Acupressure Therapy

Asian Bodywork uses gentle hand and finger pressure along the body's energy/meridian channels, to restore and balance the flow of energy throughout the body, thus promoting healing. There are several different forms/styles. What they have in common is their foundation in Chinese medicine.

Our classes train students in several different acupressure styles (some quiet and some active) Students learn how to work with the 5 element theory, the organ meridians, and the acupressure points. Some of the work may be done on traditional floor-mats and some on a massage table.

We offer a large number of Asian Bodywork classes which can be taken as part of a 250 hour or 500 hour massage therapist program OR can be taken as continuing education classes. These classes offer a thorough education in Asian Bodywork and may be combined with Western-style Massage Technique or used in your Asian Bodywork practice.

Instructor: Kathleen Davis

• Acupressure - a practice in Harmony (30 hrs), This course introduces students to the ancient Chinese healing art of Acupressure, a quiet form of energy work which emphasizes a listening touch. Students will learn key points with which to balance energy in the body through the meridians and extraordinary vessels of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will learn how to work with the meridians to affect specific conditions of imbalance. We will use a quiet form of energy work which allows the development of a subtle touch and the ability to read subtle energy. The understanding of the meridians will enrich any forms that you practice. You will be able to offer a full session and you will find that the style blends well with a wide variety of body work. The class will include some Tai Chi which is useful for both client and practitioner in developing a state of relaxed balance. Prerequisite: None. $11 text required.

• Acupressure – Tui Na (30 hrs), Learn the ancient art of Chinese meridian massage. This is an active style that includes moving muscles, joints, and bones. Excellent for adding to your sports massage and increasingly popular in spas. Tui Na is an adaptable style, appropriate for a full range of clients. You will learn the pathways of Chi and a variety of hand movements (sho fa) with which to work the meridians. Additionally, we will work through a full session pattern allowing ample time to get comfortable with the techniques. The class will include some Tai Chi which is useful for both client and practitioner in developing a state of relaxed balance. Prerequisite: None. $11 text required.

• Five Element Acupressure-Assessment and Application (30 hrs), Refine your assessment skills and expand your understanding of acupressure meridians and their ability to bring vitality, joy and health. The Five Element approach to acupressure allows you to create powerful sessions through which you can help your clients to harmonize imbalances in their health and energy. As you learn the associations of each element and how the elements interrelate, you will begin to see patterns that can help your clients understand how their choices are influencing their meridian flow and their sense of well-being. In class we will look at how color, smell, posture, voice and attitude reflect the balance of a person’s elements. We will learn 12 points that help with assessment of the meridian balance and palpate meridian pathways to sense which textures reflect the elements in stress. Prerequisite: None.

• Cupping and Moxibustion (12 hrs), These two techniques are great to add to your toolkit. Cupping works to clear deep tension easily and quickly. Moxibustion is an effective way to build qi, allowing you to offer a truly nurturing session. Both are time-honored practices of traditional Chinese medicine. We will utilize lecture, demonstration, discussion, and practicum. You will learn to apply cups in a variety of techniques, remove them safely, and clean them. We will discuss appropriate uses of cups and contraindications for their use. Students will also learn about yang meridian pathways, as well as benefits and contraindications, safety procedures, and several techniques of moxibustion. Prerequisite: None.  

• Energies of the Acupressure Points (15 hrs), Each acupressure point is a small universe; each one can open the door to a deeper understanding of meaning in one’s life. In this class we will focus on the character of individual points and how to use them to enhance emotional balance. Prerequisite: None.

• Acupressure for the Chakras (8 hrs), Energetic touch to bring balance to the Wheels of Life Force along centerline. Each chakra relates to a particular aspect of our development. Learn to recognize the feel of balanced mobility in the chakras and ways to work with them to increase overall vitality. Prerequisite: None.

• Acupressure Reflexology- Energies of the Feet, Hands, and Ears (24 hrs), Your entire body can be mapped in your ear, hand and foot. Working with these areas is a powerful way to assess energy flow and to stimulate the body’s ability to heal. The class explores a variety of techniques from traditional Chinese massage with an emphasis on keeping the practitioner’s hands healthy. The course includes meridian, reflex, and acu-point location and contributes to the student’s understanding of assessment. Prerequisite: None.

• Acupressure for Allergies & Asthma Relief (6 hrs), Everyone wants to be able to draw a deep breath with ease.  Learn acupressure protocols for harmonizing breathing that help to ease allergic reactions and asthma. Prerequisite: None.

• Acupressure Dreaming (6 hrs), Learn how to facilitate sleep for deep restoration. Patterns for helping with insomnia, restless dreaming and nightmares. Prerequisite: None.

• Acupressure Chair Massage (24 hrs), Heighten the effectiveness of chair massage by learning to include meridian pathways and acu-points and to mobilize the client. Use of variety of stances and hand techniques facilitates both the safety and vitality of the practitioner while enhancing the experience of the client. Prerequisite: None.

You may take classes in any order as long as you are in compliance with any prerequisites.