Shiatsu Practitioner Association of Aotearoa (NZ)

02/06/2025

Our Annual General Meeting is Wednesday, June 4th at 7pm.

Members please check your emails or message us for a Zoom link.

09/04/2025

Looking for a nourishing winter retreat?

Join us for our Annual Weekend Workshop Retreat to learn, receive, connect and refresh.

August 15th-17th 2025 at Mana Retreat Centre in the Coromandel.

We have the wonderful Tracey Matheson coming from Australia to teach Barefoot Shiatsu. Tracey has taught at the Australian Shiatsu College - TOID 3609 for many years and has her own practice in Melbourne.

Visit our website for more information or contact us - www.shiatsu.org.nz

02/04/2025

Upcoming Autumn Shiatsu Retreat... https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=651209527653111&id=100082922092387&rdid=80SmXZJ7q1941LFP #

Ground & Restore: Autumn Shiatsu Retreat A weekend of focused practice, genuine connection, and mindful learning. April 12th & 13th Whakamarama, Bay of Plenty Register Now Opportunity to learn and practice Shiatsu techniques Guidance on grounding and focusing your mind and body Morning Tea, lunch an...

26/02/2025

Sadly a long time friend of the centre, Ness Mack, passed away peacefully on Thursday 20 February.
Many of you will remember Ness for her skills as a Shiatsu masseuse often helping people with her skill and kindness as well as her knowledge of alternative therapies and remedies.
She regularly attended courses at the centre, volunteered and joined many a working bee here planting trees, gardening and helping the centre.
Following her request for "prayers not tears", the centre performed a Medicine Buddha Puja and extensive prayers for her on Sunday afternoon.
We'll miss her.
Please remember her in your prayers.
Thanks Nangsel.

18/01/2025

Are you intrigued by the world of holistic healing? Discover the transformative power of Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine with our nationally recognised Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (HLT52215).

Delve into the depths of traditional techniques and theories, from energy points to the Five-Element theory, and gain a unique perspective on health and wellness.

Imagine mastering these ancient arts and making a tangible difference in your community's well-being.

Join us at the Australian Shiatsu College and start your journey towards becoming a skilled practitioner.

Discover more and schedule your enrolment interview today

https://shiat.su/diploma

31/10/2024

Spring Shiatsu Retreat: Awaken Your Energy.

Experience the renewal of spring with our two-day Spring Shiatsu Massage Retreat, designed to help you connect with the Wood element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Spring is a time of growth, movement, and new beginnings, governed by the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Through focused bodywork and hands-on learning, you’ll explore the qualities of the Wood element—flexibility, creativity, and forward action—and learn how to harmonize these energies within yourself and others.

During this retreat, you’ll be guided to understand the seasonal shift and how it influences our physical and emotional well-being. You’ll gain practical experience in giving Shiatsu treatments aligned with spring energy, learning how to release tension and encourage the free flow of energy. By the end of the weekend, you’ll be able to share a 45-minute spring-inspired Shiatsu treatment with friends and family, supporting their renewal and growth, too. Join us and awaken your energy in harmony with the season!

https://shiatsubodyworkacademy.nz/product/spring-shiatsu-massage-retreat/

29/09/2024

Love this! I also often use "Wood is Stored Energy"
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there's a deep connection between our digestion and overall health. After the stomach breaks down food, the Spleen steps in to transform that nourishment into blood, which fuels and energizes the whole body. The Liver then takes on the important role of storing this blood, ensuring it's ready to support muscle movement and nourish our tendons and ligaments. This balance between the Spleen and Liver is key to maintaining vitality and strength.
This quote reflects the wisdom of TCM and how it sees the body working in harmony to stay healthy and strong.

01/09/2024

Here's a link to Val's stunningly beautiful farewell in case you missed it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAuBpKXiiMc

Arohanui Val, you are forever my teacher and I will always carry you with me, (especially when I'm packing the car for adventures)...

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Join us for our 10.30am family service - a Māori Anglican karakia taking place at Te Mīhana Māori (Church of the Holy Sepulchre) in Grafton, Auckland.

01/09/2024

On Wednesday 28th August our beloved friend & collegue Val Cooksley left this earth. Val has been a pillar of the Shiatsu community since the beginning of Shiatsu in NZ. In the early 80's she trained in Shiatsu in London and brought this Japanese massage back to NZ, where it was still completely unknown and new. Some years later, in 1993, she was a driving force in setting up the SHIATSU PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF AOTEAROA (SPAANZ).

Val's Shiatsu College trained many practitioners over her years and has brought this wonderful modality to many places and people in Aotearoa.
Her passing is a great loss to our community.

Val touched many people in her time, she has been in service to others and shall be honoured for her dedication and her heartfelt and soulful sharing.

Over the past 13 years since my involvement with SPAA and Shiatsu in New Zealand I have been lucky to learn from her, laugh & dance with her, and feel her deep & precise touch.

At Val's tangi in Auckland I met her other spiritual connections through the presence, stories and songs of some of the other humans she touched.

Te Aroha.
Te aroha.
Te whakapono.
Me te rangimarie.
Tatou Tatou e.
Love, hope, peace, for us all.

Val, you went with a bang and all weather elements, and so it was true to you. We will miss you.
In deep graditude to have known you
Arohanui
Autumn

All our love and condolences to Val's whanau, from our whanau at Shiatsu Bodywork Academy.

30/08/2024

For those who can't make Val's funeral in person I've just seen Hana mentioned that it will be livestreamed here ...
https://www.facebook.com/TataiHonoMarae

Or on Te Mihana's You Tube page...
https://www.youtube.com/?app=desktop&si=1wmFlER-DXsPDuS4&fbclid=IwY2xjawE-JpRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRRLn5NU2e956ocG9L_K1QWDYNYkairH4Aq3arRJf5yM2YhKIujsErE8QQ_aem_ecrs4NeayqMArRcnRpSONg

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An urban marae managed by Te Mīhana Māori. Available for noho marae, kura reo, conferences, overnight stays, etc.

For more information/booking requests - email: temihana@gmail.com or call 09-377 5400

12/05/2024

🌿 Come and join us next weekeend 18 & 19th May in Katikati and dive into the Tranquil World of Shiatsu Massage on our Autumn Shiatsu Weekend Retreat 🌿

This retreat is your ticket to unlocking the secrets of Shiatsu massage..

🌸 Immerse Yourself: Get ready for a hands-on experience like no other! Our shiatsu instructor will lead you through the art and practice of Shiatsu massage, allowing you to connect deeply with both yourself and the techniques.

🍃 What's in Store:
Expert guidance of shiatsu techniques and theory
Engaging hands-on sessions to refine your skills
A peaceful oasis away from the chaos of daily life
A chance to forge meaningful connections with fellow wellness enthusiasts

🌟 Why You Should Be Here: Whether you're a massage therapist seeking to expand your repertoire or simply someone with a passion for holistic healing, this retreat offers an enriching journey towards self-discovery and relaxation. 🎋

📅 Date: 18th & 19th May 2024 📍 Location: Katikati ⏰ Time: 9am til 6pm both days.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Secure your spot now and let the magic of Shiatsu massage unfold! For more info and to book: https://bit.ly/3VY4mLU