We often learn about meridians, acupoints, and techniques. But before all that, there is one essential question: What is the place of human beings in the universe?
For more than two thousand years, Chinese philosophy has offered a surprisingly simple answer: humankind lives between Heaven and Earth. Understanding this relationship profoundly changes the way we practice Shiatsu, treat our patients… and even the way we live our lives.
This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of this Taoist perspective through Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For five days, in the exceptional setting of the Sanboji Temple in Emilia-Romagna, we will take the time to slow down, reconnect with our bodies, and deepen our practice. The program will combine study, experimentation, and sensory awareness to develop a more holistic understanding of the human being and therapeutic touch.
The goal is not just to learn new techniques, but to transform the way we practice: to rediscover a touch that is more mindful, more precise, and more connected to the whole person.
As the Chinese tradition says: “Man is born of the Earth, and his Spirit descends from Heaven.”
Teacher Introduction
Ivan Bel is an international Shiatsu instructor and the founder of the Ryoho Shiatsu group. For more than 25 years, he has been exploring the connections between Japanese Shiatsu, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eastern bodywork practices, martial arts, and energy-based approaches.
Author of the book *The Spirit of Shiatsu*, which has been translated into several languages, he now teaches practitioners and schools across Europe and is developing an approach based on three pillars:
- a deep understanding of the texts and principles of Eastern medicine;
- technical precision in touch and body work;
- the development of the practitioner’s presence, awareness, and inner quality.
His teaching seeks to combine tradition with practical experience: understanding ancient principles while developing concrete tools for the daily practice of Shiatsu.
After years of promoting and teaching Shiatsu in many countries, he will also—for the first time—teach a complete series of 5-day intensive workshops in Italy, open to all Shiatsu practitioners and teachers. These workshops have been highly successful in France and have attracted Shiatsu enthusiasts from around the world. To offer the opportunity to receive this same training in Italy, his adopted country, he will introduce his first theme: Earth-Human-Heaven.
Course Content
Over the course of these five days, we will explore the three fundamental dimensions of the human being:
Heaven: the Spirit, the Shen, and the Subtle Realm
- Understanding the Concept of Heaven (Tian/Ten) in Taoist Thought.
- Exploring the relationship between Heaven, the Shen, and consciousness.
- Understanding the role of the Heart as the seat of the Shen.
- Developping the practitioner’s presence.
- Study of the “Windows of Heaven” points and their role in the flow between the body and the mind.
- Meditations and exercises to open up your emotional awareness.
Human Beings: The Body as a Link Between Matter and Energy
- Understanding human beings as the interplay of Jing, Qi, and Shen.
- To study the relationship between body structure, posture, and energy flow.
- The Shiatsu Approach to Physical Fitness:
- joint mobility,
- muscle chains,
- physical tension,
- postural balance.
- Understanding why effective treatment often begins with the body before moving on to more subtle aspects.
The Earth: Grounding, Yin, and the Roots of Life
- Understanding the Role of the Earth in Chinese Thought.
- Exploring the relationship between the Earth, food, digestion, and energy.
- Grounding exercises using the body, breathing, and movement.
- An in-depth exploration of the Heart-Kidney axis, a symbol of the balance between Heavenly Fire and Earthly Water.
The Extraordinary Vessels: Key Areas of Transformation
A significant portion of the workshop will be devoted to the Qi Jing Ba Mai, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.
In particular, we will examine:
- Their role as an energy reservoir;
- Their relationship with the Jing and the life cycles;
- Opening points and coupled points;
- Their use in therapeutic Shiatsu;
- the work of the Dai Mai (Belt Meridian);
- the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), considered the father/mother of the meridians.
A daily practice
Each day will feature:
- morning and evening meditation;
- Do-in and physical exercises;
- theoretical classes;
- Shiatsu practice in pairs;
- a time for integration and exchange.
The goal is to fully immerse yourself in the experience: to understand with your mind, to internalize with your body, and to develop your intuition.
Practical Information
- Dates: June 9–13, 2027
- Location: SanboJi Zen Temple – Tempio dei Tre Gioielli, nestled in the heart of the Apennines between Parma and Tuscany, in a setting conducive to silence, practice, and study.
- Instructor: Ivan Bel
- Language: The course is taught in French, with simultaneous translation into English and Italian.
- Prerequisites: Open to students in their second year of Shiatsu training or higher.
- Number of spots: 50 participants maximum.
- Educational rate: 300 €
- Room and board: 350 €
- Deposit: €325 for pre-registration (refundable up to 1 month before the workshop, on June 9, 2027. No refunds after that date).
What makes this internship unique?
- For its’ immersion in the heart of a Japanese Zen monastery, the workshop takes place in a 300-square-meter room with a straw-mat floor
- Because it invites you to explore the roots of Chinese thought with a teacher who speaks and reads Chinese
- Because it connects ancient Chinese philosophy to the modern practice of Shiatsu
- Because it transforms both the practitioner and the practice of Shiatsu
- Because it restores the rightful place of the “Marvelous Vessels” in everyday life
- Because it bridges the gap between body and mind, experience and feeling
- Because the teacher doesn’t just talk about energy. He shows it and demonstrates it for everyone to see.
- Because it encourages practitioners to discover the deeper meaning of their lives as they serve others
We hope to see many of you at this workshop.
- Zagreb: Abdominal massage Chinese (qineizang) and Japanese (anpuku) traditions – March, 19th-21st, 2027 with two specialists - 16 July 2026
- Italy: Between Heaven and Earth – An Immersion in Shiatsu and Taoist Philosophy, with Ivan Bel, June 9–13, 2027 - 16 July 2026
- Neck and stiffness in Shiatsu - 26 June 2026
- Poland: Anpuku & Qineizang in Warsaw -11-13th of September 26 - 22 April 2026
- Switzerland: Workshop for all levels on the principles and concepts of Shiatsu – October 16–18, 2026 - 10 December 2025
- FAQs - 12 August 2025
