At the start of the 20th century, different forms of energetic bodywork and manual therapy were combined and united under the name Shiatsu, in order to dissociate from other massages that were more related to wellness or relaxation. Later on, Shiatsu was linked to Traditional Chinese Medicine together with the teaching of the five elements and the function of the 12 meridians (i.e. energetic pathways through the body linked to their respective organs). The five phases of change, or elements, are water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Literally translated Shiatsu means “finger pressure” but the treatment involves much more. For each touch the whole self of the practitioner is engaged and present. The Shiatsu practitioner is not working with muscle strength but rather with their own body weight, and in the course of the session establishes an energetic connection with the client, aiming for balance on a body-spirit-mind level. A person is seen in their entirety, therefore any division between body and spirit is irrelevant.

In Japan, the most common form of Shiatsu is the so-called Namikoshi-Shiatsu. Outside Japan it is Zen-Shiatsu, developed by Shizuto Masunaga. S. Masunaga brought Shiatsu back to traditional Eastern medicine and philosophy, developed a more sophisticated meridian system (in comparison to acupuncture), and included physiotherapeutic methods.

Shiatsu is practiced clothed, on the floor or a special futon. Shiatsu techniques include treatments with fingers, thumbs, feet, palms, but also with other body parts such as elbows or knees. The practitioner works from the own centre of their body (Jap: Hara). The meridians are brought to the forefront by assisted stretchings, rotations, circular movements, joint mobilisations. The movements are gentle, rhythmical in flow, and at the same time deep-reaching, energetically focused. Important principles are the notion of leaning (versus pressing), of following (the laying person whilst leading) and of dissolving ego. The Shiatsu practitioner and client are in a mutual exchange which embraces the person as a whole entity; they are not in different positions. Always important is a ’communication’ between giving and receiving, also respect and full attention to the life story of the client.

The Shiatsu practitioner regards the organs in their spiritual and physical function, their contribution to the entire personality, and carefully observes the interaction with other organs. In daily practice with Shiatsu, the work on Ki (life energy) is central: quietness can be perceptible and experienceable within a person who has a present mind.

I offer Shiatsu sessions from 60 minutes, but they can also last up to 90 minutes. The session will be tailored to your personal needs. If you are interested, please allow an additional 15 minutes for travel to and from the session so that you have enough time to enjoy the experience without rushing.

If you are interested in individual sessions and want to know more about duration, practicalities and prices, you can contact me here.

Personal approach and teachers

Since 2012 I have been studying Zen-Shiatsu at the Zentrum für Harmonische Bewegung, where my main teacher has been Jochen Knau, next by Johannes Stein.
I have been graduating in the first year’s education program (certificated at BfG / DGAM as: Zen-Shiatsu Gesundheitpraktikerin BfG für Entspannung und Vitalität*) and in Zen-Shiatsu after S.Masunaga (certificated at BfG / DGAM as: Zen-Shiatsu Gesundheitspraktikerin BfG für Persönlichkeitsbildung*).
Since 2017 I have continued further studies in Shiatsu at Shiatsu-Schule Kreuzberg, where my main teacher has been Harald Gierl (graduation of the 3 years program in 2019).

Today, I accompany different persons with Shiatsu over longer periods and I’m giving treatments in consultation with people who are contacting me.

If you are interested in individual sessions and want to know more about duration, practicalities and prices, you can contact me here

As a choreographer, dancer and Shiatsu Practitioner, I’m currently working with everything I have learned supporting the multiple layers within my practices. Shiatsu is influencing my teaching and enters into, e.g., my Open Practice Sessions at Tanzhalle Wiesenburg or into group works, or within the frame of workshops that I give in Berlin or abroad. I see Shiatsu as well as a dance, as vibrant energy which is universal, as an approach to the self as consciousness and as sensual experience – for each one in her/his own way. (Isabelle Schad)

* BfG: Berufsverband für GesundheitspraktikerInnen
* DGAM: Bildungsakademie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Alternative Medizin.

A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about ‘someone with great healing qualities’ whom I should meet and who works with energetic sources that have a great impact on our ‘health’ at all levels, on the unity of body, mind and soul. This is how I met Mariana Skarlatova (heilung-berlin.de/).

After consulting her regularly as a client, I was fascinated by the effects on my life (condition) and asked to become her student. Since then I have been studying the subtle energies of light, chakras and channels – different approaches to becoming one with (our) universal energy. She has also become my teacher for Reiki – a hands-on healing technique.

I have found that many people are looking for a way out of the aggravation, stress and distractions that often come with life and can cause tension or even illness on a physical, emotional or mental level. Reiki practice helps the flow of energy and removes blockages in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. By improving the flow of energy around and within the self, Reiki helps a person to return to a state of relaxation, which may also allow them to heal better from damage caused by stress, injury or illness.

Mikao Usui developed Usui Reiki Ryoho, the most current form of Reiki, in 1922. However, people have been practising Reiki for around 2,500 years.  Reiki is given in a peaceful, private setting. During a session, the client lies fully clothed on a table. It is a holistic approach  and touches the whole person on all levels.

I offer Reiki sessions from 60 minutes, but they can also last up to 90 minutes. The session will be tailored to your personal needs. If you are interested, please allow an additional 15 minutes for travel to and from the session so that you have enough time to enjoy the experience without rushing.

If you are interested in individual sessions and want to know more about duration, practicalities and prices, you can contact me here.