Learn all you can - Probably one of the most important things anyone can do before choosing a new profession is to read up on it and shiatsu is no different. By understanding how the therapy developed and what it involves you'll answer a few questions. Is the job for you? What does it involve? What are the skills that will be required? Use the internet, your local library or buy a few books on the subject. Another good idea is to contact the nearest shiatsu training school to see if they offer an introduction course for you to attend.

Take a course - You must learn shiatsu from an approved training school and become proficient in the skills required to perform the therapy. Contact The Shiatsu Society (the professional association for shiatsu practitioners in the UK) and find out what is required and how many hours it will take to gain a recognised certificate of training. The society has developed a core curriculum of theory and practical skills a practitioner needs to pass. This is usually done over a three-year training period at an accredited shiatsu school.

Join a society - Once you have completed your training it's a good idea to join a society. You will have to abide by a code of ethics and practice and you will receive support and if required mentoring from an experienced shiatsu practitioner. Membership also provides the public and healthcare industry with certain reassurances about you and your training/experience which will help when you're looking for work. The Shiatsu Society also has an insurance scheme. Insurance is essential to cover you against liability should anything go wrong from the treatment you provide. The society is also a good way to meet other shiatsu practitioners and share knowledge of methods and techniques that can prove beneficial to individuals and the shiatsu therapy as a whole.

Get to work - You may be fortunate to find work as a shiatsu practitioner in a clinic or massage centre but the majority of therapists work for themselves or with another practitioner. If you work for yourself you will need to advertise your service so consider building a website and taking a listing on a dedicated complimentary therapy directory. Some of these sites offer a website building service for a small one off charge and the results are impressive. This is certainly of interest to anyone not familiar with web design. By advertising your services on a dedicated therapy site you'll be guaranteed of a high listing on search engines like Google. Remember, more and more people are using the internet to find services such as yours so give yourself the best possible chance for them to see you.

Continue your development - Many shiatsu practitioners also have other skills and have trained in other therapies that complement their shiatsu work. If you want to be successful then make sure you keep up to date with developments and practices within the therapy and consider other therapies to train in that would be attractive to anyone considering your service.

Shiatsu can be a rewarding career that can run alongside your current job or become your full-time occupation. Ensure you get the knowledge, training and membership that are required for a professional shiatsu practitioner but above all enjoy doing the therapy as it will show to new clients your dedication to the job. Good luck!