Shiatsu in Times of Turbulence

It was in times of trouble that many of us took up our pursuit of Shiatsu and its many magical avenues of connection. Perhaps we were ill, even chronically. We were maybe burnt out on our early career path and looking for a fresh perspective. Perhaps we were trying to...

1st symposium on traditional Japanese therapies in Florianópolis (Brazil)

On August 2 and 3, 2025, an unprecedented event took place in Brazil: the 1st Symposium on Traditional Japanese Therapies. The event brought together various teachers, professionals, and students (including those studying Shiatsu). The Symposium brought together...

Interview with Elaine Liechti: the lady of Glasgow

Elaine Liechti has been a Shiatsu practitioner and teacher since 1983, and has been teaching in Scotland since 1986. Don’t be fooled by her small stature and soft hands, because her whole career is a testament to her character as a Scottish woman and one-time Aikido...

The True Japanese Makkō-hō

In the world of Shiatsu, everyone performs stretches while naming the meridians being stretched. These exercises are called Makkō-hō and are often attributed to Shizuto Masunaga. In this in-depth article, Stéphane Cuypers follows the principle of “don’t believe what...

A Milestone: The 2025 ESF Symposium in Brussels

On February 22, 2025, history was made in Brussels. For the very first time, representatives of Shiatsu associations from all over Europe and key players from countries in which such associations don't exist yet gathered together. Hosted by the European Shiatsu...
The Shen Spirit Points

The Shen Spirit Points

With the families of ancient points, we are constantly linking with the psychic side of the individual. This is not surprising when we know that Chinese medicine has its roots in shamanism. After the ghost/demon (Gui) and shaman (Ling) points, here is a third family...

The Blood points

The Blood points

According to oriental medicine, the blood related disorders are legion: headaches, anemia, menstruation disturbances, mental breakdown, epistaxis, bloody stools and many others are all tied up to an unbalance of Blood. Therefore, the points that are related to it are...

The 10 mistakes of the novice Shiatsu practitioner

The 10 mistakes of the novice Shiatsu practitioner

Once you've got your Shiatsu qualification, you're all fire and flames. And off we go for the adventure! You want to provide as many treatments as possible and be successful. However, if you don't want to fall flat on your face at the start of your business, it's wise...

Neck and stiffness in Shiatsu

Neck and stiffness in Shiatsu

In Shiatsu, many people complain about neck pain and stiffness and it is a treatment that is studied quite early in the Shiatsushi curriculum. However, the reality is far more complex than what is usually taught in school, because the neck is very complex and the...

The “Source” points

The “Source” points

The "Source" points are usually the first family of points that students will learn by heart. Easy to locate, these points are a classic in basic Shiatsu treatments. But when studied, they reveal a fascinating depth that takes us farther than we might think at first...

The sense of timing in Shiatsu

The sense of timing in Shiatsu

Whether we are learning, feeling, studying or practicing Shiatsu, the notion of time is an indispensable factor that we cannot compress. This is true for all of the "Paths" (Do), whether they are therapeutic, artistic or martial. Asian philosophy teaches us that...

Newsletter

If you don’t want to miss any article, course, interview or information about Shiatsu, subscribe to our newsletter.

    By continuing, you agree to the privacy policy (link)

    Order Book

    The Spirit of Shiatsu
    The Spirit of Shiatsu
    By Ivan Bel
    Order
    ×