22 Day Intensive Zen Shiatsu Level One Training with Yoga on Lesbos Island, Greece

Holismos International School of Shiatsu follows a program conformed to the criteria, principles, and style inspired by the teachings of Master Shizuto Masunaga, integrated with a basic understanding of traditional Hatha yoga. There is no lack, however, of references and citations to other ancient and modern Schools of thought on the meaning of energy and its multiple expressions in man.

Zen Shiatsu (this is the term coined by Master Masunaga) can be defined as an energy medicine that works directly with the life force, thus promoting greater vitality, resilience, and adaptability. Because of these characteristics, Zen Shiatsu is effective in maintaining and promoting health, as well as decreasing symptoms such as back pain, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive tract disorders, asthma and other respiratory diseases, insomnia, menstrual pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, arthritis, and joint pain.

The First Residential of 150 Hours

This course can be intended as a complete introductory course with no obligation to continue with the two following levels. During this course, participants will learn to perform various basic movements and some simple sequences on the recipient, placed in prone and supine positions. The student will also acquire the basic knowledge for the correct execution of the main asanas of classical Hatha yoga, as well as pranayama, meditation, and mudra. For a better understanding of the subject, it will be necessary to explore the philosophical universe related to classical yoga, with a special interest in the therapeutical value of yoga. This information will contribute greatly to the training and transformation of the student into a competent Shiatsu Practitioner.

Each student will gradually develop, through specific exercises and relaxation techniques, a different awareness and perception; they will become familiar with some elementary theoretical notions of Traditional Chinese Medicine, leaving in-depth study to be the prerogative of an eventual continuation of their studies.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to perform a complete Shiatsu treatment, integrating movement, asana, and pranayama as integrative support for the patient. At this level, he will be able to perform a full treatment with family and/or friends, capable of bringing a sense of psychophysical relaxation and general well-being.

Topics Covered

The concept of ‘holistic’ medicine and the importance of ‘Salutogenesis’
Western and Eastern approaches to health and healing
What is Shiatsu: how it works, why it is effective, historical background vital energy and the basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine posture and attitude
The principles of “right” pressure: "applying” the weight of the body, the concept of HARA
Correct use of pressure instruments: the palm of the hand, thumb, fingers, elbow, the cut of the hand - practical demonstration of a general treatment
Treatment of the recipient in prone and supine position
The main (so-called classical) meridians, their function and location
The concept of energy assessment and energy-structural analysis of the back (the diagnostic areas)
Anatomy and physiology: the cell, tissues, skeleton, joints, main muscles
Yoga exercises, Stretching of meridians, Do-in, meditation and relaxation
Classical and non classical pranayama tecniques, Hasta Mudra
Principles of yoga therapy
Aspects of Eastern and Western philosophy related to the holistic view of the human being
The concept of Qi / Ki or vital energy

Certification

After the completion of the level you will receive a certification from the school, "Aletheia". As students come from various countries Holismos Yoga & Wellness advises each one to join their own country's Shiatsu associations.

Aletheia offers a complete program conformed in every possible detail with the guidelines set forth by the European Shiatsu Federation. This federation represent a coordinatory institution between the single federations, setting base guidelines and European standards. At the end of the third level and after passing an examination and submitting three history cases and a final dissertation, you will be entitled to obtain the school's diploma as Professional Shiatsu Practitioner. This certification will allow you to work anywhere in the world, according to local legislations on the matter. You will also be able to apply for recognition in your country's association or federation.

Daily Program

08:00 - 09:30 Yoga practice, pranayama, meditation, kirtan
09:30 - 10:30 Pause and breakfast
10:30 - 13:00 Teory and Shiatsu practice
13:00 - 15:30 Pausa pranzo
15:30 - 16:30 Theory (anatomy and physiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.)
16:30 - 16:45 The break
16:45 - 18:30 Shiatsu practice
18:30 - 19:00 Round table and kirtan (songs)
19:30 Dinner

A traditional Greek tavern and small hotel, the Mediterranean Retreats Center overlooks the Gulf of Kalloni and is immersed in a natural context of exceptional beauty. Here, you will experience the real laidback Greek Mediterranean vibe, all amidst local cuisine cooked in the center and comfortable accommodations in double or single rooms.

With the sea just meters away, the facility is completely secluded. Its location, the natural context it is situated in, the peace, silence, and the power of the elements make this place the ideal setting to fully immerse oneself in the study and practice of various disciplines.

The Island of Lesvos

This island, despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, does not have a tourist attendance comparable to other Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos or Rhodes. Lesvos is no less a generous and independent island, with its own well-defined profile in the Greek economy and full of interesting things to discover and, of course, to enjoy.

It is the home of Sappho (a famous poetess of the classical period), the best Hellenic olive oil, the undisputed capital of ouzo, retsina (local flavored wine), and boasts a curious and unique petrified forest, and its capital, Mytilene, is rich in historical vestiges and has a great student life that enlivens it even during the long winter months. The island's nature is lush and bountiful: millions of olive trees alternate with dense forests, but also leave room for desolate valleys and barren mountains. And then there is the endless coastline, for long stretches unknown to mass tourism, lonely but welcoming, familiar only to the nearly 300 species of migratory birds that choose to stop here each year.

Lesvos is an island where Greek daily life is not dazzled by the easy money and somewhat kitsch of boorish and naive tourism. It lives its routine with optimism and appreciates the fact that those who come here have not chosen their destination at random.

How to get there

Lesvos is located in the archipelago of islands in the northeastern Aegean and is the largest of the group in size. Because of its importance, it has very easy connections to Athens, where there are several internal flights every day throughout the year. If you want to save money, there are good connections by ship, always every day of the year. Ships also stop in Chios and often go as far north as Thessaloniki. From some European countries you can fly directly to Lesvos, which has a small but modern international airport. If you cannot find a direct flight to Mytilene, fly to Athens and from there take another flight to the island.

22 Day Intensive Zen Shiatsu Level One Training with Yoga on Lesbos Island, Greece

Zen Shiatsu Training in Greece

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