What is Acupressure Shiatsu?
Acupressure is a style of shiatsu (from the Japanese "shi" finger, and "atsu" pressure), providing a system for balancing the body's energy or "Qi" on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. Gentle yet firm pressure is applied to specific acupoints using hand, elbow, knee and barefoot techniques. Traditional Japanese Shiatsu and classical acupuncture theory are the foundation for assessment skills and treatment planning. Acupressure Shiatsu is recognized as Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) by the national organizations: the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Graduates of the Acupressure Therapy Institute (ATI) receive a certificate in Acupressure Shiatsu after completing the requirements for the 720-hour training program. ATI graduates are recognized as professional Asian Bodywork Therapists (ABT's) by the AOBTA and are qualified to sit for the national ABT exam given by the NCAAOM which certifies Diplomates of ABT.
What are the Benefits of Treatment?
The goal of Acupressure shiatsu treatment is to balance the body's energetic system, mind and spirit. Benefits of treatment include a wide range of specific conditions both acute and chronic. Some of the most common clinical conditions include:
 |
Musculoskeletal problems: back pain, sprains, strains, neck and shoulder problems, repetitive stress syndrome |
|
Headaches, including migraine headaches |
|
Respiratory problems: asthma, allergies, colds, coughs, weak immune conditions |
|
Gynecological problems: especially, menstrual irregularity or pain |
|
Digestive problems: reflux, constipation, abdominal bloating |
|
Stress |
|
Depression, anxiety |
References
"I discovered that students of acupressure shiatsu gain much more than an education toward a new fulfilling career; they also gained an education about something that would forever improve their personal lives, as well..."
Other Articles:
|
Blanchard, Barbara. The Ears Have It! Auriculotherapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy. Pulse News (AOBTA), Fall 2003. |
|
Blanchard, Barbara. Did You Know Your Ear Can Help Treat Your Pain? BodyMindSpirit Magazine, Fall 2002 |
|
Blanchard, Barbara. The Heart of Summer: Treating Seasonal Changes Through Acupressure. Spirit of Change Magazine, May/June 2002. |
|
Blanchard, Barbara. What is Acupressure Shiatsu? Spirit of Change Magazine, May/June 2000. |
|
