Ealing Blogging

Workshops at Tabiano Terme, Italy

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:16:55 +0000

We had a wonderful warm welcome in November in Italy for a weekend series of workshops of Shiatsu and Movement with APOS thanks to the generous invitation of their president, Pierluigi Duina. The appreciation and energetic engagement heart-warming and with 170 participants it was incredible how smoothly the event went, thanks to the superb supportive organisation co-ordinated by the master of ceremonies, Lorenzo. There is a full article specifically written for the APOS magazine now on the website. Article

The Poetry of Points

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:23:01 +0100

We had a very interesting day, as Jim Cheoros gave a fascinating talk on the background to some of the radicals used in Chinese, explaining how they had evolved and change through history to the stylised forms they have now, and how there forms are adapted when used in combinations to create the ideographic names of points. The rationale behind the naming of the points gave a great deal of insight into what a point’s actions might be or its location and so on, as the Chinese way of thinking is so different from the Western way. just to get even a little perspective on the thought processes behind the naming and the imagery used to convey them was quite an eye opener. Although he could only touch the surface of this vast subject area it was felt that just a few points with some depth was preferable to skipping through masses of points. There was enough to then work with more general point location, and an exploration on various ways to energetically approach and connect to the points. After the experimentation with connection, there was time for a full treatment where suitable points could be used and the day finished with a short discussion on what had been learnt throughout the day. Such was the interest in the activities day there was a request for a follow up session to look at more points and their classifications, meanings and uses, which is due to happen in September and the date will be announced in due course.

CPD Day of Movement for Shiatsu

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:31:23 +0100

After a lively discussion on movement and the potential benefits it brings to the practitioner, the shiatsu and the client we had a lovely day of moving together led by Bryony with music by Avro Paert and DizzyR amongst others. It was great to see some new faces and see them enjoy the approach that we have been establishing for at the Ealing School. They seemed to enjoyed the day very much and we have had some lovely feedback. All the days are designed to be unique an individual however a theme can be explored with a follow up session if there is sufficient demand. The only real draw back to the day was the fact that the weather prevented us from doing some of the movement outside, however it created a different kind of focus which supports the sense that each day is unique and special. I would personally just like to say thank you to Bryony for such a great session and all those who attended and made it such a fun day of sharing.

CPD day on the power of the In-Breath

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:40:42 +0100

This proved to be a very rewarding day and it was fascinating to see and discuss the many overlaps and differences between a more Indian/yogic tradition and the Oriental Medicine traditions on breath and how it can energise the body, as well as looking at a Western view of Lung capacities and so on. The yogic breathing led by Amir Korvalian integrated perfectly with what was being explored and experienced and gave a new perspective to those present on how they might consider and use the breath. It all helped make a wonderful day of discovery and sharing. The last CPD day concentrated on whether the practitioner can enhance the benefits of Shiatsu by developing a greater awareness of the use of the In-breath. How important is it, when the principles are based on finger pressure applied on the Out-breath? Does it keep the Shiatsu alive and energised when there is more focus on it? The day started with a look at the Lungs and breathing from a Western perspective and then there was time for discussion on the functions of Lung from an OM view point, movement and much of the breath work was led by Amir Korvalian based on his experience of Yogic breathing. This was then incorporated into a shiatsu treatment and there was time for shared reflection at the end

Easter in Kalkan, Turkey

Sun, 1 May 2011 14:32:15 +0100

We had a wonderful time again but it was rather too short. The weather wasn’t perfect with some rain but still managed to get a little burnt. We went for a magical drive into the mountains behind Kalkan varying from blue skies to thick mountain mists. We then went swimming in a ‘refreshing’ turquoise blue Med after seeing snow on the mountain tops all on the same day. There is so much to explore and we have only just started but the apartment is looking and feeling fantastic and we keep wanting to spend more time there but we are going to have to be patient.