Shiatsu Therapy Association of British Columbia
Shiatsu Therapy Association of British Columbia Shiatsu Therapy Association of British Columbia



Professional Standards

The S.T.A. recognizes educational programs in Shiatsu Therapy that meet or exceed the minimum requirements as set forth in the S.T.A.'s 1000 Hour Standard Curriculum for professional certification. The designation R.S.T. is awarded to members that meet the minimum requirements of the S.T.A.'s 1000 Hour Standard and practice in accordance with the S.T.A.'s Code of Ethics. Included in this standard are:

  • Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
  • Traditional Oriental Medicine
  • Specific Shiatsu theory and practical training
  • Clinical experience
  • Contraindications
  • Personal development
  • First Aid and CPR

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ONE THOUSAND HOUR STANDARD CURRICULUM
for a S.T.A. Certified Shiatsu Practitioner (R.S.T.)

I. Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology (125 Hours)

  1. Osteology - Skeletal Structure
  2. Myology - Major muscle groups
  3. Structure and function of other major systems
    1. Cardiovascular
    2. Endocrine
    3. Neurological
    4. Digestive
    5. Respiratory
    6. Lymphatic
    7. Excretory
    8. Urinary and reproductive
  4. Pathology - Overview of functions and dysfunctions of organs from a Western perspective.

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II. Oriental Medical Theory (150 Hours)

  1. Overview of Traditional Oriental Medicine including an introduction to history, philosophy and basic cosmology.
  2. Yin and Yang
    1. Concepts of Yin and Yang - Properties and principles
    2. Yin/Yang relationships
    3. Yin/Yang imbalances in the body - Condition and constitution
  3. Five Elements Theory (Five Transformations)
    1. Description, historical basics and context within Oriental philosophy
    2. Laws of the five elements
    3. Five elements related to the body
    4. Correspondences
  4. Fundamental substances of the body
    1. Ki (Qi)
    2. Blood (Xue)
    3. Essence (Jing)
    4. Spirit (Shen)
    5. Fluids
  5. Organ/Meridian Theory
    1. The fourteen meridians (10 organs, TH, HC, CV, GV)
    2. Description
    3. Functions and relationships with organs
    4. Paired relationships
    5. Twenty-four hour cycle (Order and direction of circulation)
    6. Anatomical locations
    7. Main pathological signs - physical, psychological and emotional
  6. Tsubo Theory
    1. Sourcepoints
    2. Commonly used points
    3. Yu and Bo points
    4. Beginning and ending points
    5. Anatomical locations
    6. Tonification and sedation techniques
    7. Contraindications and cautions
  7. Analysis and Evaluation - Develop techniques and palpatory skills enabling the student to assess the energy system of the whole person.
    1. Bo-Shin - Observing
    2. Setsu-Shin - Touching
      1. Hara
      2. Meridians and points
      3. Yu/Bo points
      4. reflex zones
    3. Mon-Shin - Asking
    4. Bun-Shin - Listening/smelling
  8. Hara
    1. History and theory
    2. Description and location meridian/organ reflex zones
    3. Assessment and treatment of kyo/jitsu conditions

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III. Discipline, Technique and Practice (350 Hours)

  1. Technique
    1. Tonification and sedation
    2. Palm, thumb, finger, fist, elbow, knee and other technique
    3. Proper and effective use of body weight, breath and posture
  2. Practical application of theory including assessment techniques
  3. Full body treatments in sitting, prone, supine and side positions
  4. Integration of techniques
  5. Passive and active exercises, meridian stretches, Sotai, etc...
  6. Contraindications
  7. Sessions received from a certified practitioner
  8. Personal documentated treatments

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IV. Clinical Practice (150 Hours)

  1. Supervised clinical practice - Students will have the opportunity to integrate all of their training and practice in providing sessions for the general public in a supervised environment.
    1. A professional environment will be maintained at all times
    2. There will be qualified supervision at all times
    3. During a client's first visit, a complete case history will be taken
    4. Session summaries will be written after each client's visit
    5. Group meetings will be held regularly so that students can share their experiences: interesting aspects, problems and successes

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V. Personal Development (100 Hours)

  1. "Healer heal thy self." - Practices which develop psychological, physical and spiritual well being, e.g., tai-chi, yoga, meditation, macrobiotics, Bioenergetics, movement work, therapy and counseling, etc.

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VI. Professional Development (80 Hours)

  1. First Aid and CPR
  2. Business fundamentals
  3. Legal considerations and ethics
  4. Workshops

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VII. Allied Therapies and Topics (45 Hours)

  1. Related therapies and topics: e.g., Sotai, Jin Shin Do, Reiki, Qi-Kung, tui-na, anma, moxibustion, etc.

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