Courses for infant massage instructors:
Shiatsu for Infants

A course for infant massage instructors

This is a two day course for infant massage instructors, integrating shiatsu skills and awareness, including exercise, into infant massage.

Shiatsu, a Japanese version of massage based on the eastern meridian system, sometimes known as “acupuncture without the needles”, complements western style massage work. It is traditionally done through the clothes with the client lying on a mat on the floor but it can be done directly on the skin with oil on a couch. It is characterised by the use of pressure, which can vary from extremely light, even off the body, to deep penetrating energetic pressure. It is relaxing and calming to receive yet dynamic in effect.

For babies shiatsu offers a holistic approach which can support the baby’s physical and emotional development, as well as being useful for common baby complaints such as teething, colic, restlessness, reactions to vaccinations. It helps promote the parent-baby bond.

This course is aimed at people who have already done a baby massage training. It covers how to integrate some shiatsu techniques into your baby massage routines. We will do a practical session with babies.

Part one (2 days) is for working with mothers and babies who are healthy.
Part two (2 days) reviews this work and is aimed at working with babies who may have suffered birth trauma, been born prematurely or have medical conditions

You will learn:

  • The basics of the theory behind how shiatsu works: Yin/Yang, Ki, Essence, Meridians, Kyo and Jitsu and the specific theories about birth and the first year.
  • The use of practical techniques - working with the breath, the use of pressure and holding, meridian stretches and movements, the overlaps with massage (such as kenbiki (kneading) and stroking); how it integrates with massage.
  • How to work some important meridians for babies - Governing Vessel, Bladder, Conception Vessel, Stomach, Heart Protector, including work with specific points
  • Meridian exercises for your own self-development and which can be incorporated into your work with parents

Cost

To be confirmed.

Course booking information.

Next Courses

This course is currently being re-designed to offer appropriate training for therapists and health professionals who want to work with teaching parents infant massage and shiatsu. It integrates massage, shiatsu skills and awareness, including exercise, as well as relevant infant development and anatomy and physiology. Watch this space for dates.

*** If you organise a course in your area for a minimum of 10 practitioners, you qualify for a free place. You will have some discount on your place if it's a little less than 10 ***

Suzanne is able to teach in French, Italian and Spanish. Course formats are adaptable. If you are interested in either helping set up or attending a course (no matter where you are), then contact her on the e-mail address below.

You can read an article written by Suzanne for a more in-depth view of the "Well Mother" approach to pregnancy, birth, early parenting and shiatsu.