Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy

Choose The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy

We teach Japanese traditional Shiatsu which originated with Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei and is defined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan as an independent therapy.

Fifty years have passed since Shiatsu was first introduced to North America in 1953 when Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei, the founder of Shiatsu, was personally invited to the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa, U.S.A. by Dr. P. J. Palmer. The word SHIATSU and the benefits of Shiatsu therapy have been well known all over the world. However, original Shiatsu has been confused with other techniques. Shiatsu is a Japanese hands-on therapy that exclusively uses thumbs, fingers and palms to improve the body functions to draw out the natural healing power in our body.

We teach Japanese culture and traditions with Japanese instructors.

In order to appreciate Shiatsu philosophy, a broad knowledge of Japanese culture and tradition is necessary. The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy proudly trains and educates students to current Shiatsu standards that are officially defined by the ministry of Health in Japan, including Shiatsu philosophy, history and the latest Shiatsu science. Since the director and some of the instructors are Japanese, the college is operated in a traditional Japanese style. Our curriculum also covers the Japanese language and other Japanese therapies, such as Kampo medicine and Tsubo Shiatsu.

We provide an international Shiatsu linkage to our students.

Our students are able to attend the International Shiatsu Conferences that are organized by the International Shiatsu Association (ISA) and the Summer Seminars in Japan that are organized by the Japan Shiatsu Association (JSA). Attending these seminars will provide our students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and to form friendship with other Shiatupractor^®s / Shiatsu practitioners from all over the world. Also our graduates are eligible to apply to be registered for Shiatsupractor^® status in the Canadian Shiatsu Society of BC (CSSBC), and to be a member of the Shiatsupractor^®s’ Association of Canada (SPAC), the JSA and the ISA. Also students will be eligible to write the Washington State Massage Board Exam for Licensed Massage Practitioner / L.M.P. status in the US.

We support career opportunities for our graduates.

The urbanization of our complex society has resulted in increased stress being placed upon the individual. Concurrently, a recent survey shows that the public is interested in preventive and alternative medicine. As Shiatsu therapy is gradually but increasingly recognized for its benefit in the world, there is a demand for Shiatsupractor^®s. Possibilities exist in practically any urban setting in Canada for graduates to open their own Shiatsu clinic, to work with other health care providers in a clinical setting, to teach in a school or the public, or to work in hospitals and companies.

We are officially registered with the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of BC.

We are also a member of the BC Career Colleges Associations and the National Association of Career Colleges. Our 2200hour Shiatsupractor Diploma Program is fully approved by the Washington State Department of Health.

What is Shiatsu Therapy?
"Shiatsu" is a Japanese word meaning "finger pressure". It is a "hands-on" therapy used both as a compliment to conventional medicine and as a preventative / alternative therapy.

Characteristics of Shiatsu Therapy

Shiatsupractors perform Shiatsu by pressing with their thumbs, fingers and palms on Shiatsu points throughout the body to enhance the body’s natural healing ability and prevent the progression of disease. Shiatsu points are called "Tsubo" in Japanese and their location and the effect of Shiatsu on them is based on an understanding of modern Anatomy and Physiology. These points are effective in treating all body systems including the Integumentary, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Skeletal, Endocrine, and Digestive systems. They are applicable only to Shiatsu Therapy and are not related to ancient "Chinese Meridians" for Acupuncture, Moxibustion or Anma therapy.

The Japanese expression "Shindan Soku Chiryo", means "Diagnosis and Therapy Combined" and is the essence of Shiatsu. The thumbs, fingers and palms of trained and experienced Shiatsupractors are sensitive enough to detect, on contact, irregularities in the skin, muscles or body temperature. Relating to “the Cutaneovisceral Reflexes”, in the course of practical experience, Shiatsupractors are able to locate abnormalities and ascertain their degree, as well as determining the condition of the organs. When detecting abnormalities, Shiatsupractors apply Shiatsu as a treatment at the same time. The amount of pressure and its tempo are gauged to apply the appropriate pressure for each patient - sometimes strong or soft - quick or slow. Lacking the sensitivity of the hand, knuckles, elbows, knees and feet are not used for application of pressure during treatments by Shiatsupractors. Mastering the essence of Shiatsu requires many years of practical experience and is the goal of a Shiatsupractor.

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