Zen Shiatsu Chicago - The Massage School Alternative - Evanston, Illinois

Gem

Received a wonderful treatment from Sue, a senior practitioner. Very grateful for her support and presence in a difficult time.

estera V.

I’ve been coming to Zen Shiatsu for years for both receiving bodywork and my CEUS as I’m a massage therapist for over ten years.
I have always had very good experiences and great therapists and teachers. Misha is AMAZING. However, today I had a truly awful experience with my Beginning Zen Shiatsu class. My areas of concern: the class was listed as 10:00-1:00 and the time was confirmed when I registered over the phone but apparently classes are 9:30-12:30 and no one bothered to update me with the new time. Another issue was the lack of accessibility and faulty biomechanics of the instructor: hyper-extension of their thumbs, wrists, and elbows and when I practiced biomechanics that were safe for me and my body, they curtly told me to use thumbs when I am physically unable to do so. The best bodyworkers honor their own needs and adapt their biomechanics/tools as needed to safely practice massage and this goes both ways. People receiving bodywork also may need different positions/bolstering. I was horrified by how the instructor had people prone on the floor with really wacky arm/head positioning. It’s important that both providers and clients practice safe positioning at all times. Lastly, the lack of sanitation protocol was really alarming. The instructor did not sanitize hands when moving to different bodies and surfaces were also not disinfected with different bodies. The instructor’s demeanor was also chaotic, tense, and defensive. When I talked to the clinic director, they were also defensive and I realized they weren’t interested in my feedback. I found her lack of compassion to be unprofessional especially with me voicing the lack of accessibility the class had. I’m blind and have ehlers-danlos syndrome. I won’t ever return to Zen Shitasu. They could use diversity/accessibility training. As a queer disabled Romani Muslim woman, I felt completely out of place there and unsafe there today.

Update (formerly one star) :

Steve scheduled a phone call with me after he read this review and he patiently listened to my complaints and concerns and I felt seen and heard.
I had a good experience with the phone call because he ensured that if I were to book future classes that safety /sanitation protocols would be adhered to for my protection and well-being as well as accommodations for my physical disabilities.

I’ve actually booked more CEUs with Zen!

Rene J.

Zen Shiatsu has great teachers and coursework. However, what I like most is that they have convenient offerings at multiple times that allow me as a full time therapist to find times to complete training even in my busy schedule. Although the location is about an hour and a half away from me, the quality of education and convenience really stands out to me and keeps me coming back. Keep up the great work!

Ally M.

Although this local Shiatsu school and clinic flies under the radar, they really are amazing at what they do, which is teach the art and science of Shiatsu to future practitioners and provide healing touch to the community. I have taken Shiatsu courses with this school and found them to be the utmost professionals: kind, empathetic, knowledgeable and helpful. The courses were amazing, fun and taught by highly knowledgeable staff. There's even a student clinic, where you can get a discounted treatment. I've received treatments from numerous practitioners at ZSC and have always walked out floating on waves of happy Chi. I love this place and happily recommend it to everyone who has stress or pain.

Mary T.

I have taken several courses at Zen Shiatsu. The wide variety of classes are well planned and the instructors and practioners are excellent. One important thing I always experience at Zen Shiatsu is the feeling of being welcome before, during and after all classes and treatments. The feeling of belonging no matter where you are in your journey is nurturing.
I highly recommend Zen Shiatsu for education and treatment.

Dana C.

I have been coming to Zen Shiatsu for treatments since 2015. I have worked with a number of practitioners. In every session, I have felt heard, seen, respected, and supported. The practitioners are all incredibly skillful and well-versed in the art of shiatsu. They have always held space for my unique healing process to unfold. These days, I primarily work with Arlette, who I can't recommend highly enough. She has been instrumental in supporting my well-being as I navigate trauma and chronic illness. The clinic space is also very warm and inviting. Highly recommend!

Ellianna S.

Whenever I get the chance, I *always* recommend getting Zen Shiatsu at the clinic. My work with Arlette has forever changed my life for the better and I'm so grateful for her compassion, versatility, integrity, and healing power as a practitioner. I have never before encountered a form of body work that so exquisitely ties the energetics with the somatic, and addresses such a wide variety of concerns/complaints.

Scott D. S. N. A.

This is the "go to" place for my Continuing Education Units.

I just wish it had better parking capabilities.

The instructors that I have ever taken CEU'S with here are all very easy going, very helpful, very interesting, and above all ..... The instructors are under the firm belief that there are never stupid questions .