Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the foundations of Shiatsu practice, evaluate what makes a sustainable practice and then to develop an approach to own practice. It also includes the ability to communicate key information about Shiatsu to others.
This unit applies to Shiatsu therapists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish foundations of Shiatsu practice | 1.1 Identify, access and interpret information on the central philosophies of Shiatsu 1.2 Evaluate the Shiatsu system of treatment and its application to current health issues 1.3 Compare and contrast Shiatsu, other complementary health modalities and broader health practice |
2. Represent the Shiatsu framework | 2.1 Determine information needs of different individuals and groups 2.2 Identify key messages that represent the philosophy and practice of Shiatsu therapy 2.3 Communicate information about Shiatsu therapy at level of depth appropriate to audience needs |
3. Determine requirements for sustainable Shiatsu practice | 3.1 Identify key issues that affect the development and sustainability of professional practice 3.2 Identify economic, environmental, human and social considerations, and their impact on professional practice 3.3 Access, interpret and collate current information that supports professional practice |
4. Develop approach to own practice | 4.1 Reflect on professional goals and aspirations 4.2 Identify and assess professional opportunities in Shiatsu 4.3 Reflect on opportunities and constraints of individual personal circumstances 4.4 Make decisions about practice direction, based on reflection and research 4.5 Develop practical strategies that address own practice goals |
Evidence of Performance
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:
used critical thinking skills to:
review and reflect on information from a range of sources about Shiatsu practice
evaluate and articulate requirements for sustainable Shiatsu practice
communicated key messages about Shiatsu therapy to meet the information needs of at least 3 different individuals or groups
developed goals for own practice that reflect the values and philosophies of Shiatsu
Evidence of Knowledge
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:
philosophies and principles of Shiatsu:
historical development of Shiatsu
central philosophies:
meridians and meridian therapy
yin and yang
ki, kyo and jitsu
hara
importance of personal health strategy
philosophical tradition of western and eastern body therapies:
rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease
vitalistic, empirical approach to health
key features of qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in Shiatsu
nature of the dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape
Shiatsu system of treatment and effects of Shiatsu application to the body surface
different styles of Shiatsu treatments and their key features and purpose:
stretching, posture and exercise techniques
elbows, feet, knees, ball of thumb, hand pressure techniques for whole body treatment
meridian stretching techniques
hara diagnosis, tonification/dispersion
lifestyle and dietary advice
relaxation and breathing techniques
meditation
key features of complementary therapies used in conjunction with Shiatsu, including:
Traditional Chinese Massage
acupuncture
place of Shiatsu in relation to allied health services
professional Shiatsu networks and industry bodies
different models of professional Shiatsu practice and their key features:
sole practitioners
employment opportunities
components of sustainable practice:
economic – opportunities and viability
environmental
human – personal health, professional development
social responsibility
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) and how these are applied in individual practice:
children in the workplace
codes of conduct
continuing professional education
discrimination
dignity of risk
duty of care
human rights
informed consent
insurance requirements
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources
modelling of industry operating conditions and contingencies
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.