Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

After this shiatsu massage course, you will have a comprehensive knowledge and skillset to do shiatsu massages whether it is in your home or in your spa
You will learn a specific shiatsu massage sequence but also know many techniques that enable you to do any sequence that you like.

After this shiatsu massage course you will know how to use your body correctly so that you will be able to do many massages without becoming injured
You will feel confident about your massage skills and the knowledge that you now have to be able to do excellent massages each and every time

After this shiatsu massage course, you will have a comprehensive knowledge and skillset to do shiatsu massages whether it is in your home or in your spa
You will learn a specific shiatsu massage sequence but also know many techniques that enable you to do any sequence that you like.
After this shiatsu massage course you will know how to use your body correctly so that you will be able to do many massages without becoming injured
You will feel confident about your massage skills and the knowledge that you now have to be able to do excellent massages each and every time

Syllabus

Introduction

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to my shiatsu massage course. This is a course that I wanted to make for all of those people that would love to do some massage but don't want to buy a table, they can't be bothered even if the have one to set it all up and get all of the towels and oils from the back cupboards.

This is a massage course where you do not need to buy anything! You will learn how to give a great massage sequence without any oils, no massage table, no towels...nothing. Just a few things that you already have around the house.

I really wanted to make a massage course where people that would like to give their friends, their partners or( as I do in this course), their family members and children. You will come out of this course with techniques that will allow you to do massages in your home as long as you have a bit of clear space.

I also show you a simple but wonderful way to do a chair massage so you can give someone a massage without having to lie them onto the floor

Alrighty then!

Let's get started!

Hi there! I just wanted to show you how everything works here if you are a newbie. If you are aware of how to use the Udemy platform then you can go straight to the next lecture. Also, I explain the horrible captions at times.

I want to explain what you need in order to get you ready to start doing your massage.

Here are the general contraindications to when you should not do massage. they are pretty straight forward but as I say in the lecture, when in doubt-don't.

You can get the person to ask their Doctor if you are not sure.

You can join our Facebook group if you want. It is a great resource

I have made an entire YouTube music channel that you can check out and use it in your spa/clinic with your clients, or for yourself at home, meditating, or in the car. Anywhere!

I cannot stress this enough. Weight transference, body mechanics and correct techniques are essential

It is time to learn how to safely apply more and less pressure so that you are in complete control and do not hurt yourself or your client/partner

Here I show you the different ways that I use my palms

This is a lovely way to start the massage or just use throughout the massage somewhere during your sequence. It is different and also very powerful in that it mobilizes the joints and also relaxes the client.

We should always use our thumbs sparingly. They are small joints and often get injured because of overuse from poor techniques and poor instruction.

Quite simply, this feels great!

Using the elbows and forearms not only feels great to the client but also saves your hands and thumbs.

Stretching is an important part of Shiatsu. It is done after we have loosened up the muscles and is a wonderful compliment to the massage when done correctly.

Now is the time to remove all distractions and , using the techniques that you have learnt, start the sequence

The back is the best place to start the massage sequence. It does not feel vulnerable like the front of the body can and also people love getting their backs massaged as it is the storehouse for so much tension.

Now that we have loosened up the back we work our way onto the buttocks and legs

Now you get the person to turn over onto their back and away we go again!

No we do the legs as the person is now face up. We continue with the same methods as before and will work the legs, then make our way up towards the head.

The chest I have kept super simple but make sure that you include it as it's important.

Here is how we do the arms and hands sequence

An easy neck and head massage that will have your client drooling.

OK! now that you know how to do the techniques, this is the section where you don't have to listen to me explaining everything anymore and you can just watch the video to music as you practice the sequence.( the background music is by bensound)

I had many students ask me if I could show the complete sequence without music so here you have it. You can now watch and play your own music if you would like as well.

Here are some more advanced techniques that you can add to your massage sequence if you are feeling confident

This is a more advanced move that I show you how to use on the backs of the thighs. Using your knees is another great way to help save your wrists, hands and thumbs and at the same time give the client a fabulous massage technique that feels great and completely different. If you do not feel safe or comfortable with this one then you may skip it. In the massage sequence I do not use it on my son because I can get enough pressure without needing to use my knees on him.

Now once that you are confident with the basic sequence you can add some stretches and joint mobilizations to your sequence for the lower back, buttocks and legs

Here are some wonderful stretches and mobilizations for the arms, hands and wrists

Here I show you how to use your feet on many more parts of the body

Maybe you would like to massage someone but you cannot put them onto the floor-so a chair is perfect! Here is a great little sequence using the same techniques that you already know.

Like any massage,. the first thing to address is proper use of your body...but I guess by now you already knew that ;)

Here I show you some great little techniques to do a massage with a person sitting in a chair

Congratulations! You are now ready to get massaging!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on Shiatsu, a massage technique that does not require oils or a massage table, making it accessible and convenient for beginners and home use

Teaches body posture, breathing, and movement, which are essential for providing comfortable and effective massages without causing injury to the practitioner

Explores the stimulation of the body’s vital energy (Qi or Ki), which may appeal to those interested in the holistic aspects of massage and energy work

Includes instruction from an approved provider with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, adding credibility to the course content

Emphasizes the importance of weight transference, body mechanics, and correct techniques, which are essential for preventing injuries and ensuring effective massage

Includes advanced techniques using knees and feet, which may not be suitable for all learners and require caution to avoid injury

Reviews summary

Accessible shiatsu for beginners

According to learners, this course is a highly accessible and practical introduction to Shiatsu massage, particularly praised by beginners. Students found the instructions clear and appreciated learning a sequence they could use immediately on friends and family, requiring no special equipment like tables or oils. While the course provides a solid foundation and good guidance on body mechanics, a small minority of reviewers felt it was too basic for professional purposes or lacked deeper theoretical coverage. Overall, the vast majority had a very positive experience and felt confident applying the techniques.

Taught by knowledgeable expert

"Mark clearly knows his stuff."

"Felt confident learning from an experienced therapist."

"Instructor's demonstrations were helpful."

Guidance on using body correctly

"Good tips on body posture to save your hands."

"Learned how to use my weight effectively."

"Helped me do massage without getting tired or sore."

Instructor provides clear, practical steps

"Mark's instructions were very clear and easy to understand."

"The sequence was well laid out and simple to follow."

"Appreciate the step-by-step approach to learning."

Learn Shiatsu needing no equipment

"Loved that I didn't need a table or oils, very convenient."

"Could start practicing right away using just floor space."

"Great for giving massages to family at home."

Accessible introduction to Shiatsu

"As a complete beginner, I found the course very easy to follow."

"Didn't need any prior massage experience to jump in."

"Perfect starting point if you're new to Shiatsu."

May be too basic for professionals

"Found the techniques very basic, not enough for professional work."

"Expected more depth on theory or advanced moves."

"Good for home use, but not comprehensive training."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage with these activities:

Review Body Mechanics for Massage

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Reinforce proper body mechanics to prevent injury and maximize effectiveness during Shiatsu massage.

Browse courses on Body Mechanics

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Watch videos demonstrating proper posture and weight transfer.
Practice stances and movements, focusing on core engagement.
Record yourself and analyze your form for areas of improvement.

Read 'The Complete Guide to Shiatsu' by Elain Liechti

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Deepen your understanding of Shiatsu principles and techniques through comprehensive reading.

View The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu: The... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Complete Guide to Shiatsu'.
Read the book, focusing on chapters related to techniques and principles.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Practice Shiatsu Sequence on a Partner

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Solidify your understanding of the Shiatsu sequence through repeated practice and feedback.

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Recruit a friend or family member to be your practice partner.
Perform the Shiatsu sequence learned in the course.
Ask for feedback on pressure, flow, and comfort.
Repeat the sequence, incorporating feedback.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore 'Touch for Health' by John F. Thie

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Broaden your understanding of related modalities and energy work.

View Touch for Health Pocketbook with Chinese 5... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Touch for Health'.
Read the book, focusing on the principles of muscle testing and energy balancing.
Experiment with muscle testing techniques to assess energy imbalances.

Document Your Shiatsu Journey

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Reflect on your learning experience and share your insights to reinforce your understanding.

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Create a blog, journal, or video log to document your Shiatsu journey.
Record your experiences, challenges, and successes.
Share your insights and reflections on the practice of Shiatsu.

Share Your Knowledge

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Reinforce your learning by teaching Shiatsu techniques to others.

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Offer to teach basic Shiatsu techniques to friends or family members.
Prepare a short lesson plan outlining the key concepts and techniques.
Provide clear and concise instructions, demonstrating each technique.

Develop a Custom Shiatsu Sequence

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Apply your knowledge to create a personalized Shiatsu sequence tailored to specific needs.

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Identify a specific need or condition (e.g., back pain, stress relief).
Research Shiatsu techniques that address the identified need.
Design a sequence incorporating those techniques.
Practice the sequence and refine it based on feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Massage Therapist

A massage therapist provides therapeutic massage to clients for relaxation, pain relief, and overall wellness. This Shiatsu Massage course may be useful for those seeking to expand their skill set and offer a unique service. The course teaches the fundamentals of Shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique performed fully clothed and without oils, making it highly accessible. Learning the specific Shiatsu massage sequence and techniques in this course, including body posture, breathing, and movement, can provide a massage therapist with valuable tools to enhance their practice. The course explains how to perform a simple yet effective Shiatsu massage which can allow a massage therapist to provide an incredible Shiatsu experience for clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist

Alternative Medicine Practitioner

An alternative medicine practitioner employs non-traditional methods to promote health and wellness. This Shiatsu Massage course may fit well into their practice, offering a hands-on technique with a long history of promoting relaxation and energy flow. The course's emphasis on stimulating the body's vital energy aligns with the principles of alternative medicine. The practitioner can integrate Shiatsu into their treatments, providing clients with a unique and effective approach to holistic healing. The course explains how to perform a simple yet effective Shiatsu massage on friends, family, or clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Alternative Medicine Practitioner

Spa Owner

A spa owner manages and operates a spa, overseeing staff, services, and customer satisfaction. This Shiatsu Massage course may equip spa owners with the knowledge to introduce a new, in-demand service to their offerings. With the course's step-by-step guidance, spa owners can train their staff in Shiatsu techniques, enhancing the spa's menu and attracting a wider clientele. The course showcases how Shiatsu massage is simple to learn, delightful to perform, and requires no oils or elaborate setups. The Spa owner can learn to use the fundamental principles of Shiatsu without needing years of study.

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Yoga Instructor

A yoga instructor leads individuals in practicing yoga, promoting physical and mental well-being. This Shiatsu Massage course may augment a yoga instructor's offerings by providing them with a complementary massage technique. The course's emphasis on stimulating the body’s vital energy (Qi or Ki) can resonate deeply with individuals already interested in the flow of energy through the body. Yoga instructors can integrate Shiatsu principles into their classes, enhance relaxation, and deepen students' understanding of their bodies. The yoga instructor can use the taught techniques to learn how to safely apply more and less pressure so that they are in complete control and do not hurt themselves or their client partner

See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor

Athletic Trainer

An athletic trainer specializes in preventing and treating athletic injuries. This Shiatsu Massage course may equip athletic trainers with valuable skills to enhance athletes' recovery and performance. The course's focus on body posture, breathing, and movement can deepen a trainer's understanding of biomechanics. They can use Shiatsu techniques to help athletes relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and reduce post-workout soreness. The personal trainer will learn how to use their body correctly so that they will be able to do many massages without becoming injured.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Trainer

Wellness Coach

A wellness coach guides individuals toward healthier lifestyles through personalized plans and support. This Shiatsu Massage course may complement a wellness coach's holistic approach by providing them with a hands-on technique to offer clients. The course's emphasis on stimulating the body's vital energy (Qi or Ki) aligns with the principles of wellness coaching. A wellness coach can integrate Shiatsu into their practice, helping clients achieve relaxation, improve energy flow, and enhance overall well-being. The wellness coach can use the techniques that they have learnt from this course to start giving unforgettable massages to their loved ones today.

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Physical Therapist Assistant

A physical therapist assistant works under the direction of a physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses. This Shiatsu Massage course may provide assistants with additional skills to support their patients' rehabilitation. The course's focus on body posture, breathing, and movement can enhance assistants' understanding of musculoskeletal health. They can incorporate Shiatsu techniques into treatment plans to help patients relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Given that the course focuses on Shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique that has been practiced for thousands of years, the therapist assistant will be able to deliver an incredible Shiatsu experience for their patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist Assistant

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer develops and implements exercise programs to help clients achieve their fitness goals. This Shiatsu Massage course may equip a personal trainer with valuable skills to enhance their clients' recovery and overall well-being. The course's focus on body posture, breathing, and movement can deepen a trainer's understanding of biomechanics. They can use Shiatsu techniques to help clients relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and reduce post-workout soreness. The personal trainer will learn how to use their body correctly so that they will be able to do many massages without becoming injured.

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Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist helps people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions participate in everyday activities. This Shiatsu Massage course may provide occupational therapists with additional tools to support their clients' well-being and improve their range of motion. The course's focus on body posture, breathing, and movement can enhance an occupational therapist's understanding of musculoskeletal health. They can incorporate Shiatsu techniques into treatment plans to help clients relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve pain. After this shiatsu massage course you will know how to use your body correctly so that you will be able to do many massages without becoming injured.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Home Health Aide

A home health aide provides personal care and support to individuals in their homes. This Shiatsu Massage course may empower aides to offer additional comfort and relaxation to their clients. The course's accessibility, requiring no special equipment or oils, makes it ideal for in-home application. Aides can use Shiatsu techniques to help clients relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This is a massage course where you do not need to buy anything, and you will learn how to give a great massage sequence without any oils, no massage table, no towels...nothing. Just a few things that you already have around the house.

See salaries and explore the career path for Home Health Aide

Acupuncturist

An acupuncturist uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, promoting healing and energy flow. This Shiatsu Massage course may offer acupuncturists a hands-on technique to complement their needle-based practice. Both acupuncture and Shiatsu share a foundation in traditional Asian medicine, focusing on balancing the body's energy. An acupuncturist can integrate Shiatsu into their treatments, providing clients with a more rounded approach to wellness. With the help of this course, acupuncturists will learn how to safely apply more and less pressure so that they are in complete control and do not hurt themselves or their client/partner.

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Aromatherapist

An aromatherapist uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. This Shiatsu Massage course may enhance an aromatherapist's practice by providing a hands-on technique to complement their use of essential oils. Although Shiatsu is traditionally performed without oils, the principles of relaxation and energy flow can be enhanced by aromatherapy. Aromatherapists can integrate Shiatsu into their sessions, combining the benefits of massage with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. The course teaches different ways to use palms, which will feel great to the client.

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Nursing Assistant

A nursing assistant provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This Shiatsu Massage course may equip nursing assistants with skills to offer comfort and relaxation to patients. The course's accessibility, requiring no special equipment or oils, makes it practical for use in a healthcare setting. Assistants can use Shiatsu techniques to help patients relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. The course showcases how Shiatsu massage is simple to learn, delightful to perform, and requires no oils or elaborate setups.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nursing Assistant

Reflexologist

A reflexologist applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears to promote healing and wellness. This Shiatsu Massage course may broaden a reflexologist's repertoire by adding a complementary massage technique that addresses the whole body. While reflexology focuses on specific points, Shiatsu aims to balance energy flow throughout the body. A reflexologist can integrate Shiatsu into their practice, providing clients with a more comprehensive approach to healing. After this shiatsu massage course you will have a comprehensive knowledge and skillset to do shiatsu massages whether it is in your home or in your spa.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reflexologist

Esthetician

An esthetician provides skin care services, such as facials, waxing, and makeup application. This Shiatsu Massage course may enable estheticians to enhance their offerings by incorporating massage techniques that promote relaxation and improve circulation, complementing skincare treatments. Estheticians can use Shiatsu techniques to relax facial muscles, improve lymphatic drainage, and enhance the overall experience of a facial. The Esthetician can use the techniques that they have learnt from this course to start giving unforgettable massages to their loved ones today. The course explains how to perform a simple yet effective Shiatsu massage on friends, family, or clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Esthetician

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Shiatsu massage, covering its history, principles, and techniques. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of Shiatsu and expanding your knowledge beyond the specific sequence taught in the course. The book also includes detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions for various Shiatsu techniques, making it a useful reference tool for practitioners. It is commonly used as a textbook in Shiatsu training programs.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu: The...

Hardcover

$$$

Touch for Health Pocketbook with Chinese 5 Element...

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Introduces the concepts of applied kinesiology and muscle testing, which can be used to assess energy imbalances in the body. While not strictly Shiatsu, it provides a complementary approach to understanding the body's energy systems and how to address them through touch. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide a broader understanding of related modalities. It can help you refine your understanding of energy flow and its connection to physical well-being.

Touch for Health Pocketbook with Chinese 5 Element...

Paperback

Check price

Touch for Health Pocketbook with Chinese 5 Element...

Kindle Edition

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Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Accessible shiatsu for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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