GV IV: Deep Freedom of the Governing Vessel

working with the meninges, vertebral corrections & the 3 phases of motion

Welcome to Deep Freedom of the Governing Vessel

Journey into the world of governing vessel, an energy current that is the most primitive part of the human information system. This in-depth module presents a unique body of theory and technique that introduces the central channel, passive vertebral corrections and the 3 phases of resonance. It's yet another piece of the continually evolving shin tai puzzle.

An easy to use curriculum leads you step-by-step through instructional videos and as well as written materials. Learn skills that can be used immediately, on their own or in combination with the previous 3 governing vessel modules. This work can be integrated with any modality of hands-on therapy to stimulate deep transformation in those you touch. Even if you've studied this work previously, having years of access to the online modules can deepen understanding in a way not possible by just taking the course once.

There are 4 main sections to this course:


  • Central Channel Release

The central channel is a region along the spine that includes the vertebrae, the spinal cord, the meninges, the cerebrospinal fluid and the governing vessel meridian. By releasing stress patterns in the central channel, you restore space and motion in the body. Life force flows more freely through all these layers, strengthening and balancing the whole body.


  • Passive Vertebral Corrections

When there is more space and motion in the body, it is possible to facilitate passive vertebral corrections. Vertebral mobility and alignment can be reestablished with very little pressure; rather than force a vertebra into so-called proper placement, you learn how to guide them gently through a sequence of movement that resolves old stress patterns and finds right relationship once again for optimal function. This highly effective, original technique is safe to use with all clients.


  • Free Your Own Governing Vessel

Proprioceptive exercise is a unique system of meditative movement that activates the proprioceptive system, which is part of the nervous system that governs alignment. You will learn how to use the tool of proprioceptive exercise to expand your perceptions so that you can feel subtle energy. Then you can use your awareness to travel inwards and interface with governing vessel energy within your own body, activating its flow. When governing vessel is flowing freely, it activates your ability to not only heal, but grow and evolve.


  • Explore the Origin of GV and the 3 Phases of Resonance

Learn about the origin of Governing Vessel and its expression in the body in order to expand your understanding of how to work with it in your clients. Also study a unique way to evaluate and treat based on the 3 Phases of Resonance. This framework of understanding motion in the body will enrich your professional and personal development.


The material in this module is part of a 6 day Shiatsu Shin Tai class called 'Governing Vessel & the Spine.' Although you can take this module on its own, we recommend that you use it in combination with the work presented in modules I-III.


What does this course include?


1. Over 3 hours of video instruction that leads you step-by-step to work with the meninges, vertebral corrections & the 3 phases of resonance.

2. In depth shin tai theory on the origin of governing vessel as well as the unique 3 Phases of Resonance.

3. An interactive question/comment section underneath each video so that you get answers to any questions you may have for months and years to come.
4. Illustrations to help understand the necessary anatomy and physiology so that you can give more precise and effective treatments.
5. Written materials to accompany each video so that you can understand the applications more fully.

6. Close-up shots to see details of hand placement and proper body use.
7. Download the videos for use on all your devices. Watch at home, listen when you are driving, take them with you when you travel.... it will be easy for you to access the materials from wherever you are.
8. A private Facebook group for all course participants. This will provide an online community for you to share questions, experiences and knowledge related to Shiatsu Shin Tai bodywork.

9. Recording of a live 'Question & Answer' session that was held on 26 February 2021.

How does the course work?


Once you are enrolled in the course, you gain immediate access to the online classroom. There will be a list of topics, each with techniques that are presented through video and written materials. All of the material is presented in step-by-step directions that are easy to follow.

If you have questions on anything, you have several options where to get input. First, there is a section underneath each video 'lesson' where you can ask your questions. You can also chat to us & other students on the course facebook page.

There is no hurry to move through the course - you can use the materials whenever you like. Some people 'binge watch' while others go through things more slowly when they have the time and inclination. You can even download the videos so that you can listen/watch on the go.The course is your resource to use for years to come for learning, review and inspiration.

Course Curriculum


  Getting Started
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days after you enroll
  General Release of the Central Channel
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days after you enroll
  Passive Vertebral Correction
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days after you enroll

Who is this course for?

This course is for practitioners who want to be able to stimulate deep transformation in those they touch through a unique body of theory and technique. Beginners can use this course to increase the health of their new clients, family and friends. An established bodyworker can apply the techniques to take their practice to a whole new level.

Whether you do massage, shiatsu, craniosacral, chiropractic, or physical therapy, this course can increase the effectiveness of techniques that you already use, and also add new ones to your repertoire. Thousands of bodyworkers all over the world have studied with Saul Goodman in order to learn this powerful way of evaluating and treating the body.

Here is what some practitioners are saying about our online shiatsu courses:

I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be taking your online classes. Many thanks to Lynn for her patience in getting me up and running and kudos to Saul for the concise, measured, and clear written commentary and demonstrations. The presentation and video quality is seamless and also adds a level of grace to the learning experience. The patient and listening energy you embody in all of it is transmitted and I feel inspired in the watching and the reading. I have been practicing for 25 years—yoga therapy, shiatsu, traditional Thai massage, Trager, CST, structural integration.... I am honored to be your student and look forward to the rest of these courses. Thank you both for adding to the joy of my life and work.

Jenny Wolffe, bodywork practitioner; Iowa City, USA

Your classes are always easy to follow; everything makes sense. And your connection to the whole being that we are interacting with is so inspiring. Learning from you live in a classroom is terrific, but what I'm appreciating about this video class is the ability to repeat exactly what you just said (several times if I need to).

Anne Brnich, Shiatsu shin tai practitioner, United States

Thank you the great idea of online courses to make it possible to learn with you. I think it's a wonderful way to study more about shiatsu. I have found the site very clear and easy to use. I am so grateful and happy to be part of this new era of your teaching.

Jurij Kazantzis, Shiatsu practitioner; Costa Rica

I am re-entering practice after a break for parenting and it’s wonderful to be inspired again in this beautiful practice of Shiatsu which is at once so simple, yet so deep and complete. I feel so grateful to be able to access your teaching online!

Olivia Cheng, shiatsu practitioner; Perth, Australia

What will you get from this course?

  • You will learn how to give a powerful, effective treatment that is focused on the central channel and vertebrae.
  • You will be able to apply the concepts you learn to improve your present bodywork skills.
  • You will understand the underlying physiology of what you are doing and how to use the techniques with precision and safety.
  • You will expand into a new range of perception that will give you the capacity to provide a transformational level of healing to your clients and assist in your own self-development.
  • You will learn a set of skills to develop/enhance a fulfilling career that contributes to the well-being of our world.

Your Instructor


Saul Goodman
Saul Goodman

Saul Goodman is the founder and former director of the International School of Shiatsu that has schools in 15 countries. He has taught shiatsu throughout the US and Europe for almost 40 years, and thousands of students all over the world have studied with him. His book "The Book of Shiatsu" has been translated into 10 languages.

Saul brings a synthesis of Eastern healing practices and Western physiology to this material. He communicates complex, unique information with clarity. His classes are full of the rich history of shiatsu, stimulating theory, and practical ways to move chi and free trapped life force in the body.

Saul is also the developer of Shiatsu Shin Tai (also called Life Force Recovery), which is an evolving form of shiatsu bodywork. Shiatsu Shin Tai offers a unique set of diagnosis and technique to reestablish the proper spatial relationship of the body by activating the client’s own inner healing power. Other books by Saul include an advanced instructional manual called "Shiatsu Shin Tai" and "Light Body Activation."


Frequently Asked Questions


Is this course for me?
This course is for you if you have an interest in using touch to increase health, and would like to learn a very traditional type of shiatsu abdominal treatment. The materials presented are unique to this body of work and provide a powerful protocol for increasing the health of your clients. This course is for beginners or established bodyworkers. You can practice these tools to use with family and friends to help increase their health and well-being, or use them to take your practice to a whole new level.
I already have a bodywork practice (massage, shiatsu, craniosacral, chiropractic, etc.). Will this course bring anything new to me?
Most students who take our online courses are already bodyworkers. The unique theory and application of technique in Shiatsu Shin Tai can add to your repertoire and increase the effectiveness of the modality you already practice. In other words, you will learn ideas which can be applied to many kinds of technique and treatment. Plus, you will learn new techniques which can be integrated into your treatments.
I have already taken 'Governing Vessel & the Spine' with Saul or another Shin Tai instructor. Will this course contribute anything new to my understanding?
This online module covers material given during the Shin Tai class 'Governing Vessel & the Spine.' So if you have taken that class, the techniques will not be new for you. Having them presented on video so you can watch them again and again does provide an opportunity for you to understand and remember the material better. And if you adopt a beginner's mind, you may find you learn new things about each technique that you may have missed in class! The main value lies in the observation of the treatments themselves. To watch the techniques and the response in the receiver is one of the best ways to absorb a deeper understanding of what Shiatsu Shin Tai bodywork is all about. Take your time to observe Saul's technique and how he works with the body. It will pay off in increasing your skills, perception, and results.
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and continues indefinitely. It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. We expect to maintain this course site for many years to come.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

Deep Freedom of the Governing Vessel

The Governing Vessel is the first energy current which develops after conception. It serves to govern the development of the other meridians, chakras, organs and the rest of the body's physiology. The spine itself is the material manifestation of this governing vessel energy. By working with the central channel along the spine, you will learn new ways to diagnosis and treat that touch the core potential of a person.

Shiatsu Shin Tai offers practitioners an expanded perception of the body. This style of bodywork focuses on the flow of the central meridians, or energy flows, of the body: Governing Vessel & Conception Vessel. Shin Tai techniques are applied with a unique focus that results in unique responses in the body.

However, it is not the techniques alone which make this bodywork so powerful - it is the comprehensive system of theory and evaluation that lie behind the techniques. Traditional shiatsu is expanded into a contemporary body of material which can bring deep transformation to those you touch.


Enroll in GV IV: Deep Freedom of the Governing Vessel for lifetime access to this unique material:

 


If you are not satisfied with this course, just let us know within 14 days and receive a full refund.