Foundation courses: Shiatsu, the Extraordinary Vessels and women’s health

Foundation courses: day/weekend/module

The exact content and format of these courses vary according where they are organised and the requirements of the students. They serve as an introduction to some of the main themes which are explored in more depth in the 3 modules. They all include work with presenting the role of the Extraordinary Vessels: usually with an emphasis on the Penetrating and Girdle Vessel and the Heart-Uterus and Kidney-Uterus and their relevance for women’s health. There may also be some work introducing specific themes such as: fertility and menstruation, pregnancy, birth, postnatal or the menopause. We also begin to investigate your own personal relationship to this period and explore some of the self-help exercises. You will acquire new skills, a better understanding of the maternity period, and have a firm foundation on which to build your work with pregnant women, whether or not you continue to do the Diploma modules.

Typical content overview

Day 1: Penetrating Vessel and Blood; fertility, first trimester and postnatal focus
Day 2: Girdle Vessel and pelvic issues; later pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period
Day 3: Three Burners/Triple Heater and the lymphatic system; Work with scars, effects of birth

Aims

To develop an over-view of shiatsu techniques, including exercise and breathing, for pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period for mother, including positioning.

To provide an understanding of the theory (both TCM and anatomy and physiology, and the medical approach) of pregnancy, for mother and baby, particularly in relation to body work, including understanding when not to work and when to refer.

To begin to develop a holistic approach to maternity care, including providing practical tools for self development and supporting shiatsu therapists in the field of birth support.

Day 1:Penetrating Vessel and Blood

On this day we will learn about the importance of the Penetrating Vessel and its role in regulating Blood. This theory will be linked in with an understanding of the western view of changes in blood in the maternity period as well as fertility and women’s cycles. Practical work will be done on the Penetrating Vessel, with an especial focus on techniques suitable for fertility work, first trimester work and work in the early postnatal period. Connections will be made between the Penetrating Vessel and the 12 meridians. Work will mainly be using the supine and side position.

We will cover

• Consolidation of shiatsu theory of the penetrating vessel
• Western views of changes in blood in women’s health
• Exercises and meditations for the Penetrating Vessel for self development and for clients
• Shiatsu for the Penetrating Vessel and its links with the 12 meridians
• Indications of specific uses of PV
• Understanding when blood issues may mean that referral or modification is required

Day 2: Girdle Vessel and Pelvic issues

On this day, we will learn about how the Girdle Vessel regulates the Pelvis, both structurally and energetically. We will consider pelvic girdle issues and their relevance to conception, pregnancy, and the postnatal period. We will learn practical techniques, including how to work the Girdle Vessel with the client in all fours, including the ball, and for use in labour and birth preparation work.

We will cover

• Consolidation of shiatsu theory of the Girdle vessel
• Western views of changes in the pelvis in women’s health, including pelvic girdle instability
• Exercises and meditations for the Girdle Vessel for self development and for clients
• Shiatsu for the Girdle Vessel and its links with the 12 meridians
• Indications of specific uses of GDV
• Understanding when pelvic issues require referral or modification

Days 3: Three burners/Triple Heater and the Lymphatic system

This day provides an opportunity to continue developing the work of the first two days, with an understanding of the role of the Three Burners, Triple Heater meridian and its link with the Extraordinary vessels and the lymphatic system. This work will be considered especially in working with clients in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, but also links will be made with fertility and postnatal work.

Work will mainly be done in the side position.

There will also be work done with scars, (especially c section) and the effects of birth.