Sometimes described as “acupuncture without the needles,” Clinical Acupressure (CA) promotes wellness and rejuvenation by accessing and addressing the vital energies of the body.

CA is derived from traditional acupressure which uses touch on specific points to release and rebalance the way energy flows through the body. Specific point combinations are held with firm, gentle finger pressure as the body, mind and spirit return to balance.

Clinical Acupressure is not intended to replace medical care for serious conditions, however those who receive this method report that it addresses common symptoms easily and effectively, with no harsh side effects.

CA is often used to complement more traditional methods such as physical therapy, massage, or nursing. It also stands very well on its own. A full CA session takes about an hour, and the client stays fully dressed while receiving the session.

This method of working with the human energy system was developed and refined by Aminah Raheem, Ph.D. She is the creator of Process Acupressure (PA) which facilitates emotional and spiritual awareness during bodywork. She has been teaching this method internationally for more than twenty-five years.

Certified CA practitioners are skilled at tailoring therapeutic sessions to address specific symptoms within the context of the whole person. The certification process includes 138 hours of coursework, including 60 hours of direct faculty supervision and training during the intensive practicum series. Certified practitioners have also completed a community service requirement, and have passed written and practical skills evaluations at the conclusion of their training. This is a two year program, or longer if needed (up to four years).

This course teaches how to use acupressure to balance and energize the whole body and specific parts. Demonstration and practice show the application of formulas for all parts of the body, such as the head, neck, back, face, chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs and feet, arms and hands, and many symptoms, such as blood pressure, constipation, digestive problems, headaches, etc. Participants learn to locate and access more than 35 potent acupressure points. They also receive a clinical handbook and study guide with more than 70 specific acupressure formulas for specific body parts and conditions. Appropriate for clinical applications. This course is ideal for health-care professionals with hands-on experience.

Note: This is one of our two Foundation courses. The other is PA1A:  Process Acupressure 1A: Foundations. There are no pre-requisites for this class.

This course is an intensive overview of the energetic meridian system used in Chinese Medicine, with a special focus on how to recognize, locate, and access these meridians in clinical practice. The purpose of this program is to provide an understanding of the Chinese meridian system, the energetic flow in the body and the chakras so that health care professionals, including nurses, can expand their health and healing repertoire for their patients/clients, their friends and family, and themselves; to see the body as more than a collection of physical symptoms and parts. The Western model of illness is expanded to include a holistic vision of the individual and the different paths to healing.

Note: This course is required for the Clinical Acupressure Certification Program. Pre-requisite: Clinical Acupressure 1: Basic Applications

The CA Seasonal Practicum Series is comprised of five intensive seasonal courses. Each 2-day practicum is an opportunity to expand upon the learning and experience of CA2 and/or PA3. Each practicum will focus on a specific pair of organ meridians. Students will refine their skills for recognizing and working with the unique patterns associated with each meridian. Special attention will be given to the function and interaction of specific points, and the nature of each meridian as it applies to health, balance, and consciousness.

Clinical Acupressure Practicum: Summer Practicum (2 days | 12 hours)

Clinical Acupressure Practicum: Late Summer Practicum (2 days | 12 hours)

Clinical Acupressure Practicum: Autumn Practicum (2 days | 12 hours)

Clinical Acupressure Practicum: Winter Practicum (2 days | 12 hours)

Clinical Acupressure Practicum: Spring Practicum (2 days | 12 hours)

Note: These courses are required for the Clinical Acupressure Certification Program. Pre-requisite: Clinical Acupressure 2: Meridians

We have long known that the lineage of Soul Lightening Acupressure is rooted in the Extraordinary Vessels (EV’s). This course takes a deeper look at what this means as we attune to the origins and functions of the EV’s, as well as their implications for whole-being health. With hands-on practice we will explore how the EV’s simultaneously link us with the ancient mystics as well as the cutting edge methods of our time. All of this through the unique lens of our own Soul wisdom.
In this course participants will:
– Define the lineage of Soul Lightening Acupressure back to the ancient mystics.
– Explore the evolutionary blueprint of the Soul that is embedded in the EVs.
– Define the embryological development and 3 dimensional locations of the EV’s.
– Explore how working with the EV’s bridges the medical/alchemical world
– Review the relationship of the Soul Lightening 36 points to the EV’s Define the functional attributes of each EV in relationship to the whole being—-body, mind, emotions, soul.
– Practice our Soul Lightening Acupressure protocols within the context of the EV’s

Each 2 day practicum is an opportunity to expand upon the learning and experience of CA3. Each practicum will focus on specific Extraordinary Vessels. Students will refine their skills for recognizing and working with the unique patterns associated with each ancestry. Participants will utilize the skilled touch method and the psycho/spiritual processing skills established during Clinical Acupressure certification and/or Process Acupressure Certification. This intensive course focuses on personal reflection/growth as well as how to utilize Soul Lightening Acupressure to support clients in recognizing, accessing and utilizing the potent wisdom of their own soul-essence.

+ Extraordinary Vessel Practicum 1: First Ancestry (2 days | 12 hours)
is an advanced Soul Lightening Acupressure course. It is a deeper exploration of theories, concepts and skills introduced during Clinical Acupressure 3: Extraordinary Vessels–specifically the Ren, Du and Chong Mai as they relate to the First Ancestry.

+ Extraordinary Vessel Practicum 1: Second Ancestry (2 days | 12 hours) Second Ancestry is an advanced Soul Lightening Acupressure course. It is a deeper exploration of theories, concepts and skills introduced during Clinical Acupressure 3: Extraordinary Vessels–specifically the Yin/Yang Qiao Mai and the Yin Wei Mai as they relate to the Second Ancestry.

+ Extraordinary Vessel Practicum 1: Third Ancestry (2 days | 12 hours) is an advanced Soul Lightening Acupressure course. It is a deeper exploration of theories, concepts and skills introduced during Clinical Acupressure 3: Extraordinary Vessels–specifically the Yang Wei Mai and the Dai Mai as they relate to the Third Ancestry.

Note: These practicum courses are not required coursework for any of the Soul Lightening International Certification programs, however, they may be chosen as an elective for the Advanced Soul Lightening Certification program. Prerequisite: Clinical Acupressure 3: The Extraordinary Vessels

Process Acupressure (PA) is a simple, yet profound, holistic method that combines traditional acupressure (to a fully-clothed body) with a process approach to consciousness. It facilitates healing and the natural growth process that arises from within the individual. Process skills are taught that facilitate clarity-in mind, emotions, and spirit. Soul centered development is emphasized. Although acupressure is a lifelong study, this course will empower you to work effectively with energy flow in the body including both meridians and chakras, toward greater balance. You will learn tools that give you confidence. PA can be used alone for self-help or easily given to another. It can also be combined with another body modality. For example, our work with the Great Central Channel strengthens the energetic pathway of the spine and is an excellent complement to Acupuncture, Chiropractic, CranioSacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, rehab modalities, and more.
In this course you will learn:

+ a simple but powerful acupressure method to balance body energy

+ how to combine bodywork with psychological-spiritual process skills

+ how to empower self and client toward greater understanding and responsibility for health and growth

+ to focus health and development in the most fundamental strength and wisdom of one’s own soul

+ how to use the skills on yourself to further your own growth

+ Chakra Tai Chi

Note: This is one of our two Foundation courses. The other is CA1:  Clinical Acupressure 1: Basic Applications. There are no pre-requisites for this class.

Aminah Raheem, Ph.D. is the originator of Soul Lightening® Acupressure. She developed the holistic methods of Process Acupressure and Clinical Acupressure after more than 20 years of study in various psychologies (including Process Work) and hands-on body modalities, along with 40 years of spiritual practice.
This work began with her development of Process Acupressure, which works through the body’s energy systems to assist conscious development and the realization of soul purpose. She is also the originator of Clinical Acupressure which specializes in the dynamic, multi-dimensional aspects of the human energy system but does not incorporate psycho-spiritual processing skills.

Dr. Raheem is the author of Soul Return: Integrating Body, Psyche and Spirit, a book at the forefront of defining the relationship of body and soul, and Soul Lightning: Awakening Soul Consciousness, which charts an individual and global path for reaching soul consciousness. Through her writing, we find models we can apply to our own lives that demonstrate how to complete the past and create a new life, woven from the stuff of our own souls. Her stories confirm that we, too, have had “soul lightenings” that can lead to soul consciousness. This book helps us to move along more confidently on our own soul journeys.
Dr. Raheem has worked for over 30 years with body/soul coherence, as a transpersonal psychologist, bodyworker and teacher. As a master teacher of psycho-spiritual development, Dr. Raheem has taught holistic theory and practice to bodyworkers and psychotherapists throughout the world. She was adjunct faculty at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology for 10 years, and her courses can now be found at venues such as Esalen and the Upledger Institute.
In addition to earning her Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology, Dr. Raheem is also a Zero Balancer, Zero Balancing Teacher, and a Diplomate of Process Work. She is the Originator and Spiritual Director of Soul Lightening International.

Hadas has been a Physical Therapist for twenty five years. She is an advanced certified Process and Clinical Acupressure practitioner and instructor with Soul Lightening® International, in addition to being a certified practitioner, instructor and faculty of Zero Balancing®. Hadas’s expertise also includes Cranio–Sacral Therapy and Integrative Manual Therapy. Her diverse traditional and non-traditional background has shaped her unique approach toward healing. In the past decade Hadas studied extensively with Dr. Aminah Raheem and Dr. Frtiz Smith, originators of Soul Lightening Acupressure and Zero Balancing. She finds these two innovative modalities to be complementary and transformative for her students and clients. Hadas lives in Israel and teaches in Israel and the U.S.

Laurie is an Advanced Certified Process Acupressure practitioner and instructor with Soul Lightening International. She has been a Holistic Health Practitioner for more than 25 years, and continues her practice as a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. She is also a certified practitioner of Zero Balancing. In addition to her extensive experience as a professional practitioner and instructor, Laurie leads women’s singing circles, and is a long time yoga devotee.

Cathy has many roles within the Soul Lightening International organization. She is a Process Acupressure and Clinical Acupressure instructor. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2005. She is President, a member of the Executive Board as well as the Program Director of SLI. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist with additional diplomas and certifications in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM), Process Acupressure, and Clinical Acupressure (SLI). In addition to her busy teaching schedule, Cathy maintains a full private practice at Crossings: a center for the Healing Traditions in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has also previously served as an affiliated practitioner at the Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, Maryland, and at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Easton, Maryland. Ongoing outreach programs include working with military service members and their families through the Healingworks Restore and Renew Wellness Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC, and the Acupressure for Anyone world outreach program through Soul Lightening International.

CA Mentor Information for Cathy Miller

Grace is an instructor of Clinical Acupressure through Soul Lightening Acupressure and maintains a busy private practice in Princeton, NJ. In addition to her Advanced Certification in Process Acupressure, she is a Reiki Master, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master Instructor, and has completed 6 levels of Tachyon Training Certification. She has served as an aquatic director and instructor, and was trained and certified by the YMCA. She is also a First Aid and CPR instructor. Her extensive training includes Neuro-muscular Therapy, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Bach Flower Essence Training, Touch for Health, and Zero Balancing.

CA Mentor Information for Missy Oleaga

Angelique Priscilla been studying Process Acupressure (now Soul Lightening Acupressure) with Dr. Aminah Raheem since 1993. She is a certified advanced practitioner of Process Acupressure, and is a senior faculty member for the program, teaching since 2000. Angelique is a physical therapist with 33+ years experience. She has been in private practice since 1992 in central VT. And specializes in integrative bodywork and manual therapy. Her primary modalities include Soul Ligthening Acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and energy work.

CA Mentor Information for Angelique Priscilla

Alvina is an instructor of Clinical Acupressure through Soul Lightening Acupressure, and a Sampoorna Yoga instructor. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist in private practice since 1991 in New Jersey and Florida. In addition to her Advanced Certification in Process Acupressure and Clinical Acupressure, her extensive training includes Shiatsu, Reiki, Reflexology, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Trager, and a certification in Zero Balancing. Alvina is a member of the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators, the American Massage Therapy Association, the Zero Balancing Health Association, and Soul Lightening International.
Alvina teaches several one-day classes including The Immune Lymph Booster and The Women’s Health Protocol, and was in the first wave of teachers to use and to teach the SEVA Stress Release after 9/11. Together with Soul Lightening International she sponsors The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) which allows her to present Chakra Tai Chi at one of their monthly meetings and publish articles related to acupressure in the monthly newsletter.

CA Mentor Information for Alvina Quatrano