A concerning development is unfolding in Greece.
New legislation appears to place Shiatsu and other traditional bodywork practices under a framework designed for “non-therapeutic massage services,” requiring qualifications in aesthetics or physiotherapy rather than recognising the specialised training pathways of established disciplines such as Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Reflexology, Ayurvedic therapies and other traditional forms of bodywork.
This is not only a Greek issue.
Across Europe we are witnessing increasing challenges to the recognition of complementary health practices. Colleagues in Poland have recently faced similar pressures. Many professional communities are finding themselves required to defend their right to practise, despite decades of training, professional standards, ethical codes, and service to the public.
Shiatsu is not a beauty treatment.
Shiatsu is a recognised traditional bodywork discipline with a rich history, a comprehensive educational framework, and professional organisations that uphold standards of practice throughout Europe.
This moment calls for solidarity.
Together we are stronger.
Please share, engage, and support our colleagues in Greece.
(here is the link from the Government https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5297/2026
and the CHAPTER H/ and the article is 79.)
