Shiatsu with Kazuko DeVirgilio
Workshop Description
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that is traditionally performed on the floor fully clothed. The practitioner utilizes knees, elbows, feet, hands, fingers and the whole body to slowly and safely stretch the receiver in ways that make the meridians more available to palpate with more specific work. In this course, students will learn shiatsu-based soft tissue manipulations and energetic methodologies designed to free the body, mind and spirit. Students will learn specific sequences of acupressure points, passive stretches, tractions, and compressions to deeply relieve musculo-skeletal and energetic tension.
Shiatsu is very grounding for both giver and receiver, not to mention fun and somewhat playful. The goal of Shiatsu is to promote freedom, harmony and balance in the energetic system of “chi”. Therefore, all bodily systems benefit from chi flowing without obstructions, leaving the receiver with a renewed sense of peace and well-being.
In this unique 36 hour course a wonderful balance of theory and practice will be conveyed. The history of Shiatsu will be discussed as well as yin/yang theory and five-element theory. With a good foundation in the theory, the location of meridians and acupressure points, and principles of shiatsu, a full body session will be taught including prone, supine, side-lying and seated positions. Also individual attention will be given to modifications and variations of technique to accommodate many levels of flexibility.
All of the practical techniques will be guided with attention paid to bio-mechanics, breath and cultivating a meditative state of mind.
Through this course and with practice, students will be able to perform full body Shiatsu with confidence. In addition to the basic routine, ways of adapting the techniques to specific needs and problems will be addressed. Adapting these Shiatsu moves on the table will also be taught and practiced.
"The Book of Shiatsu" by Paul Lundberg is required reading for this class.
This Shiatsu training will also give you the information needed to answer the Asian bodywork questions on the Board Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School and Clinic is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.
Prerequisites: minimum 300 hours of massage training or its equivalent. Special admission will be considered for other health professionals, acupuncturists, movement therapists, etc. are welcome depending on prior experience of studying and/or receiving massage and bodywork. Call 374-9222 for more information.
Students - please wear loose comfortable clothing; yoga attire is great.
Bring a blanket and a few small pillows to amplify your comfort when working on the floor. Please note this work does promote and require flexibility and grace. If you have any particular physical challenges, please consult with us before registering for this course, so we can give you the best guidance.
*This class is a segment of our Advanced Clinical Massage & Bodywork Program, but we are also offering it as a stand-alone course.
Kazuko DeVirgilio, LMT, MTI, was born and raised in Japan. Growing up with four generations of her family under one roof taught her the essence of touch at an early age. She has been practicing massage therapy since 2006 after graduating from the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. She specializes in oncology massage, stress and chronic pain relief. Her curiosity and desire to keep learning leads her to explore new modalities. She is currently attending school for Traditional Chinese Medicine to be able to integrate both western and eastern medicine approach, acupuncture and herbal medicine into her practice. She is excited to share her experience with students here at TLC.