About Zen Shiatsu
'Shi' is 'finger', 'Atsu' is 'pressure';
In Japanese, Shiatsu means 'finger pressure'.
This bodywork method includes
the use of fingers and palms,
elbows, knees, and feet.
The physical work is enhanced
by deep energy work,
the essential life force (Qi) of the body.
What is Zen Shiatsu?
Zen Shiatsu is a gentle yet highly effective traditional Japanese body work technique that follows the philosophical ideas and teachings of Shizuto Masunaga Sensei. It is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the core concept of Qi / Ki (energy). The goal is to improve health and to balance disharmony by stimulating the natural healing power of the body. The primary form of communication with the receiver is physical contact.
Zen Shiatsu fuses gentle bodywork work on anatomical structures (muscles, joints, etc.) and subtle energy work on meridians (energy lines). It is a holistic therapy which affects the physical, mental and emotional levels of the receiver.
Zen Shiatsu is a healing art, an experience that touches the body and mind, grounded in the subtle practices of concentration and meditation.
The key principles of Zen Shiatsu work are:
- awareness and sensitivity
- empathy and compassion
- focused mind and unconditional giving
- unity and flow
- listening and feeling
- intuition and creativity
- spontaneity and simplicity
- trust and surrender
- nourishment and support
- breath and hara (dan tian/tan tien).
[for more see Knowing Touch ]
These qualities are cultivated in the Zen Shiatsu Therapist, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the healing experience while giving a relaxing and pleasant bodywork session. It is a mutual interaction, a meeting of giving and receiving in a safe and trusting environment where real and lasting change can occur.
Zen Shiatsu is a place where east meets west, where ancient medicinal traditions of the orient meet modern medical knowledge, gleaning the best of each and offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience for body and mind.
For more details about the different Zen Shiatsu study programs click here
Zen Shiatsu Integrated Sessions and Courses
Zen Shiatsu Integrated Treatment - natural therapeutic methods are combined with a holistic approach to give a treatment that accesses body and mind in one complete and comprehensive session.
The Shiatsu practitioner follows the working principle of integration, using physical bodywork of leaning, pressure, stretches and manipulations together with subtle and focused energy methods. Theoretical knowledge and intuition, are perfectly integrated with heightened sensitivity and mindful attentiveness, while feeling the structures of the body and 'listening' to its currents and rhythms.
Zen Shiatsu Integrated Courses - students learn all the necessary skills to give an integrated professional treatment, as well as acquiring knowledge and tools for cultivating their personal health and well-being. A balanced and healthy person is an important foundation for an effective and skillful practitioner. I
Integrated Zen Shiatsu is twofold - integration of healing techniques and integration of the individual practitioner. The practitioner is attentive to his/her balance of body and mind, and strives to maintain this balance on a daily basis. Such personal cultivation allows the giving of efficient and beneficial treatments without tiring or injuring oneself. Tools learned and applied are practices such as physical exercise, yoga, tai chi chuan, qi gong, do-in and meditation.
Zen Shiatsu Study - for who?
Learning Zen Shiatsu is for any person who wishes ...
- to become a professional practitioner.
- to improve personal health and develop more awareness of the body and its energetic processes.
- to support friends, family and community in their health and well-being
- to learn and explore a new field of practice out of curiosity and sincere interest
It is not necessary to have previous experience in bodywork, massage or energy work to be able to participate in the courses. Everybody is welcome to apply for course.
You may begin with a wish to learn for personal interest and benefit, and end up taking further steps towards a more specialized and professional study program that is aimed at benefiting others as well. The course you decide to take and the degree of expertise you achieve depend on your intentions and aspirations.
To become a Zen Shiatsu therapist or to learn how to treat yourself, family and friends - all are good reasons to learn this healing art and skill.
The number of participants in each course is relatively small, so each student receives individual attention, correction and feedback. Practical experience is gained through work with course partners under the supervision of the teacher and qualified assistants.
Skills and tools for personal practice and self-therapy are taught in every Zen Shiatsu course.
The path to become a professional and experienced practitioner is one of acquiring confidence & expertise gained through theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Complimentary Skills & Practices
Well-being of body and mind are as important as the study of therapeutic professionalism.
Qi Gong - Do-In - Yoga - Meditation - these practices are taught to develop self-awareness and a wholesome attitude towards personal health.
Classes are usually taught in peaceful, serene and natural surrounding in an intensive course format. Together with the supportive and nourishing group dynamic, this can serve as a period of retreat, introspection, and personal growth.
for reflection ... and inspiration
Shiatsu no kokoro The heart of Shiatsu
Haha no kokoro, Is like a mother’s heart,
Oseba inochino Pressing the human body
Inochi (seimi) no izumi waku. Stimulates the source of life.
(Tokujiro Namikoshi)
