JIN SHIN DO® TRAINING

Module 1

Additional information for students

MODULE 1

150 HOURS OF THEORY & TECHNIQUE

This class presents theories and techniques necessary for effective practice of Jin Shin Do® acupressure, beginning with 45 main Jin Shin Do® points, progressing to over 200 important points, and correlating point location with anatomy. Exact angle of point stimulation is emphasized. Students begin to practice by following release examples, and later learn to improvise based on tension patterns and energic assessment. Approximately 75 hours is devoted to demonstration and practice.

Level 1 BASIC Jin Shin Do®

40 hours

Objectives: participants learn to:

  • Locate 55 acu-points in relation to surrounding anatomy.

  • Describe how Jin Shin Do® acupressure can be utilized for general relaxation and to release specific tensions.

  • Demonstrate acu-point combinations for common problems, including tension in the head, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities.

  • Process, in a simple way, the feelings and images, which may arise from the body during acupressure release.

  • Perform simple movements, which facilitate relaxation and structural-energic balancing.

  • Identify the 8 Strange Flows or extraordinary vessels, and demonstrate their use for energy balancing and general relaxation.

Course Content

Unit I.
Principles of acupressure. Traditional Eastern and modern Western mindsets. Qi (energy). Acu-points defined and described scientifically. Pressure technique. 3 signs of release. Location of 16 acu-points, with anatomical detail and individual attention. Practice: general relaxation pattern and the basic JSD neck release.


Unit 2.
Basic acupressure theory, including yin-yang polarities. The armoring process. Local and distal point theory. Location of 16 acu-points, with anatomical detail. “Pal Dan Gum” movements. Practice: simple color-coded release method and basic neck release.


Unit 3.
Pressure technique. Segmental Release Method. 3 essential qualities of therapists. 6 additional points. Practice: release of the head, neck and shoulder segments.


Unit 4.
Segmental exploration (bilateral acu-points in the head, neck, shoulders and chest). Bodymind associations of the chest segment. Body Focusing techniques to facilitate tension release. Contact. Effects of language. Practice: JSD, Body Focusing and breathing techniques to assist chest release; basic neck release.


Unit 5.
7 additional points. Diaphragm, abdominal and pelvic tension patterns and associations. Hara Breathing Meditation. Hygiene; ethics. Practice: body focusing and breathing techniques to assist release of the abdominal and pelvic segments.


Unit 6.
The 8 Strange Flows, or extraordinary vessels. 10 additional points (on the central channel). Demonstration of sessions utilizing “strange flow” release patterns. Practice: assessment and Strange Flow release patterns for general bodymind relaxation.
Required Class Materials: Color-coded JSD “8 Strange Flows” chart and JSD Acupressure Handbook, Level 1, © 1981; The Acupressure Way of Health: Jin Shin Do®, © 1978 by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden (Japan Publications).

Evaluation Method: Take-home test, attendance and demonstration of skills mastered. Teachers give a JSD transcript, signing off each class upon completion.


Level 2: INTERMEDIATE Jin Shin Do®

55 hours

Objectives: participants learn to:

  • Locate 60 additional acu-points in relation to surrounding anatomy.

  • Describe the twelve organ meridians, differentiating according to location and psycho-physical associations.

  • Differentiate Western and Eastern understanding of physiology.

  • Identify specific acupressure point combinations for meridian release.

  • Demonstrate understanding of local-distal point theory.

  • Identify the legal-ethical role of the acupressurist.

Course Content

Unit 1.
Underlying principles of acupressure and introduction to meridian theory. The Six Divisions. Basic peer counseling skills like active listening, for processing feelings if they come up. Practice: release of the head, neck and shoulders, using the Gall Bladder Meridian.


Units 2-7.
Location and psycho-physical associations of the 12 meridians. Location of 60 additional points in relation to surrounding anatomy. Defense mechanisms and defensive attitudes related to yang meridians; emotional spectra related to yin meridians. Transformation of Qi. Zang/Fu theory. Demonstration of sessions using meridian release patterns. Practice: meridian release patterns (GB/LV; LI/LU; SI/HT; TW/PC; ST/SP; BL/KI; ).

Unit 8.
Demonstration of specific point combinations for energic problems indicated by muscle spasm, pain or tension. Legal-ethical issues. Building trust. Practice: Assessment of tense segments by palpating main JSD points in the neck, shoulders and torso. Basic pulse reading. Use of local-distal point combinations of appropriate meridians.

Level 3: ADVANCED Jin Shin Do®

30 hours

Objectives: participants learn to:

  • Describe the “Five Elements” or “Five Phases” theory and its application to acupressure.

  • Locate 65 additional acu-points in relation to surrounding anatomy.

  • Demonstrate understanding of local-distal point theory using Source, Luo, Tonification, Sedation, Front Mu and Back Yu (Shu) points to relieve bodymind stress.

  • Assess energic imbalance; identify key tension areas through pulse reading and point palpation.

Course Content

Unit 1.
Introduction to “Five Elements” theory of energic inter-relationships; utilizing it in planning specific acu-point combinations. Practice: Combining particular local (Yu and “Windows of the Sky”) and distal (Source and Luo) points for back and neck release.


Unit 2.
Application of 5 Elements theory to energic and muscular hypoactivity or hyperactivity. Pulse reading. Practice: use of tonification and sedation points.


Unit 3.
Bodymind applications of 5 Elements: the “Emotional Kaleidoscope.” Point palpation to assess energic imbalance (Yu, Mu and Windows of the Sky). Practice: improvisation.


Unit 4.
Demonstration of specific acu-point combinations for energic problems indicated by muscle spasm, pain or tension. Practice: planning interventions to restore bodymind energy balance.

Evaluation Method: Practical examination and 2 case studies demonstrating understanding