What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a traditional hands on therapy with its roots in Japanese and Chinese Medical systems. It is primarily a Japanese form of massage, using pressure on the energy pathways of Chinese acupuncture in order to rebalance the flow of vital energy or ’Ki’. This holistic principle of rebalancing ‘Ki’ helps restore health, vitality and wholeness physically, emotionally and psychologically, and creates a deeper sense of well-being with a more harmonious feel for life.

What is 5 Element Shiatsu?

5 Element Shiatsu uses the energetic qualities associated with the traditional elements in Chinese Medicine and specifically incorporates them into the style and approach of the treatments.  In order to sense this 'energetic overlay'  the practitioner needs to experience and feel the various energies of the different Elements and be able to call on them when required to help balance any dis-harmonies that may be present.

The Practice of Shiatsu

The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy ‘Ki’ in Japanese flows throughout the body in particular in a series of ‘channels’ or ‘meridians’.  For many dif-ferent reasons ‘Ki’ can stop flowing and this then produces  a symptom of disease.  In Shiatsu the flow of ‘Ki’ is rebalanced by applying pressure using fingers, thumbs, hands, elbows and even knees on various areas of the body and especially the meridians.  By supporting and tonifying areas of weakness and releasing areas of tension or stagnation the flow of body energy or ‘Ki’ is reharmonised.  This re-creates a full body connection and releases the healing powers within.  By using soft manipulation, stretches and sensitive touch posture, flexibility, circulation, breathing, digestion and energy levels improve.  As the quality of ‘Ki’ changes, the symptoms associated with lack of flow will gradually improve.  Shiatsu is a therapy that works on an individual as a spiritual, mental, emotional and physical being that together create the energetic field of the whole person.

The Benefits of Treatments

Shiatsu treatments strengthen the body’s resistance to disease as well as aid treatment of specific health disorders.  A treatment can help with some of the symptoms associated with a a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health.  Back pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, joint and muscle stiffness / pain, computer RSI, digestive & menstrual problems, asthmatic symptoms, as well as depression, irritability and stress related emotional problems are all conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu.

What the course can do for you

Studying Shiatsu and movement will give you the understanding and energy to make changes in your body and find a new approach to life, helping you to feel healthier and stronger, as well as more balanced and creative. Our school emphasises personal development, as working on your own growth and healing is an essential part of the process of enabling you to help others. At the school we teach certain Seishin Kitaido and SpiralDance movement forms and meditation in addition to the Shiatsu. The movement forms are specifically suitable to the study of Shiatsu because they enhance the understanding and connection to ‘Ki’ energy and the ‘Dance of Life’ and the meditation strengthens the ‘quiet centre’ from which all healing comes. Whether you wish to study out of personal interest or to become a practitioner the training requires commitment, willingness and openness to new ways.

SpiralDance
SpiralDance is a meeting point between Western and Eastern dance movement disciplines.  It is an organic and creative way of moving that is inspired and formed by nature and the elements.  It aids the embodiment of natural energy flows and allows the freedom a space to explore and express these.