OHASHIATSU®

BENEFITS

The benefits of Ohashiatsu® are:

• Relief from the common physical symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle tension, anxiety and headaches
• Deep relaxation and a more complete connection of body, mind and spirit
• Greater self-awareness, inner peace and harmony
• Increased ability to sense and balance your own energy
• Increased mastery of your own health and well-being

OHASHIATSU®

LICENSING/RECOGNITION

RST Designation

Registered Shiatsu Therapist (RST) is a professional designation granted to a Shiatsu Therapy Association (STA) member who has successfully completed all the application requirements and a minimum of 750 hours of training in Shiatsu Therapy, based on the STA 750 Hour Standard.

The title “Registered Shiatsu Therapist” is governed by provincial jurisdiction under the Occupational Title Protection. “Title Protection” or “Right to Title” legislation permits designated occupational associations to certify their members and give them a right to use a specific reserved title. Persons who are not members of the designated association (and therefore not certified) cannot be prevented from practicing the occupation, regardless of the level of their qualifications or ethics, provided they do not use the reserved title.

Professional Standards

The STA recognizes educational programs in Shiatsu Therapy that meet or exceed the minimum requirements as set forth in the STA's 750 Hour Standard Curriculum for professional certification. The designation RST is awarded to members that meet the minimum requirements of the STA's 750 Hour Standard and practice in accordance with the STA's Code of Ethics. Included in this standard are:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
• Traditional Oriental Medicine
• Specific Shiatsu theory and practical training
• Clinical experience
• Contraindications
• Personal development
• First Aid and CPR

Municipal Licensing

The STA is the official governing body appointed by the City of Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver for Registered Shiatsu Therapists applying for city licensing.

OHASHIATSU®

ORIGINS

Ohashiatsu is a method which elevates traditional Japanese shiatsu to a more complete experience of self-development and healing, available to giver and receiver alike.

Developed by internationally respected shiatsu master and teacher Wataru Ohashi, Ohashiatsu® adds psychological and spiritual dimensions to traditional shiatsu,incorporating Zen philosophy, movement and meditation to balance the energy of body, mind and spirit.

ln a typical Ohashiatsu® session, the receiver, dressed in soft comfortable clothing, lies on the padded floor while the giver moves about, stretching and moving limbs and applying firm but gentle pressure to move and balance energy and induce a peaceful state of wellbeing.

Based on the same system of Oriental Medicine as acupuncture, Ohashiatsu® addresses the energy meridians of the body and points along those meridians called tsubos. In this system, it is believed that all elements of nature operate in harmony and balance. When the body is in harmony with nature and the individual's life energy --or Ki-- is balanced, it can follow its own natural impulse to heal itself.

OHASHIATSU®

WHAT IS OHASHIATSU®?

Ohashiatsu is a unique form of bodywork that provides the satisfaction of touch along with a profound energy balancing experience. It is based on thousands of years of Eastern philosophy and methods of healing adapted to meet the needs of the Western world.

HOW DOES OHASHIATSU® WORK?

Eastern philosophy teaches that there are meridians or pathways within the body that channel the Ki energy - our life essence. We experience this energy in the functioning of all our life systems, from digestion to higher reasoning and spiritual awareness. Any stagnation or imbalance within the meridian system can result in physical and psychological disease. Through the application of touch and stretching the body in a smooth, continuous manner, Ohashiatsu® helps restore health and well-being.

WHY IS OHASHIATSU® UNIQUE?

Ohashiatsu blends psychological and spiritual components with the physical. Rather than focus on specific points, Ohashiatsu® emphasizes sensing and working with the overall flow of energy throughout the body. By balancing the energy, the body can follow its own natural impulse to heal itself. This deep relaxation of body, mind and spirit rejuvenates the receiver and induces a state of harmony and peace.

REGULAR SESSIONS

In an Ohashiatsu® session, the receiver lies on a mat on the floor fully clothed in comfortable clothing. The giver of Ohashiatsu® moves about the receiver's body applying pressure to, as well as stretching and exercising, the meridians. Receiving regular sessions enables you to keep your energy balanced and to develop a deeper awareness of body, mind and spirit, facilitating your own healing. Working together with a Certified Ohashiatsu® Instructor establishes a rapport that provides a context for reflective self-learning, an important ingredient of health and well-being.