Program Description

The 2022-23 Practitioner Training Program has already started. If you’re interested in attending the program next year, please contact Sam to be notified when applications are being taken.

Integrative Acupressure is unique in its comprehensive approach to body/mind health and optimization, based on three components—the Chinese energetic model of the body/mind, structural and functional optimization of the body based on the Western physiology model, and client dynamics rooted in psychology, mindfulness, and self-development.

The Integrative Acupressure system is designed to be modular. It includes several modalities and enables the integration of other techniques and modalities within an overall view of the body/mind. It is a powerful, highly effective and comprehensive approach to understanding and managing health and well-being. It is a comprehensive, highly effective system for health work combining an in-depth energetic approach, unique structural and functional optimization, and ways to work with both the short and long term underlying state of the nervous system which then affects a person’s health and well being. The integration of these viewpoints serves to increase the efficacy of the work over any one approach by itself.

The energetic aspect of the Integrative Acupressure system is based on the Oriental approach to health, as is acupuncture. However, Integrative Acupressure is optimized for finger pressure and manipulation instead of needling.

The system combines this energetic approach with a sophisticated method of non-forceful structural release and balancing. This method incorporates neurological repatterning techniques to prevent recurrent loss of alignment. This is coupled with several powerful modalities including lymphatic release, cranial release.
Additionally, the Integrative Acupressure system is designed to be modular. Other techniques and modalities can be integrated using the overview and understanding afforded by the Integrative Acupressure system. Several Western alternative techniques are included in the program, such as reflexology, Iridology, etc. Practitioners are encouraged to develop their own “toolbox” using these and other approaches.

The 250 hour Integrative Acupressure Practitioner Training Program is a comprehensive course of study covering all aspects of the Integrative Acupressure system.

The Program is divided into two 75 hour courses and a 100 hour independent study.
Some of the more outstanding features of the system which will be covered in the training include:

• The Oriental philosophy of medicine, including the concepts of yin/yang, the Eight Principles, and the Five Elements; the forms in which they are currently understood and utilized, as well as original interpretations to make them more understandable and usable, and to increase their scope.
• The locations and functions of the Twelve Organ Meridians and Eight Extra Meridians as well as point release patterns to facilitate short term relief and long‑term balancing of body/mind imbalances.
• Oriental imbalance analysis, including basic pulse analysis, point palpation, voice, tongue, and facial analysis, along with traditional associations of imbalance.
• Techniques for structural release and balancing of the back, shoulders, hips, knees and feet and for the prevention of recurrent loss of alignment.
• Approaches to balancing the emotional state using meditation techniques along with bodywork for the release and repatterning of anxiety and trauma.
• Acupressure Lymphatic Release, a system which can often be very effective with conditions associated with the immune system, mucous problems, and edema.
• Foot Reflexology, a simple but effective Western approach to acupressure.

“Approaching health work as an extension of your own self-development makes one a far better practitioner. When the body/mind is approached from this way of seeing, it is endlessly fascinating.”
Sam McClellan

Level I: 75 Hours
Basic Integrative Acupressure with an emphasis on structural acupressure. Course includes an overview of the Integrative Acupressure approach to health, including: Basic Oriental Medical Theory, The Organ Meridians and Meridian Theory, Shu and Alarm Points, Back, Shoulder and Neck Release and Alignment, Foot Reflexology, Yin/Yang and the Five Elements, Five Emotional Spectra, Introductory Pulse Analysis, and Basic Acupressure Lymphatic Release.

Level II: 75 Hours
In this course, we expand upon the concepts, techniques and skills introduced in the first course, along with more emphasis on the energetic aspects of Integrative Acupressure. There is also an increased emphasis on hands-on work and supervised practice.
In particular, we will be covering: The Five Elements, The Eight Principles, the Eight Extra Meridians, Pulse Analysis, Exogenous Causes of Imbalance, Advanced Acupressure Lymphatic Release, Command Points, Intermediate Structural Release, Tuning Forks, and Client Dynamics.

Level III: 100 Hours–Independent Study
The Level III consists of 100 hours of supervised practice, keeping a journal of this practice. The journal reflects the student’s knowledge of Integrative Acupressure and their approach to client care. Journaling is highly recommended throughout the program, but is especially helpful in the year following completion.
Also included in the Level III are monthly consultations with Sam and other students via video chat or in person. Sam is also available for answering questions and supervision around clients.
When the journal is complete, the student meets with an instructor to review their work.

“True health work is more than just knowledge and technique. A practitioner must be something of an artist, synthesizing an understanding of their areas of expertise with their awareness of the client.
Sam McClellan