Jin Shin Do® Training
Learn Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in person with Ron in Vancouver, from your very first class through to registration and teaching.
From First Class to Teaching
Jin Shin Do® training unfolds in stages. You can begin with a single introductory class and go as far as you wish, all the way to becoming a Registered Acupressurist and, in time, an Authorized Teacher. Each step is taught in person with Ron, one on one or in small groups.
Module I
The foundations: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced classes. 150 hours of theory and technique.
Module II
100 hours integrating and deepening the theories, including the Master Class.
Registration
Become a Registered Jin Shin Do® Acupressurist with the JSD Foundation.
Teaching
Train further to become an Authorized Jin Shin Do® Teacher.
Module I Classes
Module I presents the theories and techniques for effective practice, beginning with the main Jin Shin Do® points and progressing to over 200 points correlated with anatomy. Start with the Introduction, then build through Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
Introduction to Jin Shin Do®
Learn and experience the neck and shoulder release, and how to use finger pressure on key points. We cover breathing techniques, with handouts provided.
Jin Shin Do® Facial
Introduction class is a prerequisite.
A 12-step session using 40 head and face points for inner and outer beauty. Releasing tension on key points lets feeling and energy flow, relaxing the whole body for vitality and health.
Basic
Introduces the Extraordinary Channels. Learn acupressure theory, Taoist breathing techniques and exercises. Over five days you learn 55 points and give and receive sessions, gaining skills to release muscular armoring and Bodymind™ counseling skills for emotional release.
Required text: "The Acupressure Way of Health" by Iona Teeguarden. Two booklets and an acupressure chart included.
Intermediate
Learn 55 more acu-points relating to the 12 organ meridians, and the emotions tied to the Yin and Yang partners within each element. Assessment tools such as pulse reading, physiognomy and Shu point exploration deepen your practice, alongside Five Element theory and Luo points.
Required text: "Joy of Feeling" by Iona Teeguarden.
Advanced
Review the Shu, Luo and Source points, then learn Tonification and Sedation points to move energy between the elements. Understand the breeding and control cycles, Windows to the Sky points, and creating individual releases from pulse and point assessment.
Required text: "The Complete Guide of Acupressure."
Bodymind Processing Skills
An in-depth look at Five Element theory paired with Bodymind counseling skills. Over two days we explore how to stay with bodymind tensions until release, physical or emotional, using the Emotional Kaleidoscope from Iona's work, active listening and trance.
Module II Classes
Module II reviews point locations and angles and integrates the Module I material, with in-depth study of the Strange Flows, Organ Meridians, Zang/Fu, Segments and Five Phases. Prerequisite: Module I, or the equivalent (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced JSD with authorized JSD teachers).
Level 1 · Integration of Key Theories
In-depth study of the Strange Flows and their functions, including over 150 Strange Flow points, with new release patterns. Integrates Strange Flow, Meridian and Segmental theory, and powerful point groups (entry/exit, general and group Lo, the eight meeting points, and more).
Level 2 · Master Class
Review of all Basic and Intermediate points for accuracy and precise angle, plus assessment skills (palpation, pulse reading, questioning, listening, looking) applied to common problems: neck, shoulder and back tension, headache, respiratory and digestive stress, insomnia and more. Includes bodymind process skills.
Level 3 · Expanding Theoretical Horizons
Causes of imbalance: the six external pathogens, the seven emotions, and the four levels. Review the six divisions, Zang/Fu theory and the curious organs, fundamental substances, and an introduction to the eight principles, plus tendino-muscular meridians and accumulation points.
Full Curriculum & Requirements
Module I · Level 1: Basic (40 hours)
Objectives: locate 55 acu-points in relation to surrounding anatomy; use Jin Shin Do® for general relaxation and to release specific tensions; demonstrate point combinations for common problems (head, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities); process feelings and images that arise during release; perform movements that facilitate relaxation and structural-energic balancing; identify the 8 Strange Flows and use them for balancing and relaxation.
Course Content
Unit 1. Principles of acupressure. Eastern and Western mindsets. Qi. Acu-points defined and described scientifically. Pressure technique; the 3 signs of release. Location of 16 acu-points with anatomical detail. Practice: general relaxation pattern and the basic JSD neck release.
Unit 2. Basic theory, including yin-yang polarities. The armoring process. Local and distal point theory. 16 more acu-points. "Pal Dan Gum" movements. Practice: color-coded release method and basic neck release.
Unit 3. Pressure technique. Segmental Release Method. The 3 essential qualities of therapists. 6 additional points. Practice: release of the head, neck and shoulder segments.
Unit 4. Segmental exploration (head, neck, shoulders, chest). Bodymind associations of the chest segment. Body Focusing techniques. Effects of language. Practice: chest release and basic neck release.
Unit 5. 7 additional points. Diaphragm, abdominal and pelvic tension patterns. Hara Breathing Meditation. Hygiene and ethics. Practice: release of the abdominal and pelvic segments.
Unit 6. The 8 Strange Flows. 10 additional points on the central channel. Practice: assessment and Strange Flow release patterns for general bodymind relaxation.
Required materials: color-coded JSD "8 Strange Flows" chart and JSD Acupressure Handbook, Level 1; "The Acupressure Way of Health" by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden. Evaluation: take-home test, attendance and demonstration of skills; teachers sign a JSD transcript on completion.
Module I · Level 2: Intermediate (55 hours)
Objectives: locate 60 additional acu-points; describe the 12 organ meridians and their psycho-physical associations; differentiate Western and Eastern physiology; identify point combinations for meridian release; demonstrate local-distal point theory; understand the legal-ethical role of the acupressurist.
Course Content
Units 2-7. Location and psycho-physical associations of the 12 meridians, and 60 additional points in relation to anatomy. Defense mechanisms related to yang meridians; emotional spectra related to yin meridians. Transformation of Qi. Zang/Fu theory. Practice: meridian release patterns (GB/LV, LI/LU, SI/HT, TW/PC, ST/SP, BL/KI).
Unit 8. Point combinations for energic problems shown by muscle spasm, pain or tension. Legal-ethical issues; building trust. Practice: assessing tense segments by palpation, basic pulse reading, and local-distal combinations.
Module I · Level 3: Advanced (30 hours)
Objectives: describe the Five Elements (Five Phases) theory and apply it to acupressure; locate 65 additional acu-points; use Source, Luo, Tonification, Sedation, Front Mu and Back Yu points to relieve bodymind stress; assess energic imbalance through pulse reading and point palpation.
Course Content
Unit 1. Introduction to Five Elements theory; using it to plan point combinations. Practice: combining local (Yu and Windows of the Sky) and distal (Source and Luo) points for back and neck release.
Unit 2. Applying Five Elements to energic and muscular hypo- or hyperactivity. Pulse reading. Practice: tonification and sedation points.
Unit 3. Bodymind applications: the Emotional Kaleidoscope. Point palpation to assess imbalance (Yu, Mu, Windows of the Sky). Practice: improvisation.
Unit 4. Point combinations for energic problems shown by spasm, pain or tension. Practice: planning interventions to restore bodymind balance.
Evaluation: practical examination and two case studies.
Module II · Levels 1-3 in detail
Level 1 · Integration of Key Theories (30 hr)
In-depth study of the Strange Flows and their functions, including over 150 Strange Flow points, with new release patterns (16 hr). Integration of Strange Flow, Meridian and Segmental theories in assessment and point combinations; special point groups (entry/exit, general and group Lo, the 8 meeting points, associated and combining points) (14 hr).
Level 2 · Master Class (35 hr)
Review of all Basic and Intermediate points for accuracy and angle (14 hr). Assessment skills applied to common problems: neck, shoulder and back tension, headache, chest and respiratory issues, menstrual and pelvic tension, digestive stress, insomnia, joint problems; with bodymind process skills (21 hr).
Level 3 · Expanding Theoretical Horizons (35 hr)
Exogenous and endogenous causes of imbalance, including the 6 External Pathogens and the 7 Emotions, and the 4 levels (21 hr). Tendino-muscular meridians and accumulation points (14 hr). Evaluation: attendance, demonstration of skill, and practical examination.
Becoming a Registered Jin Shin Do® Acupressurist
Requirements set by the Jin Shin Do® Foundation:
- Module I;
- Module II (Part 3 may be taken after registration);
- Module III, or 125 logged experience hours acquired during and after JSD study;
- Ten private sessions (5 with an Authorized Teacher; 5 may be with a Registered Acupressurist);
- Practical exam: give a Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® session to an Authorized JSD Teacher, with emphasis on point location and communication;
- Agree to maintain the quality of Jin Shin Do® and follow the JSDF Code of Ethics, with compliance to local licensing where applicable.
To register, send a completed JSDF transcript with the application fee (US $50). If accepted, the annual fee (US $75 on-time) is due the following July 1st. Registration permits listing in the JSDF directory and use of the names "Jin Shin Do®" and "Bodymind Acupressure®" and the Encircled Tree logo.
US-Canada · AOBTA® Certified Practitioner
A 500-hour JSDF transcript including Modules I, II, III and IV (or 70 hr JSD or another recognized Asian modality), 100 hours of anatomy-physiology, and 8 hours of CPR.
Becoming an Authorized Jin Shin Do® Teacher
To teach the Basic class
- Module I, Module II, and being a Registered JSD Acupressurist;
- Intensive Teacher Training Program;
- Total of 300 logged experience hours;
- Assist 2 Basic classes with an authorized teacher (or 1 plus videotapes);
- Practical exam and a 12-page paper with 4 case stories.
To teach the Intermediate class
- Total of 600 experience hours and at least 2 years of practice;
- Three Basic classes taught;
- Two Intermediate classes assisted (or 1 plus videotapes);
- Practical exam by an Intermediate teacher.
To teach the Advanced class
- A special project and practical examination;
- Assist 2 advanced classes (or 1 plus videotapes).
Authorized Teachers hold gold-embossed certificates of Trademark Licensure and may use the registered marks and logo. Licenses renew annually, with 25 continuing-education hours required every 2 years.
Course content, requirements and fees follow the standards of the Jin Shin Do® Foundation and may be updated. Please confirm current class offerings and pricing with Ron.
Begin Your Training
Level I and II run in person with Ron in Vancouver. Book a class, or reach out to talk through where to start and the path ahead.
Prefer to Receive First?
You are always welcome to experience Jin Shin Do® as a session before you study it. Come and receive, feel the work for yourself, and decide from there whether you would like to learn.
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