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After years of dreaming and discussing, over a year of planning, networking, coordinating, communicating, worrying, overcoming obstacles, celebrating, freeing up, and letting go – on April 12th, 2024, Shiatsu teachers, practitioners and students from around the world converged at the Himalayan Institute (HI) in the northern Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Along the winding roads to the Institute, travelers bound for the Shiatsu Summit 2024 were up to the initial challenges of facing rain, fog, gusty winds as well as delays from road construction work.
DAY 1 - After check-in and sharing dinner, the Summit was off and running for 3 days of information, touch, surprise, and more.
After dinner, the Summit was opened with comments and welcome by the Grand Master of Ceremonies and the driving force behind the Summit -Kumiko Kanayama the hall was filled with warm appreciation for her efforts and continuing mission to expand shiatsu’s reach.
Patrizia Stefanini began the Summit program with the first of two parts on Hado Shiatsu. She discussed physics, biology, and chemistry in relation to meridians and shiatsu. She talked about how humans are mainly water and how water exists in four phases: solid, liquid, vapor, and plasma. Focusing on the plasma phase Patrizia explained why this phase is of particular interest to her as she believes the meridians are actually water in the plasma state. She also talked about how when light passes through water a rainbow is created which we can visualize in our practice. Further explaining that shiatsu is a way to support a healthy life, not a way to fix a diseased life. Connection and harmony between the giver and the receiver is enhanced by mindfully walking around the reclining receiver in a mindful way observing them to find a way in and a way forward to the healing. The fundamentals are alignment, breathing, visualizing, and letting go. After the discussion, there was the opportunity to practice to find any questions or confirmations in the touch. Starting to practice with wonder supported by science.
DAY 2 – In the morning session Nini Melvin explained and demonstrated her studies and philosophy of Humanature. Her presentation emphasized that, Yes we have meridians and yes we have organs, but most of all there are the 5 elements. All humans possess the five elements – some lean toward one element more than another, but, all humans have all five elements and the ideal is working toward the balance of the 5 elements in our bodies and in our lives. Through movement all participants were encouraged to explore and embody each element as a group and in pairs, seeking the connection to the element in the body and in the universe and ultimately as one. Human nature cards were available for “readings/interpretations”.
During the afternoon session (Part 1) Wendy Bolognesi discussed shiatsu for PTSD sufferers. In particular the 5 NADA points in the ears. With diagrams and pointers, she demonstrated how to locate each of the points and explained their uses. She also emphasized that one of the values of using acupressure points for such issues allows the client to do self-treatment which multiplies the benefits of the sessions. One of the aids Wendy uses is ear seeds. By placing the seeds on the points in the ears the client can easily locate and press on the points throughout the day. The session ended with a demonstration and practice session for installing ear seeds.
(Part 2) Yoshiaki Nokano used a bag of props to help students understand the principles and practices he teaches. Holding a one-pound bag of sand in his upturned palm, he demonstrated how to find the right weight for calming the Hara. While slowly moving only from the Hara with closed eyes he showed how this method helps the giver connect to and find harmony and calm with the receiver. Yoshiaki also stressed the importance of coordinating the breath between the giver and the receiver to avoid taking in released toxins. After practicing with the weight, participants were asked to do the same practice with the weight removed. Working in pairs alignment of the back and spine were explored and discussed. Using a straw in the mouth for exhalation, the true length of a slow long outbreath was made clear. Yoshiaki’s teaching brought together key elements for building the foundation of a shiatsu session: alignment, breath, harmony, and moving from the Hara.
The evening session was a beautiful dance performance by Lorelei Chang narrated by Nini Melvin with a cameo performance by Patrizia Stefanini. Lorelei put the five elements and their interaction into movement. Dancing together, Lorelei’s dark hair and white costume and Nina’s white hair and black costume, the two intertwined and moved together in a physical expression of Yin/Yang. All were asked to join in and there was a sea of flowing bodies releasing and gathering the powerful energy of the day.
DAY 3 – In the morning session Yoshiaki Nokano continued to explore the importance of posture, alignment, and the Hara as the center of movement. In a hilarious but effective demonstration of how the Hara can find perfect movement, Yoshiaki strapped on a belt with a large calligraphy brush extended from the Hara and with eyes closed, moving on hands and knees, he painted a circle on a piece of paper on the floor. A few volunteers from the group also performed the exercise. In a very moving wrap-up of the session Yoshiado told the story of the last time he saw his father and upon telling him it was ok to let go, witnessed him cry for the first time. A very emotional group hug allowed for integration and acceptance of the powerful energies that were present.
In the final session, Parizia Stefanini opened by offering to answer any questions or respond to comments. Her earlier presentation was so powerful that it generated many thoughts and questions about water as structure, balancing science and shiatsu, and practicing Hado shiatsu. Once the discussions were concluded, in a room filled with admirers Patrizia modestly said “For now I think maybe I have nothing more to teach you, let's practice shiatsu”.
After three days packed full of practice, information, sharing, and healing, some participants left with a feeling of overload, while others experienced a readiness and thirst for even more. Everyone, however, felt a change and left the Summit with smiles on their faces, brighter eyes, and a stronger connection to the shiatsu community of healers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Keith Strand | Makko Ho Leader, Five Lights Center Community Outreach person, and Retired Architect.
Phone: (917) 328-5810 | Email: ksa123@mac.com
Keith Strand is a retired architect, a Makko Ho Leader, and The Five Lights Center Community Outreach person. Keith received a Bachelors in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado and a Masters in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute. He practiced architecture in New York City for over 35 years, owning and managing his firm for 31 years. Keith’s strengths include understanding and navigating bureaucracies and their requirements as well as teamwork development. Keith is assisting Five Lights Center in reaching out to individuals and organizations promoting shiatsu and the Five Lights Center, and assisting in follow-up inquiries.
Keith is excited to help others learn and heal through their energy. He finds the Five Lights Center’s philosophy and teaching methods to be inspiring and unique, and is happy to be a part of what comes next for the School and the Practitioners. Keith feels his mission is to lead others in Makko Ho (Do-In) exercises as a way to maintain good health and promote Shiatsu.
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