What is Zen Shiatsu?

'Shi' means 'finger' and 'Atsu' means 'pressure', and so Shiatsu literally means 'finger pressure', although in the actual work almost every part of a practitioner's body is used to give Shiatsu to the receiver.

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 and the concept of Qi/Chi (energy) which is it's heart. Its objective is to improve health and to balance disharmonies by stimulating the natural healing power of the body, physical contact being the primary form of communication with the receiver.

Zen Shiatsu is as much a physical work on anatomical body structures and meridians (energy lines) as it is an energy-based technique that accesses deeper layers of the body, creating essentially a holistic therapy which affects all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In this sense Zen Shiatsu for me is an art form, an experience that touches body and mind both.

Zen Shiatsu is deeply rooted in principles of concentration and meditation, awareness and sensitivity, empathy and compassion, unity and flow, listening and feeling, intuition and instinct, spontaneity and simplicity, connection and support, trust and surrender, breath and hara (tan tien), an empty mind and unconditional giving. All these qualities are developed and enhanced in the Zen Shiatsu therapist, thereby raising the effectiveness of the healing experience while giving a very relaxing and pleasant bodywork session. It is all about the practitioner and the receiver together, in the present moment, just BEING!

Zen Shiatsu Level 1
10 days (50 hours)

   - Introduction to the basic concepts of Zen Shaitsu, Traditional Chinese philosophy on health and concepts of Qi (energy)

   - Developing sensitivity and awareness to our body's energy and to working with Qi from the Hara (center of instinct and intuition)

   - Learning how to give a holistic, deeply energetic treatment to harmonize body and mind, focusing on connection and feeling

   - Learning a general treatment of back and legs, arms and shoulders, chest, neck, head and face

The course emphasizes correct bodywork (body mechanics) and energy techniques of the practitioner. Qi Gong and Dao Yin practice are part of the daily program.

Zen Shiatsu Level 2
10 days (50 hours)

   - Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts of Yin/Yang

   - Deepening and refining your awareness of energy and working with principles of Kyo and Jitsu (empty and full)

   - Learning general treatment in side position, abdominal work, rocking technique, and additional neck techniques

   - Integrating all that has been learned so far into a balanced holistic, flowing and harmonizing general body treatment

The course emphasizes the holistic aspect of the treatment and deep energy work from the Hara. Qi Gong and Dao Yin practice are part of the daily program.

Zen Shiatsu Level 3
10 days (50-60 hours)

   - Learning in depth about Wu Xing (the Five Phases/Elements), the dynamics that create health and disease, the Biological Clock and practical application of these in daily life

   - Learning about the system of the 12 classic meridians (energy lines), their location in the body and some primary acupresure points

   - Working on the meridians to release blockages and harmonize the energy flow through the concepts of full and empty (Kyo and Jitsu)

  - Hara and Back diagnosis - diagnosing imbalances of the body's energy through corresponding areas in the abdomen and the back

   - Learning how to balance the empty and full areas in the Hara and their corresponding meridians

  - Enhancing your ability to work with energy and follow your intuition

The course emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical bodywork, focusing on Hara work, intuition and feeling. Qi Gong and Dao Yin are part of the daily program

Integrated Zen Shiatsu Program

In this program all three Zen Shiatsu Levels mentioned above will be taught consecutively, one after the other, with a break of one week between the levels. This break is intended to give time for personal practice and integration of what has been learned, with an opportunity to work under supervision and receive individual correction and practical advice. All together it is 8 weeks of study.

If it is your wish to have a more comprehensive learning experience, to receive more diagnostic tools and techniques for personal transformation and self-cultivation, it may be beneficial to participate in one or both of the following independent courses:

Knowing Touch (5 days) - taught one week before Level 1

Living Wu Xing (7 days) - taught one week after Level 3

Both these courses are intimately linked with the foundations of Zen Shiatsu, focusing on experiential rather than theoretical learning. They will be taught in close proximity to the dates of the Integrated Zen Shiatsu Program. For a detailed schedule of this program click here.

It is possible to participate in individual parts of this program, as separate courses, if it is suitable content-wise and pending place availability.

In General

All courses emphasize hands-on practical experience, through a variety of exercises and exhange of bodywork among participants.

Former Students - For those who have learned Shiatsu with me before and would like to assist or re-do a course, or continue from where you left off, please contact me in advance and we can check the different options. Most welcome!

For those who have learned Shiatsu elsewhere and would like to join any of the Zen Shiatsu levels, please contact me and we can see together what is most appropriate.

Zen Shiatsu Treatments - Before taking a course, it can be worthwhile to receive a treatment to feel and experience what Zen Shiatsu is about. Treatments can also be beneficial for general relaxation and balancing of the body or for specific problems.