Description
Book SynopsisThe therapeutic art of shiatsu is now widely practised in the West, yet practitioners find it difficult to acquire the training that will take them beyond the mechanistic level.
For many years Akinobu Kishi has been visiting the West to teach, but never before has his approach been recorded in book form. Regarded as one of the leading exponents of shiatsu, Kishi trained with and assisted Shizuto Masunaga, and is widely regarded as the heir to his work, developed to the higher level of Seiki Soho, which takes the practice beyond technique. With the assistance of his long-term student Alice Whieldon, Kishi's theory and practice of Seiki Soho are described and explained for the first time in this important book. Setting his work within the historical context of shiatsu, the long central section of the book consists of a dialogue about the fundamental principles and practice of Masunaga's Zen Shiatsu and Seiki Soho as taught by Kishi. The final section consists of case studies of practice, including the experiences of people treated by Kishi.
This groundbreaking and generous book is illustrated with Kishi's calligraphy and other artwork, and will be essential reading for all shiatsu practitioners and students who want to deepen their practice, and a rich and rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern approaches to life and healing.
Trade ReviewEssential reading for all shiatsu practitioners and students who want to deepen their practice, and a rich, rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern approaches to life and healing... A fantastic insight into Masunaga and his shiatsu legacy. An inspirational book, not only for the history of the therapies involved, but also for the dynamism of both man and techniques. Great to learn about this vibrant, gentle, new concept of seiki... Such an enlightening read, this book offered a rich insight into the history of shiatsu and it was fascinating to learn about the author's interaction with Masunaga, who had such a big influence in the history of this therapy. I really enjoyed this book. -- International Therapist
This is a book to have to keep reading and re-reading! -- KIKAI (Belgian Shiatsu Magazine)
I found this book inspirational - a richly textured and generous guide that coherently explains the Japanese healing tradition and, for the first time in a Western language, sets Shiatsu in its full historical context. Following Kishi's personal journey it explores, through his penetrating insights, the subtle interior processes and paradoxes of healing and reveals Seiki as a potent yet simple and natural way of harmony at the centre of the tradition. -- Paul Lundberg, Co-founder of The Shiatsu College (UK) and author of The Book of Shiatsu
In this extraordinary book, Akinobu Kishi shares with us the history of Shiatsu in Japan, his experience of working with Masunaga and his own spiritual development. This book will be fascinating reading for all Shiatsu and Seiki practitioners. -- Clifford Andrews BSc PGCE PCE MRDD T, international Shiatsu teacher and founder of newenergywork.com
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Histories. Manual therapy in Japan to the 20th century. The emergence of Shiatsu in 20th century Japan. Post-war Shiatsu. Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000). Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981). Akinobu Kishi (born 1949). Part II: In Conversation. Shiatsu Breathing Again: Seiki-Soho. Part III: Munich: A Workshop. Part IV: Meeting Kishi: Accounts of Seiki-Soho. Postscript: Akinobu Kishi. Glossary. Index. Appendix I: Flowchart of the history of Japanese Folk Medicine. Appendix II: Dr Taro Takemi and article on the need for Kanpo. Acknowledgements.
