Asian Modalities Certificate Program

Students of the Asian Modalities Certificate Program will learn how to perform two types of Asian bodywork, shiatsu from Japan and Thai massage from Thailand, which are based on balancing energetic systems of the body.

To give students a solid foundation of knowledge to support the hands-on skills learned, the history of these modalities are presented, along with traditional Chinese medicine, including Qi, Yin Yang theory, Five Element theory, channels (meridians), tsubo, as well as principles of traditional Thai medicine.

Students learn the benefits, indications, contraindications, and assessments for shiatsu and Thai massage. In our Shiatsu and Thai massage training programs, students will also learn proper application of palming, finger and thumbing techniques, elbow and forearm techniques, stretching, joint mobilization, and foot techniques with the use of effective and efficient body mechanics.

Warm-up, centering, and focusing methods are emphasized as well as postural awareness. At the completion of the class, students are able to perform 60 minute traditional shiatsu and Thai massage treatments on a mat on the floor.

Both written and hands-on evaluation will be used to assess students for complete understanding of techniques prior to receipt of the Shiatsu and Thai massage certification.

The addition of these modalities makes practitioners more versatile, enriching the menu of services bodywork practitioners offer their clients. For example, some clients will be drawn to the centering and grounding aspects of shiatsu and Thai massage. Others may prefer how the stretching makes their bodies feel. Yet others may like that no lubricants are used and that they remain fully clothed instead being draped by a sheet. This versatility can help develop a stable client base by giving clients options in addition to Western massage therapy.

Requisites: This course is open to licensed or certified massage therapists, licensed healthcare professionals or massage and healthcare students only. Shiatsu and Thai Massage are performed on mats on the ground. There is significantly greater physical demand on the body of the practitioner than traditional table-work including spending time kneeling, bending, lifting, squatting, sitting on the buttocks, and using the feet and toes.