ABOUT ME
The first experience I had with Shiatsu opened my eyes to this compassionate art. It was around 1995 That a close friend of mine suggested that we go to a Shiatsu student clinic to see what it had to offer, I really wasn't sure what to expect. The three things that made me feel instantly comfortable, was that I remained fully dressed, the calming atmosphere, and the composed trainee practitioner. By the end of the session, I knew this was something special, and it was something that I would like to pursue. Sadly, at that time, I couldn't realistically find the space in my life to begin the training because I was involved in a few bands and I was committed to martial arts.
In 2016, you could say that the universe knew that the time was right, and I decided to make that commitment to start the 3-year Shiatsu training.
Through the course, I learned a great deal about myself and how to be more self-aware in my day-to-day life, and what providing compassionate treatments means. Since becoming a qualified practitioner my own cultivation comes through Qi gong, meditation, regular exercise, and exploring techniques from classic material, and senior practitioners.
Before becoming a Shiatsu practitioner, I trained in a Chinese martial art called Southern Shaolin Five Ancestors, to the level of instructor (2nd degree black belt), under the tutelage of Master Han Jin Yuan. The years that I was involved in Shaolin Five Ancestors greatly contributed to enhancing my self-awareness and listening and observing other peoples bodies, which has been a transferable skill that is helpful in Zen Shiatsu.
The main reason I chose to be a practitioner of Zen Shiatsu is to help alleviate the symptoms that a busy, stressful life can generate in many people.
It has been shown that this modality works well at addressing the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout.
With the additional option of cupping or moxibustion where needed, Zen Shiatsu assists in maintaining your wellbeing.
Once I decided to train to become a Zen Shiatsu practitioner, I needed to find somewhere that would be comfortable for me to spend the next 3 years studying to obtain my diploma. It wasn't long before I found the London College of Shiatsu.
There were so many aspects of the course that I enjoyed and appreciated, but most of all, I enjoyed being taught by Nik Kyriacou and Veronica Howard. It was a blessing to have had these two walk us through the wonderful world of Zen Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Their lineage, experience, and passion to see that every student is given the support and encouragement needed were second to none.
Another factor that was important in choosing a school to learn Zen Shiatsu was that it was recognised by the Shiatsu Society. They are the governing body of Shiatsu in the UK, and they assure that the standards of the schools and practitioners are high.
As a professional practitioner, I am an insured Member of the Register of the Shiatsu Society (MRSS) and registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
The General Medical Council (GMC) also acknowledges any modality that is recognised by the CNHC.
Here are the Links to find out more about the CNHC and MRSS.
Over the years, I have enjoyed doing my continuing professional development (CPD), covering various topics like classical theory in clinical practise, cupping and moxa, Daoyin techniques, supporting hypermobility, and helping people with fatigue.
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