LEVEL ONE
Foundations of Shiatsu
&
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Level 1 is your entry point into the art of Shiatsu and the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here, you learn to feel the body differently and an understanding of energy flow.
This level gives you the essential tools to begin supporting yourself, your family, and your community through mindful touch and holistic principles. And for the most dedicated students, Level 1 can even open the door to receiving your first clients as you begin developing your professional path.
​What's Included
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120 total training hours, combining in-person classes, practical exercises, and guided home study.
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Core training in Shiatsu fundamentals: posture, pressure, breathing, meridian pathways, and the basic full-body sequence.
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Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Yin–Yang theory, Five Elements, Zang-Fu basics, and classical meridians.
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Hands-on practice to develop awareness, sensitivity, and correct body mechanics.
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Supervised practice sessions and supportive feedback to build confidence from day one.
Ideal For
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Individuals who want to become Shiatsu practitioners, build a meaningful career, and begin creating a consistent income by helping others.
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Beginners with no previous experience who want a strong, structured introduction to Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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People looking to support their own well-being and that of their family through holistic tools and mindful touch.
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Bodyworkers, yoga teachers, and wellness professionals who want to expand their skillset with energy-based therapeutic techniques.
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Anyone exploring a new path in holistic health, healing arts, or mind–body awareness.
Learning Formats​​
(Level 1 is available in three study formats. Full details are provided on the Study Formats page.)
All formats run at 6 hours per day.
Residential Intensive:
• 2 weeks (Monday to Friday)
Weekend Course:
• 5 weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
Weekly Course:
• 10 weeks (One day per week)
Choose the structure that best fits your lifestyle, all formats lead to the same Level 1 training hours and certification.
Certificate​
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After completing Level 1 you will receive the Level 1 Certificate of Completion, confirming your ability to perform a full basic Shiatsu sequence and your understanding of fundamental TCM theory.
This certificate qualifies you to progress into Level 2, where the therapeutic dimension of Shiatsu begins.​
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Price: $3,490
Here you can find a detailed breakdown of each lesson in the program.
COURSE LEVEL 1: The Foundations of Shiatsu & TCM The Propedeutic and Amatorial Introduction This intensive course is the perfect launchpad for anyone curious about holistic healing. Dive deep into the core philosophy and practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the fundamental techniques of Shiatsu. What You Will Master (The Core) Essential TCM Theory: Master the principles of Yin & Yang; Zang-Fu Organ System; The 5 Elements Theory; Core Shiatsu Sequences; Practice the main sequences in prone, supine, and lateral positions. Meridian Introduction; Learn the 12 Classical Acupuncture Meridians with basic stretching and treatment techniques. Bodywork Essentials; Practical Anatomy and Physiology foundational to bodywork. Key Techniques; Introduction to Kyo-Jitsu (empty/full) and Perpendicular Pressure. Your Certification & Outcome: You will be able to perform a complete, basic, non-therapeutic Shiatsu treatment. Certification: Certificate of Completion for Level 1. Next Step: Qualified to advance to Level 2. Details: Duration (Total) 120 Hours (60 in-class instruction + 60 home study/practice) Format Options: (6 hours per day) Residential Intensive: 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) Weekend Course: 5 weekends (Saturday & Sunday) Weekly Course: 10 weeks (One day a week) Syllabus Day Topics & Practice Focus Day 1 Stretching exercise; Walking on the knee; Meridians stretch and location & Chinese clock; Kyo - Jitsu; Perpendicular-pressure; Presentation of the 12 classical meridians; Sequence in prone & supine position. Day 2 Meridians stretch and location & Chinese clock walking to the knee; Review of prone and supine sequence (Kyo Jitsu & perpendicular pressure); Yin & Yang theory; Side - lateral sequence. Day 3 Meridians stretch and location & Chinese clock; Review of lateral, supine and prone position; Anatomy: the bones and joints; Yin & Yang theory review. Day 4 Meridians stretch and location & Chinese clock; Location of meridians in prone, supine and lateral position; Physiology: Zang-Fu. Day 5 Meridians stretch and location & Chinese clock; Location and treatment of meridians in prone, supine and lateral position; The 5 elements theory. Day 6 Meridians stretch and location and Chinese clock; Zang-Fu - 5 Elements & Yin - Yang integration; Hara & back diagnostic areas; Treatment of a Kyo - Jitsu meridians accordingly. Day 7 Meridians stretch, location and Chinese clock; Anatomy: the muscles and review of joints and bones; Review of hara and back diagnostic areas; Review of location and treatment of meridians in the body in prone, supine and lateral position. Day 8 Meridians stretch, location and Chinese clock; Integration of the 12 classical meridians with Yin-Yang theory, Zang-Fu and 5 Elements in hara and back diagnostic during the treatment; Forum. Day 9 Meridians stretch, location and Chinese clock; Free supervised treatment; Forum: students highlight their uncertainty and other students reply; Client approach. Day 10 Meridians stretch, location and Chinese clock; Forum: students ask to review unclear topics; Free treatment; Delivery of Level 1 Certificates.
