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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare client for treatment
   • Interpret treatment plans and clearly outline how the treatment will be provided and managed
   • Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment
   • Inform and advise client about possible physical or emotional reactions during and following a session
   • Follow established protocols to physically prepare the client for treatment
   • Confirm client consent for treatment
3. Build fundamental Shiatsu principles into treatment
   • Ensure sensitivity to ki palpation
   • Explore and recognise connection to hara
   • Explore and develop energetic relationship between therapist and client
   • Maintain client-focused attention throughout the treatment session
4. Use Shiatsu techniques
   • Regulate the circulation of ki
   • Apply manual perpendicular pressure directed from the hara to the body
   • Use appropriate levels of pressure
   • Maintain therapist postures that ensure a controlled distribution of body weight
5. Follow Shiatsu sequences
   • Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure according to assessment indications
   • Select and adhere to specific Shiatsu sequences according to the Shiatsu style being used
6. Work with client during treatment
   • Use the condition and response of the client as a continual feedback to the initial assessment
   • Incorporate contact with all major body regions within a reasonable time frame
   • Position client to optimise their comfort and support while allowing for optimum application of techniques
   • Recognise reactions to treatment and respond promptly according to clients needs
7. Provide advice and resources to the client
   • Educate client in relevant and practical techniques that support the treatment plan
   • Answer client queries with clarity, using language the client understands
   • Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans, schedules and recommendations to the client
   • Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment
   • Discuss and agree on evaluation strategies
   • Accurately document treatment provided and details of client communications

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 200 hours of Shiatsu client consultation work

prepared for and managed at least 60 Shiatsu treatment sessions - clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations

used each of the following sequences during client consultation sessions according to client needs:

back sequence

upper back and arm sequence

side sequence

head and neck sequence

leg sequence in supine

back diagnosis zones for treatment

back shu/front mu diagnosis areas for treatment

abdominal palpation

face sequence

feet sequence

hip sequence

chest sequence

arm sequences

leg sequence

a range of different styles including namikoshi, ohashi zen and barefoot Shiatsu sequences and specific techniques

hara palpation and diagnosis

tonification and dispersion methods

used the following pressure and tsubo techniques during client consultation sessions according to client needs:

perpendicular pressure

non perpendicular pressure

moving and stationary pressure

sustained/continuous and intermittent/moving pressure

deep and superficial pressure

strong and gentle pressure

use of elbows, feet, knees, ball of thumb and hand pressure techniques

used the following stretching and opening techniques during client consultation sessions according to client needs:

stretching exercises

stretching across and along the fibres

stretching to open channels/meridians, points and joints

used the following manual techniques during client consultation sessions according to client needs:

percussion

pinching

rolling

rubbing

vibrating

qi projection on and above the body surface

muscular contraction and resistance

mobilisations of joints

use of mother hand

palpation of ki along meridians and tsubos

tonification and dispersing techniques

provided other advice to support optimum health

lifestyle

dietary

yoga

relaxation

meditation

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for client assessment:

codes of conduct

duty of care

informed consent

mandatory reporting

practitioner/client boundaries

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

working role boundaries:

working within scope of practice

presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner

work health and safety

principles of Shiatsu that are integrated in all treatments

different Shiatsu styles and sequences, and their indications for use

Shiatsu treatment techniques, how to apply them, what each technique does, what effects it might have, and what the contraindications are, for the following:

Shiatsu sequences

Shiatsu pressure and tsubo techniques

stretching and opening techniques

potential reactions during treatment and how to respond:

discomfort

emotional reactions

feedback - verbal, tactile, visual

muscular spasms

body temperature discomfort

deep relaxation

potential reactions following treatment and appropriate client advice

types of advice and resources that can be provided to clients for their use outside the clinical environment

documentation requirements for recording treatment details

basic structure and function of western medicine systems and regions of the body

common disease states and functional problems of each body system

fundamental principles of biomechanics

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