Curriculum

The Jin Shin Do® curriculum offers 4 modules, each building on the other to develop practitioner skills in point location, energy flows, communication, and acupressure theory.

Looking for our Class Calendar? Check it out here!

Module I

The 45 Basic Jin Shin Do points, the 8 Strange Flows, segmental release theory, and body focusing.

The 12 organ meridian pathways, physical and emotional associations, and source and luo points.

Assessment skills, 5 element theory, and sedation and tonification points.

Deepens and builds upon active listening and body focusing skills to support responsible and safe communication during sessions.

Module II

Deepen study of the Strange Flows, expand assessment skills, integrate tools from module 1 through practice in sessions-building skills.

Review and refine point location of the 125 main points used in JSD. Demonstrate ability to create sessions and treatment plans.

Introduction to Classical Chinese Medicine concepts, including the 8 Principles and 6 Divisions; also Tendinomuscular Meridians.

Module III

To become a practitioner, JSD students must spend time working in a supervised clinic, or log 125 hours of JSD sessions, presented to their teacher for approval.

Module IV

Basic Jin Shin Do®

Module I Part 1

CE Credits: Six Days, over two weekends - 45 Hours (40 NCBTMB hours; Provider #026771)

Overview: Foundational module of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind® Acupressure. Jin Shin Do can help to relieve tension and stress, reduce pain and discomfort, reestablish the balance of energy between body and mind, and increase client self-awareness. It promotes a pleasant trance state in which the client can move out of the head and into the body, to access creative self-healing and release stagnant energy and stress patterns. Jin Shin Do® combines gentle yet deep finger pressure on acupoints with body focusing techniques to facilitate the release of physical and emotional tensions and armoring.

Content: The class combines acupressure techniques and acupuncture theory with Reichian segmental release/armoring and spaceholding techniques in a unique blend of ancient bodymind and modern somatic healing frameworks.

  • release methods for 32 points of common stress, tension, and pain

  • body-focusing and communication techniques

  • segemental bodymind associations and release

  • overview of the 8 strange flows / extraordinary meridians

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod1

Pre-requisite: None; Open to everyone!

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Intermediate Jin Shin Do®

Module I Part 2

CE Credits: Nine Days over 3 weekends - 60+ class hours (55 NCBTMB hours; Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 2 of Module I of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind® Acupressure.

Content: Introduction to meridian theory and the emotional kaleidescope.

  • introduces the 12 organ meridians, source and luo points, proprietary pathways and release patterns

  • bodymind associations of the organ meridians viewed through the emotional kaleidescope of distressed emotions and synergic emotions

  • patterns of armoring and tension displayed in the defensive attitudes

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod1

Pre-requisites: Basic JSD

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Advanced Jin Shin Do®

Module I Part 3

CE Credits: Six Days - 48 Hours (30 NCBTMB hours; Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 3 of Module II of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: Introduces Five Element Theory and associations and enhances assessment and treatment skills through the use of pulses and special point groups.

  • 5 element theory and associations: traditional theory, and using the lense of the emotional kaleidescope

  • using the 12 shu and 12 mu points for assessment

  • treating with the 24 tonification and sedation points

  • introduction to the antique points

  • practice building treatment plans

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod1

Pre-requisites: Intermediate JSD

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Bodymind Communication Skills

Jin Shin DModule I Part 4

CE Credits: Three Days - 25 hours (25 NCBTMB hours, Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 4 of Module I of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: The class combines acupressure techniques and acupuncture theory with Reichian segmental release/armoring and spaceholding techniques in a unique blend of ancient bodymind and modern somatic healing frameworks.

  • active listening and body focusing skills

  • verbal and non-verbal communication skills

  • navigating the Client/Therapist relationship

  • ethical parameters for the practitioner in working with trauma and establishing safety

  • tips, tools, and techniques for accepting, supporting and encouraging release of physical and bodymind tensions, including parts work examples

  • conscious and unconscious levels of communication with clients in trance-like state

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod1

Pre-requisite: Basic JSD

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Integrating Key Theories (IKT)

Jin Shin Do® Module II Part 1

CE Credits: Four Days - 32 Hours (30 NCBTMB hours; Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 1 of Module II of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: Deeper dive into Strange Flows and their functions, with additional points and full session demonstrations.

  • enhanced assessment skills for yin and yang partners of Strange Flows

  • review and use of 150 Strange Flow points

  • learn advanced Strange Flow release patterns

  • assessment and session building practice along

  • demonstration of full session each day - including intake, assessment, and session planning

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod2

Pre-requisite: Advanced JSD (Module II classes can be taken in any order)

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Master Class

Jin Shin Do® Module II Part 2

CE Credits: Four Days - 32 hours (35 NCBTMB hours; Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 2 of Module II of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content:Review and refine point location of the 125 main points used in JSD. Demonstrate ability to create sessions and treatment plans.

  • proprietary release patterns with the 125 main JSD points

  • practice and discussion around creating sessions that gather data and utilize techniques from segemental, meridian, 5 element, strange flow, and bodymind theories

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod2

Pre-requisite: Advanced JSD (Module II classes can be taken in any order)

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Expanding Theoretical Horizons (ETH)

Jin Shin Do® Module II Part 3

CE Credits: Currently only part B, tendinomuscular meridian content, is available in Nashville; see Cumberland Institute CE classes for information.

Overview: Part 3 of Module II of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content:

A) 21 hours on: Causes of imbalance: Exogenous and endogenous causes of dis-ease, including the 6 External Pathogens and the 7 Evil Emotions (reviewed); and the 4 levels (protection, Qi, nutrition, blood). Review 6 Divisions; Zang/Fu theory and curious organs. Fundamental substances. Introduction to the 8 Principles.

B) 14 hours on: Tendinomuscular Channels and their relevance to JSD acupressure. Accumulation points.

See also: https://jinshindo.org/class-description#mod2

Pre-requisite: Advanced JSD (Module II classes can be taken in any order)

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the Cumberland Institute for upcoming dates

Bodymind Trancework

Jin Shin Do® Module IV Part 1

CE Credits: Three days - 25 (25 NCBTMB hours, Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 1 of Module IV of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: Ericksonian techniques for working with the trance or meditative state induced by JSD, in which there is increased receptivity to minimal cues.
The language of suggestion. Body Focusing and Place of Comfort techniques.

C.A.R.E.F.O.R.S. : outline of the body-oriented trancework process.

This class satisfies the 25 hour “Bodymind Processing Skills” requirement for competing the Registered Practitioner of Jin Shin Do curriculum.

See also: https://www.jinshindo.org/class-description#mod4

Prerequisite: Basic JSD

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure™ has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Bodymind Trancework and Trauma

Jin Shin Do® Module IV Part 2

CE Credits: Three days - 25 hours (25 NCBTMB hours, Provider #026771)

Overview: Part 2 of Module IV of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: Review and expand techniques used to support clients who may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with recovering safety and embodiment without re-traumatization.

See also: https://www.jinshindo.org/class-description#mod4

Prerequisite: Bodymind Trancework

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates

Abuse and the Emotional Kaleidescope

Jin Shin Do® Module IV Part 3

CE Credits: 25 NCBTMB hours, Provider #026771; 3 day class

Overview: Part 3 of Module IV of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

Content: Learn to use the "Emotional Kaleidoscope" designed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden with Ericksonian and other Module IV techniques when patterns of abuse and relational trauma emerge organically through the embodiment process of Jin Shin Do.

See also: https://www.jinshindo.org/class-description#mod4

Prerequisite: Bodymind Trancework for Trauma

Instructor: Steve Sommers, LMFT, LMT – an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® has been teaching acupressure for integration into massage therapy since 1995. He became a registered practitioner in 1993, an authorized instructor of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® in 1998, and a Senior Teacher of JSD since 2005. He is currently the only authorized instructor of JSD in Tennessee.

Registration: visit the class calendar for upcoming dates