Articles

Shiatsu Learnings & Reflections

The Five Lights Center articles share insights, experiences, and wisdom from our vibrant global community — practitioners, students, and teachers dedicated to living the spirit of Shiatsu.

Here, you’ll find reflections on energy and touch, personal healing journeys, and practical tools for daily balance — from Tai Chi and Reiki, to color therapy, tapping, Shiatsu techniques, and more.

Each article is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect — reminding us that through awareness, movement, and compassionate touch, we continue to grow together in the art of living.

Shiatsu in Malawi: An African Adventure Part Two

Teaching in Malawi By the second year, I began offering weekly classes at my home to four individuals. Two of them, César and Julia, whom...

Ivan BEL

Feb 105 min read

Shiatsu in Malawi: An African Adventure Part One

At the end of summer 2021, my whole family left Belgium, where we had lived for many years, to move to Malawi. This small, densely...

Ivan BEL

Jan 225 min read

Winter is Water Season

Winter is the season of Water. It is the most Yin of the elements, associated with the Jing, the vital essence stored deep in the...

Casper Valentine

Dec 13, 20243 min read

Indra’s Net and Shiatsu

I recently had two complimentary experiences that together helped to open my mind. The first was a Shiatsu workshop that focused on the...

Keith Strand

Oct 22, 20244 min read

The Protective Patterns of Trauma: Part Two

In Shiatsu therapy we learn that the Shen (the spirit) resides in the Heart and the Pericardium Heart protector is there to protect it.

Dealing with Trauma

Mihael Mamychshvili

Sep 26, 20248 min read

The Protective Patterns of Trauma: Part One

When I discovered that working with Trauma was my purpose, Shiatsu therapy was the vehicle that I chose

Dealing with Trauma

Mihael Mamychshvili

Sep 19, 20245 min read

Good Fire

Fire is vital to life. Inside of us, small fire powers our digestive system.

Five Elements Theory

Casper Valentine

Jul 24, 20244 min read

Gout: Can TCM Reduce Pain?

If untreated, gout can cause irreversible joint damage, chronic pain issues, as well as joint deformity

Acupressure

Joanne Faulkner

Jul 15, 20245 min read

Origins and Evolution of Makko Ho: From the Perspective of a Makko Ho Leader.

This article clarifies the use of the term Makko Ho Leader and provides information about the original source and history of Makko Ho

Makko Ho & Meridian Stretches

Keith Strand

Jul 8, 20245 min read

The Light We Give

The Shiatsu Summit would be the first time since maybe 2020 that I would be in a room with a large group of people...

Shiatsu Journeys

Casper Valentine

Jun 4, 20244 min read

Shiatsu Touch and Trauma

When experiences and memories are too distressing to be acknowledged or expressed, they are shut out of awareness...

Dealing with Trauma

Paula Derry

May 28, 20245 min read

1st Annual Shiatsu Summit 2024: The Power of Touch, Growing Together Through Shiatsu

After years of dreaming and discussing, over a year of planning, and networking we finally got together for our first Shiatsu Summit.

Shiatsu Journeys

Keith Strand

May 25, 20245 min read

Bone is More Than a Curious Organ

When we come back home to the body, we see that we are more than our thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Philosophy

Dawn Oei

May 21, 20248 min read

Coping with Trauma: the Body, the Mind, on the Threshold of the Spirit

Let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God. God is our life source and sustains our Ki energy. Trauma lodges in our bodies...

Dealing with Trauma

Jo'Anne Brancato

May 14, 20243 min read

Zen-Stretching: Energetic Harmony through Eastern Wisdom

Zen-Stretching improves posture, breathing, and stress management, contributing to greater physical and mental resilience.

Makko Ho & Meridian Stretches

Silvia Marchesa Rossi

May 7, 20241 min read

Acupoints and Exercise for Parkinson's.

Regular physical activity can help your mood, your energy levels, your balance and your motivation, but you need to plan it.

Joanne Faulkner

Apr 30, 20245 min read

Lokai Shiatsu Style (keiraku to shiatsu)of Shizuto Masunaga

Shiatsu is a simple act that allows one to energetically understand the meridians...

Shiatsu Journeys

Roberto Palasciano

Apr 10, 20244 min read

Shiatsu and Swimming

Doing slow, deliberate movement with breathing and 'flow' on land, would translate to easier movement through the water

Shiatsu Journeys

Jose Rios

Apr 5, 20244 min read

Three Essential Goals in Working with Trauma

When you’re working with trauma, this picture is a beautiful reminder of three essential goals: the first one is right there in the...

Mental Health

Nick Pole

Apr 2, 20246 min read

Learning from Wood

The Wood element is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder meridians.

Casper Valentine

Mar 31, 20244 min read