In time, Shiatsu could become as popular as yoga and other community-based classes
[This article appeared in the Summer 2020 edition of the Shiatsu Society UK Journal and was written for a Shiatsu Practitioner audience, however there is a plenty that may also interest other readers]
My travel yoga mat has seen a few yoga classes in its time. From the Nevada desert to Canadian forests and the beaches of Goa, my mat has been a faithful companion, supporting me through countless yoga classes. It has even doubled as a sleeping mat when I’ve been stuck for a bed! What I wish my mat and I had enjoyed far more of are Shiatsu classes.
It was only in 2016 when I started training in Shiatsu that I became aware of the rich variety of energy- and body-based practices that are a part of the whole Shiatsu field, incorporating movement, meditation, touch and breathwork. These have all added more colour and depth to how I maintain my health, as these practices can be enjoyed solo or in group settings, as for yoga.
While Shiatsu is much harder to find than other types of self-care classes, I see huge potential for Shiatsu to become as loved and well known as yoga is today.
Definition of Household name: a person or thing that is well known by the public.
A shared history
Both Shiatsu and yoga have their roots in India, and hold similar core beliefs: unity of mind, body and spirit; a holistic approach; a focus on self-development; and healing through encouraging the flow of energy along energy channels, meridians or nadis (Indian);
“Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.” Source
The development of yoga can be traced back to 5,000 years though some researchers believe it could be as much as 10,000 years old. For Shiatsu, it was the introduction of Buddhism to China around 7,000 years ago by Bodhidharma that spread knowledge of the use of pressure along certain lines or points.
Modern yoga as it is now known in the West gained traction in the late 1890s, when Indian monks (yoga masters) began to travel to the West. By the mid 20th century, yoga had become more established as new yoga studios opened, spurred by rising interest in Eastern cultures.
Increasing cases of lifestyle diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes), rising awareness of the health benefits of yoga and a growing interest in self-development are further boosting demand for yoga, which has evolved into a thriving multi-million dollar industry. The global yoga mat market size alone was valued at a staggering £9.5 billion in 2018.
Meanwhile, Shiatsu remains in the complementary therapies niche and has a long way to go until it becomes as commonplace as yoga, Fairy Liquid or the Hoover. Paul Lundberg’s article in SSJ141, 2017 ‘Renewing the Vision – Learning from the Past and Expanding the Horizon in Shiatsu’ examines some of the reasons for this. Notably, Shiatsu to date has developed into more of a one-to-one therapy. In contrast, yoga is typically shared in group settings with multitudes of yoga material available on Youtube or via live online classes which has helped to bring yoga into millions of homes.
For Shiatsu’s more widespread adoption, the foundations are set for Wood energy to spring forth and spread the wonders of Shiatsu far and wide. It is our thriving global Shiatsu community comprising students, teachers and facilitators that hold the Shen of this vital and much needed ancient therapy. By nourishing ourselves with our own Shiatsu-based practices, we can maintain our powerful collective ki field so that it can be the fertile ground for spreading our precious knowledge with family, friends and our local communities, ie. at a grassroots level. In doing so, there is the possibility for Shiatsu practices to filter into many more homes.
Shiatsu practices can be shared in group settings at grassroots level, exactly like yoga, and could include the Shiatsu-based practices below.
- Acupressure points for common ailments (such as HP8 to calm nerves)
- Makko Ho stretches which help Ki to flow by opening energy channels
- Five Element theory for dietary guidance and moving with the seasons
- Qi Gong and similar forms of mindful movement
- Use of moxa and herbs
- Education on Shiatsu touch
For more on grassroots Shiatsu, see Philip Cheshire-Neal’s SSJ147, ’2018 Grassroots Shiatsu in the Community’ and further resources can be found on the SSUK website in the Members Portal.
Shiatsu in the day-to-day
here is every possibility for Shiatsu and its related practices to become a way of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has focused the general public, perhaps more than anything else in recent times, on the need for boosting immunity and respiratory health, and the need for a proactive approach to maintaining and preserving health, rather than waiting until sickness has taken hold and medical intervention is required. All self-help practices – yoga and Shiatsu included – have a role to play here.
Making Shiatsu more accessible via wider availability of online material and information in popular media will help to weave Shiatsu deeper into the fabric of our existence. Similarly, more online training materials, such as the excellent content from New Energy Work, will help to equip students and existing practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to share their skills.
Creating opportunities for Shiatsu to proliferate in homes, and not just in the UK but around the world, is important because sharing knowledge of Shiatsu-based practices is how we can support positive planetary health, and empower people to take charge of their health and how we care for others.
These days, my yoga mat finds its way into Qi Gong classes, one-to-one Shiatsu sessions, my morning Makko Ho and Do-In ‘waking up the fascia’ practice, and for meditating under the palms between the Monsoon downpours. I hope it sees many more classes of all kinds over the coming years, here in Goa and wherever I may roam.
Sarah is a Zen Shiatsu and Reiki Practitioner, located in Goa, India. She trained with the Shiatsu College in London. See here to book Shiatsu in-person or distance with SJA Holistics.
