge of bodywork or educational standards is required to begin your studies.

Year One is split into 2 stages called Stage 1 and Stage 2. Each Stage is spread over 7 weekends. For those wishing to sample Shiatsu-Do prior to making a full commitment we offer a Basics Course that covers the same material taught during the first two weekends of the Year One (Stage 1) course.

Year Two is the Advanced Course comprising of 10 weekends, the first and last weekend extended to 3 days, and a 4.5-day residential course, plus supervised clinics.

Year Three is the Probationary Year comprising of 10 core weekends, 3 of 5 optional weekends and a 4.5-day residential, plus supervised clinics.

As you progress during the years the amount of home study and practice increases. Year One courses have no examinations included, but both Years Two and Three have theory and practical assessments.

The theory content of the BSS syllabus meets fully the Shiatsu Society?s baseline curriculum and the BSS theory examination process has been ratified by the Society. This implies graduates of the BSS do have to sit the Shiatsu Society?s Theory examination if they wish to become members of the Register and use the letters MRSS after their name.

Class sizes are limited and supervised by a Teacher with an adequate number of assistants to insure close personal attention for you. Support groups and student feedback are encouraged to give clear and positive communications between students and BSS Staff.

For each Year and course, (except Basics) there are mandatory books to be purchased. The school provides a course logbook with numerable handouts that guides you through the course contents and acts a recording of your own personal development.
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Basic Course (26 hours)

Discover more about Shiatsu-Do complementary therapy over 2 weekends. The Basics course is equivalent in format and syllabus to the first 2 weekends of the Stage 1 Course. It includes:

* safe treatment in sitting and lying positions.
* sensing energy (Ki).
* simple exercises to relax and improve posture.

The Basics course enables you to ?sample? our Stage 1 level studies without committing yourself to the full Year One course. It is possible to continue your studies by upgrading to the Stage 1 course.

No prior knowledge of any form of bodywork is needed.
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Year One (Stage 1) (91 hours)

A comprehensive 91 hour introduction course presented over 7 Weekends. Taken either as a standalone course or part of the 3 year practitioner course, the Stage 1 course will include:

* Full body treatment
* the Oriental Medicine system
* the Classical Meridian System
* Basic Anatomy
* A Self Development programme

By the end of the course you will be able to give friends and family a Shiatsu-Do treatment; be more aware of your own energy and have had fun, enjoyment and relaxation whilst learning.

No prior knowledge of any form of bodywork is needed. There are no exams but some home study and practice is required. This amounts to an average of 2 hours and 2 treatments per week.

The next step?
To proceed to Stage 2 you will need to have completed 10 recorded treatments and have attendance record of at least 85%.
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Year One (Stage 2) (91 hours)

The second 91 hour Stage presented over 7 Weekends completes Year One of the British School of Shiatsu-Do programme. Topics from the Stage 1 course are expanded upon to include:

* Side position techniques.
* New material on the theory of the Oriental Medicine system.
* the Classical Meridian System.
* Anatomy & Physiology.
* Enhancements to your Self Development programme.

There is a short exam and home study and practice is required. This amounts to an average of 2 hours and 2 treatments per week.

The next step?
To proceed to Year Two you will need to have completed a further 25 recorded treatments and have attendance record of at least 85%. There is a ?touch? test to be completed before beginning the Supervised Clinic programme in Year Two.
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Year Two (Advanced)

This comprises of 10 weekends with the first and last being 3 day weekend, a 4? day residential for in-depth study, a chance to work with the general public at 4 supervised clinic days and personal tutorials. A theory and practical assessment completes the course. Topics covered are

* The Masunaga Extended meridians
* Zen Shiatsu Theory
* Shiatsu and the Reproductive System
* Five Mai Channel theory
* New material on the theory of the Oriental Medicine system
* Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
* Listening Skills

The content of this course is subject to continual revision as student and teacher feedback develops and improves the course.

The next step?
To be eligible for the Year 2 assessment leading to Year Three you will need to have completed 120 recorded treatments during Year 2, 2 case histories, tutor supervision of 2 clients and have attended 4 supervised clinics. Your course attendance record will be at least 85%.
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Year Three (Probationary)

Year 3 is the Probationary year comprising of 10 core weekends, with 2 of the weekends extended to 3 days, 3 of 5 optional weekends and a 4? day residential, 3 supervised clinics, plus a theoretical and practical assessment (2 weekdays). During this year you will receive a Probationary Certificate (valid 1 year), entitling you to be a Probationary Practitioner under the supervision of the school and able to practice professionally with insurance through the Shiatsu Society. Topics covered are

* Shiatsu-Do refinement.
* Your Shiatsu-Do Business.
* Sei Tai ? viewing and correcting structural imbalances.
* The Body Rhythm ? technique.
* Oriental Medicine.
* Attend 3 course option modules.

Course option modules are subject to change with each Year 3 course. Past Options have included - Introduction to Zen Cranial Sacral Therapy, Structural Corrections using Soft Tissue Techniques, Shiatsu-Do for Pregnancy and Childbirth, Sports Injury Management, Moxibustion and Cupping.

The content of this course is subject to continual revision as student and teacher feedback develops and improves the course.

The next step?
To attain the BSS-Do Diploma you will need to have completed a further 150 recorded treatments, tutor supervision of 1 client, a 5000 word thesis, attended 3 supervised clinics and successfully completed the final year assessments.