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In a year that has disrupted routines, separated us from friends and family, and provoked a range of strong emotions, one thing is clear: we need touch, as a basic human necessity, as much as we need shelter, food and warmth.
The gentle compassionate touch of Shiatsu can be learned and practised by anyone, and shared with loved ones, as an easy and accessible form of self-care. We are releasing a free-to-download resource every two weeks starting December 4th, and running to the end of January 2021. Check out the links below!
The resources provide tips and guidance on Shiatsu-based practices such as stretches, acupressure, breathwork and dietary suggestions. Each resource theme is specific to how we may be feeling and the support we need at this time of year.
| Topic | Good for | Download the resource |
| Shiatsu for Boosting Energy | Increasing energy, feeling more like yourself | FREE RESOURCE |
| Shiatsu for SAD | Low mood, finding peace, calm | FREE RESOURCE |
| Shiatsu for Embodiment | Grounding, connecting with self | FREE RESOURCE |
| Shiatsu for a Positive New Year | Points and practices for positivity, moving forwards, future vision | FREE RESOURCE |
| Shiatsu for Mental Health | Relieving stress/anxiety in body/mind | FREE RESOURCE |
| Shiatsu for Winter Wellness | Colds, immunity, respiratory health | FREE RESOURCE |
SIGN UP HERE to receive the resources straight to your inbox as soon as they are released
Why now?
We know touch is as essential to our existence as shelter, food and warmth - but given the physical restrictions this year it is likely that many of us have been left feeling ‘touch-hungry’ and in urgent need of supportive and compassionate touch. As Shiatsu Practitioners we know that without an adequate level of positive touch, people can feel lonely and depressed.
It follows that touch has arguably become one of this year’s hot topics in wellness circles. The BBC explored this with its excellent Radio 4 Anatomy of Touch and within this the Touch Test, an online study commissioned by Wellcome Collection in collaboration with BBC Radio 4. This identified nine key findings and perhaps one of the most pertinent is that “People who like interpersonal touch tend to have higher levels of well-being and lower levels of loneliness”.
Of course, this is probably nothing new in the Shiatsu world but it’s encouraging to see studies and findings on this being shared in mainstream media. The more positive touch we experience right now, the more feel-good hormones (such as oxytocin) that we can benefit from to lift mood and calm the body. Let’s not forget that touch isn’t just important for now - we each need touch, for life.
How to get involved
Download the resources from the SSUK website homepage or the SSUK Facebook page, and leave a comment letting us know how you find the practices shared. These are simple things that everyone can do to feel their best through these cold winter months, please share these resources with friends and family too!
Thank you
We appreciate the support of all the Member Practitioners who contributed ideas to the Touch for Life resources.