SYM shiatsu school

International School Shiatsu Yoga Mediterraneo

Professional Training
in
Zen Shiatsu and Hatha Yoga
since 1997

The Shiatsu and Yoga School SYM offers professional training in Zen Shiatsu and Yoga in the form of diploma courses, as well as workshops and retreats in Spain.

SYM (Shiatsu Yoga Mediterraneo Ltd) was founded by Gerry Rixen, with the aim of sharing the tremendous benefits and the enjoyment found in giving and receiving Shiatsu with the wider public.

SYM's second objective is to provide professional training for future practitioners. The SYM curriculum therefore follows the requirements of both the Shiatsu Society and the European Shiatsu Federation, ESF.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a healing art derived from traditional Japanese and Chinese massage systems. In Japan it is officially recognised as a therapy.

In Shiatsu we work essentially with our hands, fingers and thumbs (but sometimes also with forearms and knees) to stimulate the receiver's vital energy, Qi or Prana. In this way it is possible to work on all physical, physiological as well as emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the receiver.

Shiatsu is therefore very effective as many problems and illnesses manifest on several levels simultaneously.

Considered at a simple level, a Shiatsu treatment will induce profound relaxation helping the receiver get more deeply in touch with his own inner being. This in itself can sometimes be enough to bring about profound changes.

Shiatsu can be very effective in treating postural or muscular problems, as well as respiratory, cardiac, digestive, hormonal, nervous, skin, or genito-urinal complaints, in addition to psychological issues ranging from stress to anxiety, emotional trauma, fear, depression, etc.

For those interested in studying Shiatsu, it is not just a case of acquiring a great skill but also a form of self-development. Indeed it is not sufficient to develop and improve only theoretical and technical aspects of Shiatsu but empathy, awareness and intuition are necessary in order to experience and work with energy in a truly holistic manner.

What is Yoga ?

Yoga is essentially a method of self development or self improvement of each individual's physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacities. Regular practice develops our body and subtle energy systems promoting higher awareness and perception.

In this sense yoga is a therapy and not just a workout. It is both preventive and curative. It may help us to simply keep fit or to surmount great problems, helping us bring more balance and harmony into our lives as well as guiding us towards our higher self. Above all it is a great pleasure to practice and everyone can and should practice according to their own individual capacities, not forcing the body into unnatural postures but practised with real enjoyment.

There are five main features of Hatha Yoga practise :

• Asanas or yoga postures are practiced to tone and relax the muscles, improve posture, massage the internal organs and circulate vital energy (prana or ki) in the body. Yoga also stimulates circulation of blood and lymph, calms the nerves, improves digestion and libido and works in fact on all body systems.
  Practising asanas also helps us develop concentration, breath and will power.
• Pranayamas are special breathing exercises that slow down breathing and help regulate the flow of energy in the body.
• Relaxation helps us to relax at will - both our physical body as well as our mind. These exercises can be done any time, especially after more strenuous exercises and when stress accumulates and
  we feel a need for it.
• Meditation helps us calm the mind so that we may rise above simple emotional reactions and develop serenity and mental composure.
• Yogic nutrition is based on eating fresh, wholesome and nutritious foods to strengthen and energise body and mind. Good digestion is fundamental to health and also leads to more balanced
  emotions, better concentration and improved meditation.
• Yogic Philosophy helps us to answer the fundamental questions of: Who we are; Where we come from and Where we are going. This is not religious dogma but a philosophy of life. Indian philosophy has universal appeal and one may readily find parallels in other cultures such as ancient Greece, Egypt or China.

Yoga Teacher Training.

For more information see our dedicated site holidayoga.com.