How to Become Trained in Oriental Bodyworks

Practitioners of the ancient medicine known as Oriental bodyworks believe the biggest cause of common ailments like physical pain and mental distress are caused by an imbalance in the body's energy. Through specific massage techniques, such as shiatsu and tui na, these practitioners believe the body's energy force can be restored, thereby eliminating illnesses. Oriental bodyworks encompass a wide variety of techniques, borrowed from several Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea, to combat fatigue, headaches, back pain and more. Although there is no regulated, formal procedure for becoming trained in Oriental bodyworks, it's helpful to take educational courses and become certified in order to attract a larger client base and to conduct your practice safely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Start up funds for educational and business expenses
• Computer with Internet access

Become an Oriental Bodyworks Practitioner

1. Find out whether a career in Oriental bodyworks is right for you. This can be achieved by consulting with bodyworks practitioners in your area and sitting in on sessions to see if you're interesting in this type of work.

2. Become familiar with the history and techniques of Oriental bodyworks through books like "Structural Bodywork: An Introduction for Students and Practitioners," and "The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from around the World," both of which can be purchased online (see Resources below).

3. Look for suitable bodyworks programs in your area in order to become trained. One place to begin your search is at the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia(®) Web site (see Resources below).

4. Decide whether you want to offer a full-service bodyworks practice, or whether you want to specialize in one or two distinct areas.

5. Drop off business cards at health food stores, alternative medicine retailers and holistic health centers. You'll attract the right clientèle by advertising in these types of businesses.

6. Become certified so you can register with organizations like the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia(®). This will attract more business for you as potential clients search for nearby practitioners.

Tips & Warnings

• To become properly trained in Oriental bodyworks, you'll need money to pay for your classes. Tuition at reputable schools is moderate, but inexpensive when compared to other vocational training programs.
• Do not attempt to use Oriental bodyworks to treat a patient who is suffering from severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, bleeding, sharp pain, dizziness and vision loss.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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