Welcome to Shiatsu...

Shiatsu,  shiatsu massage, and Asian bodywork therapy  all refer to  the  use of thumb or finger pressure on meridian pathways  to balance the body's energy system. In many places, shiatsu is considered a form of energywork. 

Shiatsu moves stagnant energy, removes blockages and creates balance in the body's energy systems. By applying firm pressure to energy points, the chi or life force is restored. Shiatsu practitioners facilitate this change. The body then begins to heal itself. All major systems begin to improve: digestion, respiration, circulation, elimination, immune system. So over time, the body feels rejuvenated, calm and energized. 

Continual stress leads to pain and illness. Ignoring the body's signals for sleep, exercise, good nourishing foods, and equally nurturing relationships cause more stress and more illness. People who realize the importance of change seek shiatsu as a framework to help them make changes in their lives. Imagine having the skills and expertise to help individuals make better choices every day.   Do friends and family  come to you for suggestions?  Do you like working with  people? 

Learn this life-enhancing skill that will become  a way of life-not just a career. Feel energized, relaxed and  empowered! Develop  your own specialty and set your own schedule.  Help clients re-connect with their real energy.

The International School of Shiatsu  has been training excellent shiatsu practitioners since 1978.  Shiatsu is energy-based therapy, using pressure from hands and palms to balance the flow of chi in the body. Courses are based on the theories of Masunaga Zen Shiatsu, Kushi Macrobiotics,  & Saul Goodman's  Shiatsu Shin Tai. 
Students from all parts of the world study & practice shiatsu.  If you have a desire to help others and to improve your own life,  study shiatsu! If you've never experienced a shiatsu, attend our clinics or find the nearest ISS graduate and feel the difference in your own body.  Shiatsu considers the whole life story of the receivers, nurturing each individual to live at their optimal levels.

Our Shiatsu school's mission:
         1. Train, nurture and support our students while developing their skills to     become excellent practitioners of Shiatsu and Shiatsu Shin Tai.
         2.  Provide on-going training and support in advanced bodywork.
         3.  Provide the experience of Shiatsu to the general public. 
         4.  Educate the public to improve wellness and lifestyle choices.
         5.  To provide a training program for teaching assistants.
         6.  To train, nurture and support  teachers of  Shiatsu.

Shiatsu is an energy-based  therapy that originated within the Asian Healing Arts. It incorporates the theory of acupuncture which proposes that energy, known as "Chi" ( or "Ki") moves through the body along well defined passageways called meridians. Creating balance in these energy flows is considered to be essential for health and well-being. Shiatsu,  which involves application of pressure on energy points and energy pathways,  has been found exceptionally effective for stress-reduction, reducing fatigue and alleviating a wide spectrum of symptoms.

Shiatsu Shin Tai, created by Saul Goodman, releases deep stress patterns within the body and recovers life force energy, allowing the client to live more fully in the present.  Saul's courses are available to bodyworkers who have completed a minimum of 300 hours of study.

Why study Shiatsu
Shiatsu offers an antidote to our stress-filled  lives. Touch is essential to life! The faster the pace of living, the more exhausted we become. We live on adrenaline,
Our fast paced society has immediate access to all forms of communications, yet people find their lives empty, their careers unfulfilling. They seek more from life, not sure how to find it.  There is an overwhelming need for bodyworkers who are the catalyst for change. By bringing the receiver's attention to their bodies, people begin to seek  healthier lifestyle choices.  

 Who studies Shiatsu?
Anyone interested in energy work, seeking change may be attracted to shiatsu.
Students,  ages 18 to 73, from  many varied backgrounds find shiatsu a powerful protocol for transformation.  In the Beginner's Weekend, Intro to Shiatsu, students learn to apply palm and thumb pressure following the basics of the whole body outline.
They  learn an ancient technique for self-development as well as theory and philosopy of shiatsu.   Reiki Practitioners, massage therapists, yoga instructors and martial arts students often choose to add shiatsu to their practices.

Students of Martial Arts, who are already familiar with the concept of energy, seek to learn the healing qualities of energy.  Nurses, physical therapists, and teachers also are attracted to shiatsu and find many ways to integrate the skills into their work.  

Continuing education hours are available for those who need NCBTMB hours for renewal of licenses. Contact the school for available courses.

 click here to see our complete course listing.

Open House:

     Open house is on the first Saturday of months October-June, exceptions are holidays.
     Come to visit the town and check out the school location. You can observe clinic and feel the energy in the room.   Ask questions and share some time with the current students. Bring your family too.   As our thank you, you'll receive one free session at the clinic.  Future appointments in clinic are  only $35. Reservations required as we limit the number of observers.  For those who come to the clinic open house,  you'll receive a coupon valid for discount on the Beginner's Weekend fee. 215-340-9918.  contact us.

Link Resources

Time commitment:

 The Shiatsu Program, 700 hours, may be completed one course at a time or may be completed in intensives that require 4 week blocks of time. It is possible to complete the first part in seven months.  Depending on your background, it is possible to complete the entire program in 19 months or less. 

  The Foundation Program,  300 hours, of shiatsu technique, hands-on practice,  development and refinement of skills. If started in January, it is possible to take all intensives and complete this program in 7 months. Students receive a certificate for completion of Foundation Program.

The Practitioner Program creates an enriching environment where the student can refine skills, learn advanced techniques, and gain clinical experience. This level requires 18 months, two extended weekends per month.

Some students require a longer period of time for studies, please see the Director of Admissions to select the best schedule for your needs.

Housing:

 As we have no campus, students must make their own arrangements for housing. Upon request, we'll send  a list of local families who provide rooms for students. If you have any questions regarding housing, please call.