Why Add Shiatsu to Your Practice
To support your massage therapy clients, it’s important to have as many tools in your toolbox as possible. If your practice feels repetitive or you struggle to attract new clients, consider learning a new skill like Shiatsu. Balancing modalities from different perspectives can help your clients achieve better outcomes, which can make your practice more successful. Learn why and how to add Shiatsu to your practice.
What is Shiatsu?
In Japanese, Shiatsu means “finger pressure.” It uses the thumb, fingers, and palms to press on specific points of the body. This technique helps restore the body’s natural flow of energy. While Shiatsu originates from Japan, it draws from Chinese medicine.
Where Western massage techniques often focus on muscle anatomy, Eastern techniques like Shiatsu focus on qi and meridians in the body.
Shiatsu does not require the use of any oils or lotions and can be performed over clothing, which makes it suitable for clients of all ages and body types.
According to Chris Wardwell, shiatsu professor at Northwestern Sciences Health University,
Shiatsu takes a holistic view and allows a practitioner to address both physical and energetic imbalances. It works on the musculoskeletal system as well as the digestive, lymphatic, autoimmune, and other systems.”
“Shiatsu techniques and philosophy can also be easily combined with other bodywork and healthcare modalities,” says Wardwell. “In fact, part of the NWHSU massage curriculum addresses ways to blend shiatsu and Western therapeutic massage.”
Why Should I Add Shiatsu to My Practice?
No two bodies are the same and every client’s needs are unique. Learning both Western and Eastern methods will help you reach a larger audience. It will also improve your understanding of your craft. Here we list some reasons why you should add Shiatsu to your practice.
- Embraces a Holistic View of Health. Shiatsu recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. It aligns with the growing trend towards integrative health practices. By offering Shiatsu, you provide clients with a healing opportunity that resonates with modern wellness goals.
- Expands Your Skillset. You not only broaden your therapeutic offerings but also deepen your understanding of body mechanics and energy flow. This can lead to improved outcomes for clients who may not respond to conventional massage techniques alone.
- Boosts Energy Levels & Treats Pain. Shiatsu addresses stress and tension and promotes relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It has also been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, headaches, and joint stiffness by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. It can even boost energy levels, offering a refreshing contrast to the more sedative effects of traditional massage. By offering this energy-enhancing treatment, you position yourself as a therapist who addresses both relaxation and revitalization.
- Expands Your Scope. By adding Shiatsu to your practice, you can cater to a diverse clientele. Shiatsu can be adapted to meet various physical conditions, which makes it a more inclusive option. It can be especially helpful for pregnant women, older adults, and people with limited mobility or skin allergies. This is because it does not need lotions, deep tissue work, or removing clothes.
Where Can I Learn Shiatsu?
Wardwell studied in Japan to learn Shiatsu. However, you don’t have to go that far! NWHSU offers a certificate in Shiatsu designed for established massage therapists right here in Minnesota. Or if you’re not yet a massage therapist, we offer a comprehensive East-West Therapeutic Massage program.
NWHSU is an integrative, evidence-based health sciences university. We are the only school in Minnesota that offers a program combining Eastern and Western medicine approaches to massage.
We’ve heard from a lot of alumni and current students that they’re interested in adding Shiatsu to their practice,” said Spring Saldana, faculty member at NWHSU, in a press release about the program. “We want to equip our graduates with as many tools as possible to make the greatest impact on the lives of their patients and clients.”
The certificate at NWHSU “closes that gap in Eastern-based bodywork education.” NWHSU teaches the Shiatsu Anma style of shiatsu, a combination of Japanese and Chinese techniques of pressure and kneading. At NWHSU, you will gain clinical massage experience in public clinics, rehab centers, and hospitals while you study.
How Can I Practice Shiatsu?
A massage certification is an important step in establishing your professional credentials. NWHSU’s Massage Therapy Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). When you finish NWHSU’s massage program, you can take the licensing exam. This exam leads to national massage therapist certification.
At a national level, most states require licensing to practice massage. “In many states, Shiatsu therapy is exempt so that therapists can practice without having to get massage training, but it is not exempt in all states and massage training may be required to practice Shiatsu,” says Wardwell. “NWHSU students who do the combined Massage and Shiatsu certificate will have an easier time when it comes to getting licensed to practice, especially if they move to another state.”
There is no statewide licensing for any kind of bodywork in Minnesota. Requirements to practice vary from city to city.
It is important to check the licensing requirements in your state and city. This ensures you meet all certification needs. NWHSU offers resources to help you on your path to becoming a licensed massage therapist
Ready to Add Shiatsu to Your Practice?
As clients increasingly seek comprehensive treatments that address their multifaceted health needs, adding Shiatsu to your practice will not only distinguish you in a competitive market but also empower your clients on their wellness journeys. Embrace the art of Shiatsu and watch your practice flourish.
Whether you want to build a career in massage therapy or enhance your current healthcare practice with Shiatsu specifically, the programs at NWHSU will prepare you for success.
Start your exploration of the Massage Therapy School today! Reach out to NWHSU for personalized support on your path.