What happened in the first quarter at SSUK?
We started the year fully dedicated to our mission to promote and support the highest standards of Shiatsu practice across all communities. In 2026, our focus is on helping more and more people Get in Touch with Shiatsu.
Why? Because we believe Shiatsu has the power to change lives from the inside out. It is a holistic form of therapeutic bodywork that is yet to receive the recognition it deserves, and we are determined to change that. As such, we are prioritising Shiatsu research and supporting our Shiatsu practitioners with the tools and resources needed to develop their practice and raise awareness of Shiatsu across different communities.
You've probably seen many of our initiatives on social media, and taken part in some of our workshops - but there is also a lot going on behind the scenes. Let's find out what happened during the first quarter of the year in the Shiatsu Society community!
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We've offered three online workshops for professional development.
Our aim is to create an educational space for our practitioners to rely on, offering FREE or heavily subsidised workshops on topics that support professional and personal development.
In January, we met online to learn more about Neurodiversity in an Awareness Training for Shiatsu Society Members organised by Lunah Training.
In February, Shiatsu Researchers Leisa Bellmore and Lisa Snelling held a free interactive workshop called "Every Practitioner has a Case Story: How to write a Shiatsu Case Report" teaching practitioners how to turn a client's experience into research by writing a case report.
In March, Antonia Hruscovschi, SSUK Marketing Manager, hosted a free workshop called "Marketing for Shiatsu Practitioners", guiding our members on how to promote their services and find clients they love working with while remaining aligned with the values of Shiatsu.
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We allocated £3000 to help our members expand their client networks.
Our aim is to help more people Get in Touch with Shiatsu, and since we pride ourselves on our Shiatsu practitioners, we have offered a £50 bursary to 60 members interested in growing their client network. The funds are being used to subsidise two Shiatsu treatments for people who have never experienced Shiatsu before. This means 120 people experiencing a Shiatsu session for the very first time!
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We launched a brand new Practitioner Profile function.
Our aim is to make it easy for clients to reach our Shiatsu practitioners. Our members now have access to a platform where they can host their own mini-website for people to connect with them directly. They can showcase their expertise, enhance their professionalism and expand their client networks as part of their membership, without any additional costs or booking commission. Discover the brand new Practitioner Register.
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We held two Conscious Conversations.
Our aim is to bring together some of the most familiar voices that have contributed to the expansion of Shiatsu and give you an insight into their journeys. The Conscious Conversations series currently has 12 episodes available on our YouTube channel.
In January, Michael Rose, one of the founding members of the Shiatsu Society, shared with us how his 50-year Shiatsu journey began. In this conversation, we covered what it was like working with his most influential teachers, as well as Michael's unique approach to Shiatsu with influences from Sufi and Zen traditions, music and martial arts. There are a few more nuggets of wisdom that you'll discover once you listen to the episode.
In February, Nick Pole brought a fresh perspective by sharing his passion for Clean Language and how it works with Shiatsu and other somatic therapies. We also looked at why 'embodiment' is such a buzz word now, even among psychotherapists and coaches, as well as the difference between 'doing' and 'non-doing' - why it's important to find balance through presence and connection. Are you curious to find out more? Watch the full episode here.
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We launched and completed two impactful surveys.
Our aim is to ensure that our work continues to reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of our members. As such, the research team carried out an analysis of two significant surveys. On the one hand, the Public Awareness Survey focused on the awareness level of Shiatsu as a modality that stands on its own as well as in comparison to other practices. The results of this survey are shaping our strategic direction, both in terms of research and communication.
Secondly, the Shiatsu Society Membership Survey focused on understanding the needs, priorities and aspirations of our Shiatsu community. We truly value the voices of our members. This survey was a key opportunity for members to share their views on what is working well, where they would like to see change, and how SSUK can best support them as a student, occasional practitioner, or long-established therapist. The results of this survey will directly inform future decisions on member services, communications, professional support, and research.
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We've published another edition of the Shiatsu Society Journal.
Our aim with the Shiatsu Society Journal is to become the go-to place for news and information for Shiatsu practitioners, enthusiasts, and friends. As the only magazine in the UK exclusively dedicated to the Shiatsu community, the Journal is published every quarter and is packed with resources, interesting articles and news from the Shiatsu community.
If you haven't already, make sure to check out the latest edition!
The first quarter of the year was creative, resourceful, and a solid foundation for the exciting projects that we have lined up for the rest of the year. Thank you for being part of our Shiatsu community.