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Level 1A: Fundamentals of Acupressure Shiatsu (72 hours)
Students will learn a whole body shiatsu form. Concepts of yin and yang, qi, blood and fluid will be presented including their correlation with the channel system. Students will learn the theory of the 12 main channels; their anatomical locations, functions, correlations with the diurnal & five phase cycles, and interrelationships. Location and energetics of major acupoints will be learned. Students will be introduced to the four basics of assessment skills - asking, looking, listening and touching.
Level 1B: Acupressure Point Location (33 hours)
The anatomical location and energetic functions of approximately 72 major acupoints will be learned. The pathways of the twelve major channels will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on developing kinesthetic skills and sensitivity of touch.
Level 2: Theoretical Foundations & Intermediate Shiatsu (72 hours)
Assessment skills including pulse, tongue, abdominal & back palpation are continued. Concepts of zang-fu theory are presented with differentiation of patterns. Advanced shiatsu techniques include side position and use of elbows, knees and foot. Treatment forms for specific conditions common to zang-fu patterns are learned with an introduction to combining acupoints .
Level 3: Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns & Clinical Acupressure (69 hours)
Zang-fu organ pathologies and aetiologies are continued. Common patterns will be studied for each of the major organs. Acupressure treatment patterns will be discussed and presented for common clinical conditions often seen in practice i.e., headaches, PMS, dysmennorrhea, asthma, low back pain, etc. Students will learn how to identify, differentiate, and create a treatment plan for specific conditions. The appropriate use of adjunct therapies including magnet treatment, sotai, and moxabustion will be explored.
Level 4: Extraordinary Vessel Acupressure (69 hours)
Theoretics of the Extra Vessel system will be presented. Students will learn abdomenal palpation patterns for differentiation and assessment for the 8 Extra Vessels. Acupressure patterns will be presented for specific treatment of imbalance in the Extra Vessels which can treat the deep energetic source or "root".
Assessment and Practicum Review (27 hours)
In preparation for the student clinic, students review the Four Examinations (Asking, Looking, Listening, Touching) of traditional Chinese medicine used for assessment. Practical treatment plans and focus of treatment are reviewed for different clinical conditions commonly presented in student clinic.
Introduction to Clinic (9 hours)
The logistics and procedures of making appointments and running the student clinic will be reviewed. In addition, a discussion of proper and ethical conduct will be discussed, as well as, problems that might arise in a clinic setting. Intro to clinic will be scheduled before the spring and fall student clinics.
Independent Case Studies (50 hours)
Throughout the five levels of study, students will be required to write up case histories on clients that are followed outside of class, as well as, on clients followed in the Student Treatment Clinic. The case histories will reflect the student's increasing knowledge and ability to assess, evaluate and plan treatments. Group discussions will assure a deeper understanding of individual cases and will explore the best treatment options that can be offered including adjunct therapies and client education. A total of fifty case histories will be submitted and/or presented for review by an instructor.
Final Thesis (14 hours)
A final thesis is required at the end of the core curriculum classes. It must be at least five typewritten pages and include an introduction, research results, discussion, and a reference bibliography. The topic may be any special field of interest in Asian bodywork therapy approved by the instructor. A presentation to the class will be required.
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Supervised Clinic (100 hours)
A supervised student clinic open to the public by appointment will prepare the student for opening his/her practice after graduation. Students will be responsible for making appointments, setting up the clinic and receiving clients.In addition, students will do client intakes, evaluate and assess the presenting condition, carry out a full treatment and plan follow-up care. Emphasis will be on developing a professional manner and gaining experience in dealing with the diversity of situations that commonly arise in a clinic setting. Case histories will be reviewed and discussed on a regular basis throughout clinic.
Adjunct Therapies (30 hours)
Adjunct therapies to the practice of Asian bodywork therapy include Sotai (Japanese corrective exercises), magnet therapy, moxabustion (a special Asian herbal heat therapy), liniments and poultices, cupping and gwasha. The history, theory and principles of technique will be presented through lecture, demonstration, and practical application. When appropriate adjunct therapies may be used in the Student Treatment Clinic with instructor supervision.
Business Management (20 hours)
Business management is taught so that students will be capable of setting clear professional goals and will have the tools and knowledge to achieve them. Pertinent legal considerations, licensing and professional organizations will be covered. Practical aspects of how to start a small business will be taught along with successful management practices. Students will be prepared upon graduation to have the know-how to successfully establish themselves as professional practitioners.
Ethics (13 hours)
The professional ethics requirement is designed to help students to prepare for ethical decision-making in professional practice. It is also designed to aid students in developing
their emerging professional identities and also to encourage students to maintain the highest standards of ethical and professional practice. The course content will include such topics as: regulation of the profession and code of ethics, issues of boundaries in relation to bodywork, interpersonal aspects of the therapeutic relationship, responsibilities of the therapist, emotional and psychological factors in physical illness.
Chair Acupressure (13 hours)
Intermediate level students have the opportunity to develop their confidence in giving Chair Acupressure in short sessions to clients in a seated position.
Electives (32 hours)
Elective credit requirements may be fulfilled by enrolling in ATI's continuing education classes and workshops. Tuition is not included in the program tuition. ATI enrolled students receive a 10% tuition discount. ATI alumni receive a 10% tuition discount on selected courses.
* These classes are not provided by Acupressure Therapy Institute.
For a list of eligible providers, please contact the school. CPR/First Aid is typically taken from the American Red Cross.
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100 hrs: Anatomy & Physiology