Shiatsu Introductory workshop

Shiatsu Introductory workshop

In this Shiatsu Introductory Workshop you will learn the basic principles of Qi, how to feel and cultivate Qi within yourself and how to do a simple Shiatsu treatment.

When:

5th and 6th April 2025 - 10am to 4pm

Where:

14 Dassenheuwel Lane, Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa

About Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing practice rooted in the principles of Chinese medicine, combining acupressure, stretching, and gentle manipulations to promote physical, emotional, and energetic balance.

Meaning of Shiatsu

The word "Shiatsu" translates to "finger pressure," reflecting the practice's primary technique of applying rhythmic pressure to specific points along the body's meridians—energy pathways that correspond to different organs and systems.

How Shiatsu is administered

Unlike Western massage, Shiatsu is performed fully clothed on a mat or futon, with the practitioner using their fingers, palms, elbows, and even knees to stimulate energy flow (Qi or Ki) and restore harmony within the body.

Benefits of Shiatsu

This holistic therapy is based on the belief that illness and discomfort arise when energy becomes blocked or imbalanced. By working with the body's natural rhythms, Shiatsu helps release tension, improve circulation, and support the body's self-healing abilities. It is often used to relieve stress, anxiety, digestive issues, muscle pain, fatigue, and headaches, as well as to enhance overall well-being. One of the unique aspects of Shiatsu is its emphasis on intuitive touch—practitioners tune into the client's body to assess energetic imbalances and apply techniques tailored to their needs.

The Five Elements

It is also deeply connected to the concept of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Yin-Yang balance, making it both a physical and energetic healing modality. Shiatsu sessions can induce deep relaxation, a meditative state, and a sense of inner calm, helping the body and mind reset. Modern Shiatsu continues to evolve, incorporating insights from anatomy, physiology, and psychology while maintaining its roots in Eastern philosophy. Whether used as a therapeutic treatment or a preventative practice, Shiatsu offers a gentle yet powerful way to restore harmony and vitality to the body, mind, and spirit.

For more information about Elemental Balance click here

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

With over two decades of experience in the field, Anne Saunders of Elemental Balance,  has dedicated herself to the art of Shiatsu,  a Japanese bodywork therapy which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine by incorporating fundamental principles like Qi and meridians. She has studied under the mentorship of Cliff Andrews and practised her passion in the UK, Australia and South Africa. Anne presents the Shiatsu Introductory Workshop from Noordhoek.

Anne Saunders Field of Study:-

• 2003-2004 Basic Shiatsu Training with Amara School in Hamburg / Germany.
• 2005- 2007 Completion of 3 year degree with the Shiatsu College in Norwich UK in Shiatsu and Traditional Oriental Medicine.
• 2007 Classically based Shiatsu Course with Tim Mulvagh in London.
• 2007 ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma (working in the Wood Green Complementary Health Clinic, as well as the house- in therapist for renowed dental clinic Lund Osler in Knightsbridge London)
• 2007 Additional Training in Pregnancy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Ayurvedic Face Lift Massage with the Body Basics School in London.
• 2008 Water Shiatsu training in Australia with Nicola Muio.
• 2009 Further education in Shiatsu and Massage in Pregnancy with Suzanne Yates in the UK and Germany.
• 2010 Thai Massage Course in Cape Town with Erik Petermann.
• 2011 MamaBamba Doula training/ DONA certification
• 2012 Doula training with Michelle Odent in London
• 2013 MamaBamba Antenatal Teacher Training
• 2015 IAIM Baby Massage Instructor Training with Ute Laves in Germany

For more about Shiatsu or if you wish to experience a Shiatsu treatment please visit the website or contact me on anne@elementalbalance.co.za   or   0798 112 560