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 Meiken effect in Shiatsu – part. 2

The Meiken effect in Shiatsu – part. 2

In this second part of his description of the Meiken effect, Bernard Bouheret shares numerous anecdotes to illustrate what happens when this post-processing effect is triggered. Drawing on his many years of experience in this field, he has put together a synthesis in...

Common errors in Shiatsu

Common errors in Shiatsu

Is it allowed to talk about mistakes in Shiatsu? Yes. Absolutely. Because the first mistake is already the assumption that there are no mistakes in the world of Shiatsu. Or may exist. But who is able to define them? On what basis? And from which perspective? In this...

Shizuto Masunaga (part 2): His Creation

Shizuto Masunaga (part 2): His Creation

In this second installment on the work of Shizuto Masunaga (see part. 1: a genius on shoulders of giants), Chris McAlister explores and analyzes one of the the foundations of Masunaga's work and thinking - his extended meridian system, including how he understood...

The great family of Shu points

The great family of Shu points

The Bei Shu (or Yu in Japanese) points are well known to all students and practitioners of Shiatsu, as they are part of the basic baggage of their studies. But the Shu points on the back are just one part of the vast family of points known as “Assent” or “Transport”...

Interview with Mitsutoshi Taniguchi

Interview with Mitsutoshi Taniguchi

Mitsutoshi Taniguchi has many strings to his bow. More than 30 years ago, he started studying acupuncture and graduated from a medical university in Osaka. Among other things, the programme included Judo therapy, oriental medicine and of course Shiatsu. His passion...

What is courage in Shiatsu?

What is courage in Shiatsu?

The definition of courage varies a lot in different times, societies and cultures, but in this article we are interested in courage in our art of Shiatsu. Does it take courage to practice Shiatsu? Is there a courage of the practitioner and a particular courage for the...

Principle : Omote-Ura「表-裏」

Principle : Omote-Ura「表-裏」

Everyone knows about Yin and Yang those twin brothers who are as complementary as they are opposed. One is warmer, the other is denser; the former is lighter, the latter is deeper. While we are usually familiar with these comparisons of quality, we are less familiar...

The Blackened Pot

The Blackened Pot

Trauma can occur either through sudden and violently destructive events, or through a gradual process of attrition. Both can be devastating but both can be prevented and alleviated. It is never too late and there is no such thing as a hopeless case. No one need ever...

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