Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies HLT52215 is a government requirement to become a licensed shiatsu massage therapist. The course provides training on all aspects of a career in shiatsu massage, including TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) principles, nutrition, and business management.
Working as a Shiatsu Massage Therapist
A shiatsu massage therapist can be self-employed or work as the employee of a larger practice. The techniques used help restore the body’s balance and support its ability for self-healing.
Practitioners combine pathophysiology, diagnosis, gentle joint manipulation and alignment techniques, muscle release techniques, and gentle stretches. Lifestyle changes, including nutritional guidance, are often utilized as well.
In Australia, the average is $45.69 per hour, or $95,097 a year. Factors that commonly affect earnings include years of experience and knowledge of bodywork. The average Australian salary is $83,200 a year.
Basic Principles of Shiatsu
Shiatsu originated in Japan. It is based on meridians, which are an important aspect of TCM. Life energy, known as Chi, moves through these meridians. Chi can become unbalanced, resulting in too little or too much, or become stagnant in some areas.
It also encompasses knowledge of the five elements. The five elements are at the core of TCM, as well as Feng Shui and martial arts. This is a way of looking at the natural world, and how the body interacts within it.
In addition to physical aspects, it involves the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. It gives an interconnected understanding of how seemingly unrelated aspects like emotions and internal organs interact with each other.
Basic Course Overview
The HLT52215 course length varies between colleges. Courses range from 12,18, and 24 months. You will need to complete HLTAID003 (first aid training) before registration. You will also be required to pass literacy and numbers competency tests or present a Certificate IV level nationally recognized training certificate.
Learning includes studying theory independently and in a group setting, clinical study, and simulated workplace practice. These activities are often accomplished by face to face training, online study, practicing techniques at home, and clinic hours.
Required course units include Managing the practice, Shiatsu and oriental medicine, and business management.
Practice Management
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information
HLTAID003 first aid (to be completed before registering)
HLTINF004 Manage the control of infection
Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine
HLTSHU001 Work within a framework of traditional oriental medicine
HLTSHU002 Develop Shiatsu practice
HLTSHU003 Maintain personal health and awareness for traditional oriental medicine practice
HLTSHU004 Perform Shiatsu therapy health assessments
HLTSHU005 Perform oriental therapies health assessments
HLTSHU006 Provide Shiatsu therapy treatments
HLTSHU007 Provide oriental therapies treatments
HLTSHU008 Adapt Shiatsu and oriental therapies practice to meet specific needs
HLTSHU009 Monitor and evaluate traditional oriental medicine treatments
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety
Business Management
BSBSMB404 Undertake small business planning
CHCCCS001 Address the needs of people with chronic disease
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
Subjects Studied
Subjects are offered to meet the unit training requirements. Some colleges split the course into two distinct levels, while others use the term semesters. However, courses generally follow the same order in either instance.
Level one students will learn shiatsu theory and oriental medicine theory. They will learn anatomy and physiology.
There’s also a focus on work safety, interacting with clients, and other practical aspects of running a healthcare practice.
Students begin their hands-on practice of shiatsu in the first level, with supervised clinical practice. They will learn traditional and barefoot techniques.
In addition, they are often required to begin practicing zen yoga. Some colleges teach stretching techniques in addition to, or in place of, Zen yoga.
These practices deepen their knowledge, strengthens their bodies, and allows them to become more focused. While important for the student’s self-care, they can often be taught to clients when they begin their practice.
The second level offers a deeper understanding of shiatsu and oriental medicine. Students will learn diagnostic techniques. They will learn the symptoms of a wide variety of issues from a TCM perspective.
They will be introduced to working with different groups, including those with chronic illness, children, and the elderly.
The study of the five elements and eight extraordinary channels is covered as well. Students will learn other oriental medicine techniques, including cupping and moxibustion.
Diet and nutrition are often presented at the second level. Students will learn how to use diet to facilitate healing, for themselves as well as future clients. Self-care is expanded upon. Students learn self shiatsu and qi maintenance.
The second level gives students the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in a real-world environment through supervised clinics.
Students continue to learn about the business and practical aspects of practice, and most courses call for the student to develop a business plan by the end of the course.
Colleges That Offer Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
There are several colleges in Australia that offer the shiatsu diploma. Some of them allow for a portion of the courses to be completed online. However, 200 clinic hours are required for graduation, so all courses require some amount of physical attendance.
Australian Shiatsu College
The Australian Shiatsu College is located in Brunswick. Level one courses are held on Monday and Tuesday. Level two classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday, with student clinics on Friday. They provide day and evening classes. Tuition for level one is $7,280. Level two tuition is $8,164.
The Australian College of Eastern Medicine
The Australian College of Eastern Medicine has locations in Sydney, Perth, Lismore, and Rockhampton. The course can be completed in 10 months. They provide training in several types of shiatsu, including zen shiatsu, namikoshi, barefoot, and Ohashi.
Each class begins with Zen yoga, to help students practice self-care and lead by example. Technology is utilized as well, including using Ryodoraku for meridian diagnosis. Total tuition for the course is %12,240.
The Collective Wellness Institute
A diploma can be obtained through the Collective Wellness Institute in 12 months with a 30 hour per week commitment.
College of Yoga and Shiatsu
The College of Yoga and Shiatsu offers a 12 to 18-month course. Students must complete 40 sessions. Students will attend learning sessions 3 days each week. Clinic hours are also required. Clinic hours are completed at COTY Natural Therapies Clinic under the supervision of licensed practitioners.
The course focuses on real hands-on learning. Students will learn theory and have the opportunity to practice those skills in a clinical setting. A holistic approach to health, including whole food nutrition, are also included.
Students are taught traditional, zen, and modern shiatsu techniques. They also learn about meridians, point therapy, and stretching.
The Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies not only prepares you for an exciting and rewarding career. It allows you to gain a greater understanding of the world, how to facilitate health, and a more intimate knowledge of yourself.
