The Essence of Shiatsu: The Masters View

Compared to other traditional healing arts, Shiatsu is relatively young – not much more than 100 years old. Shiatsu has developed rapidly and spread just as quickly, firstly in Japan, then all over the world. From an assortment of different roots, a tree has grown up quickly, with many branches and even more blossoms. During this development process a range of other manual treatment techniques, therapeutic approaches and models - from various philosophical sources - have influenced the evolution of Shiatsu and shaped those blossoms in sometimes very different ways. In addition, contemporary trends, individual interpretations and the focused development of specific aspects of this beautiful art of touch have come together. In conclusion: we live in a colourful Shiatsu world, and we enjoy great Shiatsu diversity.

But what connects all these different Shiatsu styles? Is there even a clearly definable ‘essence’ of Shiatsu? What are the basic principles on which it is built? How does it work? What is the role of Ki?What about the role of the meridians? How central is the Hara? What characterises a good practitioner?

This book is dedicated to the search for answers, offering the opportunity for some international Shiatsu experts, with decades of experience, to have their say. These are people behind pioneering achievements and innovations, as well as masters of the most diverse Shiatsu styles and schools. Their perspectives on fundamental Shiatsu questions are intended to help us gain a deeper understanding of the essential aspects of our art. We hope to initiate a fruitful and challenging discourse, aiming to provide inspiration and to broaden horizons.

Contributors: Ivan Bel, Kazunori Sasaki, Alice Whieldon, Philippe Vandenaabele, Yuichi Kawada, Chris McAlister, Tomas Nelissen, Tzvika Calisar, Wilfried Rappenecker, Joyce Vlaarkamp, Mihael Mamychsvili, Viorel Mihai

Editor of English Translation: Dinah John