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Here is the story of practitioner Katherine Hall's journey into shiatsu - from The Guardian

About me

John McKeever RPSSI(T)><br></div><br><div style=

I am a registered practitioner member of the Shiatsu Society of Ireland (SSI) and am insured through Balens Insurance UK Ltd.

The Shiatsu Society of Ireland is the professional body responsible for the practice of Shiatsu in Ireland. SSI is a member of the European Shiatsu Federation

Ever since I was young I was always fascinated by the idea of hands-on healing and loved to read stories of people who had the gift of healing.
In the mid 80's my father became very ill and I remember a priest, who was known for his healing gift, coming to see him. He prayed with him and laid his hands on him and although his physical condition did not improve I was inspired by how more accepting of his situation my father became.
Around this time I began studying yoga and meditation and was amazed at the personal benefits they had. Then I discovered Shiatsu.

I began night classes in Belfast, moved to London to learn more and in 1990 after 3 years of formal training I graduated from the School of Shiatsu and Natural Healing, Co Kerry (now the Irish School of Shiatsu).
This wonderful course also introduced me to other methods of healing such as macrobiotic nutrition, 'do-in' self massage, 'makka-ho' meridian exercises, 'sotai' corrective exercises, Bach Flower Remedies, Moxabustion and herbal remedies.
In 1992 I completed a postgraduate course in Shiatsu with the Shiatsu College in Norwich. I also qualified in massage at the Lifespring School, Belfast in 1992 and continue to find it of great benefit in my practice today.

Over the past 17 years I have always sought to develop my practice and knowledge and regularly attend workshops with well known teachers such as Pauline Sasaki, Cliff Andrews, Rex Lassalle and Paul Lundberg. As part of my own self development and health maintenance I regularly use Shiatsu, meridian exercises, and mediation and I follow a natural food philosophy.

In 1993 I began teaching courses and workshops for beginners in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland, and since then I have introduced more than 500 students to the power of Shiatsu.

In 2000 I started training to become a shiatsu teacher at the Irish School of Shiatsu, graduating in 2003. This diploma qualifies me to teach students to the professional practitioner level. In 2004 I began teaching the first professional Shiatsu course for practitioners in Northern Ireland and in 2007 the initial group of students graduated successfully.

I have served a number of terms on the committee of the Shiatsu Society of Ireland both as chairperson, secretary and editor of the Society newsletter.

The Energetics of Food

Food and nutrition are important elements in maintaining health and in recovering from illness. Food can have both positive and negative impacts on our health, often beyond what we would normally consider possible.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the importance of food is well known and respected. A system has been developed that outlines the effects of various foods on the well-being of not only the body but also the mind. It is based on the principles of the Five Elements of Nature and Yin and Yang .

The Five Elements of Nature are Water (winter), Wood (spring), Fire (summer), Earth (late summer) and Metal (autumn).

Certain foods have a more Yin effect while other foods have a more Yang effect.
Yin qualities are cooling, moistening, relaxing, nourishing.
Yang qualities are warming, drying, invigorating, stimulating.

Each season of the year, and its associated element, will have certain foods which will strengthen the qualities which relate to that element.

The Fire Element - for summer eating

For example the Fire element (summer) is very Yang - it produces qualities that are hot, invigorating and drying. They are associated with the 'Heart' and 'Small Intestine' energies, the 'circulation of blood' and 'lymph' and our ability to relax and remain calm.

If the Fire element goes out of control we can go either of two ways.

Emotionally we could either be 'over fired' and experience mental restlessness, insomnia and agitation, with a tendency to incessant chatter and laughing, or we could be 'under fired' and experience a lack of enthusiasm and vitality, depression or despair, a lack of light heartedness with no desire to laugh or enjoy life.

Physically we may experience, for example, more sweating or conversely be more thirsty. Or be more irritable or alternatively more tired.

What Foods Can Help?

Foods that can help maintain a healthy Fire element are those with a bitter taste such as dandelion root and greens as well as sesame seeds, celery, quinoa (a grain), scallions, asparagus, alfalfa, citrus peel and apricots.

If the Fire becomes overly Yang we could emphasize lighter quality foods and methods of cooking such as salads with dandelion, lots of alfalfa tea, light leafy greens such as misuna (like rocket), and spouted lentils and beans, tofu and natto (fermented soy bean) and less spices, baked foods or alcohol.

Over the forthcoming year we will look at the different elements and which foods can be beneficial for the energy of each element.

(A wide range of good foods can be bought from Eatwell Whole Foods, 413 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7EW Tel 028 9066 4364).

The information given in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. If you feel unwell please do consult your doctor.

Based on an article by Susan Krieger, L. Ac, Senior Macrobiotic Counsellor and Teacher, published in 'Pulse', the magazine of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia.

'Healing Hands'

John at work