What is Acupressure Shiatsu?
Acupressure is a style of shiatsu (from the Japanese “shi” finger, and “atsu” pressure), providing a system for balancing the body’s energy or “Qi” on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. Gentle yet firm pressure is applied to specific acupoints using hand, elbow, knee and barefoot techniques. Traditional Japanese Shiatsu and classical acupuncture theory are the foundation for assessment skills and treatment planning. Acupressure Shiatsu is recognized as Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) by the national organizations: the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Graduates of the Acupressure Therapy Institute (ATI) receive a certificate in Acupressure Shiatsu after completing the requirements for the 720-hour training program. ATI graduates are recognized as professional Asian Bodywork Therapists (ABT’s) by the AOBTA and are qualified to sit for the national ABT exam gi
by Barbara Blanchard Lic. Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. ABT Asian Bodywork Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chinese herbs are the three major healing arts of Chinese medicine. Acupressure is a recognized style of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) certified by the national professional association, the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). “Finger Pressure” Acupressure is a healing modality that emphasizes balancing the energy body or energy system with the physical body, mind, and spirit. An integral part of Chinese medicine, Acupressure is similar to Acupuncture except that it uses the hands rather than needles to adjust energy flow. Students of Acupressure learn the same meridians and acupoints that are used in Acupuncture as well as the Asian bodywork therapy known as Shiatsu (from the Japanese “shi” finger, and “atsu” pressure). Acupressure puts more emphasis on using specific Acupressure points in treatment, whereas Shiatsu often relies more on balancing the channels. Qi and M
Acupressure is a healing modality that emphasizes balancing the body’s energy or “Qi” on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level by applying gentle yet firm pressure to specific acupoints using hand, elbow, knee and barefoot techniques. Traditional Japanese Shiatsu and classical acupuncture theory are the foundation for assessment skills and treatment planning. Corrective exercises, magnet therapy, moxibustion, cupping, herbal plasters and liniments are adjunct therapies. Graduates of this program will be professional practitioners capable of assessing, evaluating, treating and following the care of the individual. The aim is to develop not only technical expertise but also self-development as a healer. We wish our graduates to be healers in the global sense, able to foster peace and health within themselves in order to share it with others. FOUNDING DIRECTOR BARBARA BLANCHARD Lic. Ac., Dipl., Ac.& Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), ABT & CI (AOBTA) Ms. Blanchard brings a wealth of experien
by Barbara Blanchard, Lic.Ac., Dipl.Ac. Asian bodywork therapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are the three major healing arts of Chinese medicine. Acupressure is a recognized style of Asian bodywork therapy certified by the national professional association, the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (AOBTA). Acupressure is a healing modality that emphasizes balancing the energy body or energy system with the physical body, mind, and spirit. An integral part of Chinese medicine, acupressure is similar to acupuncture except that it uses the hands rather than needles to adjust energy flow. Students of acupressure learn the same meridians and acupionts that are used in acupuncture as well as the Asian bodywork therapy known as shiatsu (from the Japanese “shi” finger, and “atsu” pressure). Originally developed from the ancient Chinese massage technique anmo, shiatsu evolved in the early 1900’s in Japan. It is based on the concept of qithe body’s vital life force flowing through de
The practice of applying finger pressure to specific acupoints throughout the body has been used in China since 2000 BC, prior to the use of acupuncture. Acupressure techniques are widely practiced internationally for relaxation, wellness promotion, and the treatment of various health conditions. Multiple human studies suggest effectiveness of wrist-point (P6) acupressure for treating nausea. Shiatsu means finger ( Shi ) pressure ( Atsu ) in Japanese. Shiatsu technique involves finger pressure at acupoints and along body meridians. It can incorporate palm pressure, stretching, massaging and other manual techniques. Shiatsu practitioners commonly treat musculoskeletal and psychological conditions, including neck/shoulder and lower back problems, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Tuina (Chinese for “pushing and pulling”) is similar to shiatsu but with more soft tissue manipulation and structural realignment. Tuina is a common form of Asian bodywork used in Chinese-American communities.
