Deep Shiatsu material is now integrated into Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) at RSM International Academy in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This page explains the learning approach; it does not advertise a separate weekend course.

Traditional Japanese Shiatsu contact methods are studied alongside functional anatomy, clinical palpation and tissue response. Students practise selecting a contact surface, controlling direction and depth, and adjusting load to the person’s response. Stronger pressure is not treated as a measure of better technique.

Hironori Ikeda, MSc Sports Medicine, provides demonstrations and practical feedback. DTM requires prior TPT completion; read the DTM course page for the current curriculum and entry requirements.

The practical focus is the therapist’s support, centre of gravity, body axis and weight transfer. Students compare how their own posture and movement change contact, pressure direction and the effort needed to maintain a controlled technique.

Movements associated with Japanese martial arts can serve as teaching analogies for coordinated weight transfer. Traditional descriptions such as Qi and meridians are presented in their cultural context, without treating them as established anatomical pathways or proven physiological mechanisms.

Functional anatomy, client feedback and tissue response guide the practical comparison. Students adjust pressure, duration and contact, then repeat a relevant movement or range-of-motion task. Hironori Ikeda gives direct correction during supervised practice.

Deep Shiatsu material is included in the Deep Tissue Massage course. There is no separate current weekend booking or standalone Deep Shiatsu fee.

DTM runs for five weekdays, 20 teaching hours, at THB 12,000. Prior TPT completion is required. The optional Remedial Massage afternoon component adds five hours at THB 6,000, giving a paired total of 25 hours and THB 18,000.

Check current dates and confirm eligibility and available places before arranging travel. All instruction and questions are in English.

This material helps practitioners develop controlled pressure without relying on force. Students practise selecting the palm, thumb or forearm contact, maintaining a sustainable working position and explaining the reason for changing direction, depth or load.

The learning sequence links palpation and functional anatomy with practical decisions: assess a relevant task, choose a focused technique, monitor the response and repeat the task. A tender area alone does not establish a diagnosis or justify deeper pressure.

For the current professional training route, start with TPT and meet the prerequisites for DTM. Learners preparing for professional practice can discuss their background with RSM before booking.