Shiatsu Training Program

500 Hour 5-Element Shiatsu Training Program

with Paul Menard

Shiatsu originates from Japan and emphasizes a style of body work with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The literal translation of Shiatsu is "finger pressure", however, one uses fingers, thumbs, knuckles, palms, elbows, knees and feet when giving Shiatsu. In TCM, harmony of Qi within the human body is considered essential to health and is the aim of Shiatsu.
The Asian tradition describes the world in terms of energy. Shiatsu creates harmony of our inner energies with that of the universe. To stay healthy a person must continually adapt to the changes going on within and outside the body. If these adaptations do not take place, illness or disharmony can manifest. Shiatsu helps facilitate this process of adaptation for the giver and receiver. Everyone responds to touch and has healing power within them, but to heal others you must first begin with yourself. This Shiatsu training helps you develop the tools to do this.
Studying Shiatsu will deepen your awareness of what energy does in your own body. You will become aware of the patterns of your own life, and your self- awareness will be greatly refined. Our intention is that you will gain more appreciation, as well as more control, of the quality of your life and activities. Our hope is that you will use this knowledge to help yourself and other people feel better and heal themselves. This course of study provides students with the training and credentials necessary by law to practice professionally.

SEP: 13, 14, 21, 28
OCT: 5, 18, 19, 26
NOV: 2, 9, 15, 16
DEC: 6, 7, 14, 21
JAN: 4, 10, 11, 25
FEB: 1, 7, 8, 22
MAR: 1, 7, 8, 22
APR: 4, 5, 12, 26
MAY: 2, 3, 10, 24
JUN: 6, 7, 14, 21
JUL: 11, 12, 19, 26
AUG: 1, 16, 23, 30
SEP: 12, 13, 20, 27
OCT: 4, 17, 18, 25
NOV: 1, 7, 8, 15, 29
DEC: 5, 6, 13
JAN: 3, 9, 10, 24, 31
FEB: 6, 7, 28
MAR: 5, 6, 13, 27
APR: 3, 17, 23, 24
MAY: 7, 8, 15, 22
JUN: 4, 5, 12, 26
JUL: 9, 10, 17, 24
AUG: 6, 7, 14, 21
SEP: 10, 11, 18, 25
OCT: 1, 2, 16, 23
NOV: 5, 6, 13, 20, 27
DEC: 4, 11, 17

Paul Menard began studying yoga in 2002 & has maintained a passionate practice ever since. His background in classical dance gives him profound appreciation for the intricacy of the form that yoga affords. His elegance & grace shines through his postures & the execution of his teaching. Paul’s pursuit of a more spiritual practice led him to Karuna, where he feels blessed to have found such an open & welcoming community. In addition to yoga, Paul has a fervor for education. He completed his master’s degree in Adult Education & Training in early 2011 to complement his career as a workplace learning & development professional. He has completed the 300-hour advanced yoga teacher certification program at Karuna & is seeking other professional credentials as an educator. Paul is excited to connect his love of education & passion for yoga at Karuna.

5-element shiatsu practitioner (AOBTA-CP)

Kristin Althea O’Connor, M.Ac ., L.Ac ., is a Five Element Acupuncturist who aspires to help people connect with their best self. She established a her practice in NC in 2011 and also practiced in OR before bringing the needle love back home to Western MA. Kristin focuses on emotional wellness, trauma, chronic illness, addiction, and postpartum nurturing. She utilizes Medical Qigong, Cupping, Gua Sha, Essential Oils, Chinese Stone Medicine and Feng Shui to complement her practice in Amherst, MA. She loves to see people thrive and can’t wait to work with you. *Cancellation within 24 hours of the event is non - refundable without qualifying reason.

acupuncturist (M.Ac. L.Ac.)

Maria began studying yoga in Maine in 2001. Her first experiences with yoga were in the Iyengar tradition. She found herself teaching group fitness at her gym in 2012. This led to multiple certifications in group exercise and a personal trainer certificate. In 2022, she enrolled in a 200 hour yoga teacher training at Karuna. She fell in love with yoga philosophy and reconnected with all that had drawn her to yoga originally. She is thrilled to continue to develop her teaching at Karuna, under Paul’s mentorship. Maria's goal as a teacher is to make everyone feel welcome and appropriately challenged, and she has a passion for helping people improve their quality of life through movement. She combines a focus on alignment and form with joyful inquisitiveness. She is a lifelong learner, and plans to pursue further education and training in yoga.
As a Certified Stretch and Flexibility Coach, she specializes in assisted stretching that goes beyond what you can do on your own. By guiding your body through deeper, more targeted movements, she help you improve your range of motion, release tension, and move more freely. Unlike stretching solo, her sessions allow you to fully relax while she focus on proper technique and personalized adjustments to get the most out of every stretch. Whether you’re recovering from workouts, dealing with stiffness, or simply want to feel better in your body, she’s here to help you move and feel your best—safely and effectively.

assisted stretching (CPT, SFC)