Shiatsu school SYM

Shiatsu & Yoga diploma courses to the European standard since 1997

The Shiatsu and Yoga School, SYM (Shiatsu Yoga Mediterraneo) is based in Britain and offers professional training in Zen Shiatsu and Yoga, in the form of professional diploma courses up to practitioner level, along with workshops and holidays, in France, Greece, Sweden and Italy.

Professional training in zen shiatsu

SYM (Shiatsu Yoga Mediterraneo Ltd) was founded by Gerry Rixen in 1997, with the aim of introducing the tremendous benefits as well as the enjoyment of giving and receiving Shiatsu to the wider public, even on a simple non-professional level.

SYM's second objective is to provide professional training for future practitioners. SYM therefore based it's curriculum on the Shiatsu Society's requirements but also taking other European Federations' curricula into consideration; such as the FIS (Federazione Italiana Shiatsu) and the APSE (Asociacion de Profesionales de Shiatsu in Spain). SYM works in association with Holismos in Italy professional training in various major cities.

 

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a healing art derived from traditional Japanese and Chinese massage systems. In Japan it is officially recognised as a therapy.

In Shiatsu we work essentially with our hands, fingers and thumbs (but sometimes also with forearms and knees) to stimulate the receiver's vital energy, Qi or Prana. In this way it is possible to work on all physical, physiological as well as emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the receiver.

Shiatsu is therefore very effective as many problems and illnesses manifest on several levels simultaneously.

Considered at a simple level, a Shiatsu treatment will induce profound relaxation helping the receiver get more deeply in touch with his own inner being. This in itself can sometimes be enough to bring about profound changes.

Shiatsu can be very effective in treating postural or muscular problems, as well as respiratory, cardiac, digestive, hormonal, nervous, skin, or genito-urinal complaints, in addition to psychological issues ranging from stress to anxiety, emotional trauma, fear, depression, etc.

For those interested in studying Shiatsu, it is not just a case of acquiring a great skill but also a form of self-development. Indeed it is not sufficient to develop and improve only theoretical and technical aspects of Shiatsu but empathy, awareness and intuition are necessary in order to experience and work with energy in a truly holistic manner.

What is Yoga ?

Yoga is essentially a method of self development or self improvement of each individual's physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacities. Regular practice develops our body, conscience and levels of perception. This can be developed by tuning into and opening up our own energy centres, known as chakras.

Many people have now realised that our scientific age has not brought us the inner happiness we secretly crave despite its breathtaking advances in so many fields and the comforts and leisure that come in its wake, at least for those fortunate enough to have access to these.

However yoga is essentially "scientific" since it is based on a deep understanding of people's fundamental needs; not just basic material needs, but physical and mental health issues as well as emotional, philosophical and spiritual issues.

It is for this reason that yoga contains elements that address problems on every level :

• Asanas or yoga postures are practiced to tone and also to relax the muscles, improve posture, massage the internal organs and circulate vital energy (prana or ki) in the body. Yoga also stimulates circulation of blood and lymph, calms the nerves, improves digestion and libido and works in fact on all body systems. Practising asanas also helps us develop concentration, breath and will power.
• Pranayamas are special breathing exercises that slow down breathing and help regulate the flow of energy in the body.
• Relaxation helps us to relax at will - both our physical body as well as our mind. These exercises can be done any time or especially after more strenuous exercises or anytime that stress accumulates and we feel a need for it.
• Meditation helps us calm the mind so that we may rise above simple emotional reactions and develop serenity and mental composure.
• Yogic nutrition is based on the Indian medical system know as Ayurveda. This is not some strange or exotic system but is in fact based on common sense. The basic principles are easily understood and applied and are not exclusive to Indian culture. They are universal principles that find their echo in many other cultures.
• Philosophy is also based on common sense. Although based on it's own cultural and spiritual heritage it has universal appeal and one may readily find parallels in other cultures such as ancient Greece, Egypt or China. In this sense yoga is a therapy and not just a workout. It is both preventive and curative. It may help us to simply keep fit or to surmount great problems, helping us bring more balance and harmony into our lives as well as guiding us towards our higher self. Above all it is a great pleasure to practice and everyone can and should practice according to their own individual capacities, not forcing the body into unnatural postures. There is no need to fight against oneself, instead yoga should be practised with enjoyment.

Yoga holidays

For information about our Yoga holidays, please see our dedicated site Holidayoga.com.

What is Do-In ?

Do-In is a Japanese system of exercises, which like Hatha Yoga is concerned with circulating vital energy (prana or ki) in the body.

Do-In includes exercises to circulate energy in the meridian system, strengthening the internal organs and the nervous system and keeping the joints open. Do-In exercises also help with improving posture and the body's alignment. It also includes a system of self massage.

Do-In exercises are an integral part of a Zen Shiatsu apprenticeship.

 

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International course dates:
Please, get in touch with the
contact person in each country
for further information.

Greece:
Italy:
France:
Belgique:

Intensive yoga
teacher's training course

School SYM in Europe