SeiKi in London: Life in Resonance

A two day workshop, spread over three days. An introduction to and exploration of SeiKi. Sei-Ki is not a technique – it is an approach to life. Perhaps it is the closest we can now get to real Zen Shiatsu. In Sei-Ki, although we work primarily with the subconscious, the emotions and the body, we point to the universal, to the aspect of being human that is eternal. On a Sei-Ki workshop you will be instructed in ways to observe, feel more deeply and develop skill in your hands. You will experience the depth of connection that is possible when we stop adding techniques and ways to diagnose. We discover what happens when we grow our attention and open to what is beyond form. Sei-Ki takes us to a place beyond ‘therapy’ to where the ordinariness of simple, safe touch becomes a Zen discipline.

The founder of Sei-Ki, Kishi Akinobu, was Masunaga’s top disciple. He was a well-travelled, influential figure in shiatsu, working in Europe and North America since the early 1970s. He influenced many who went on to found schools all around the world. In 1980, a satori experience transformed his work which he then called, Sei-Ki Soho, to mark the start of a new lineage. It is rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the purpose and aesthetic of the Japanese Arts. Rather than working from theory and applying techniques, it emphasizes feeling, experience and presence.

If you are a Shiatsu practitioner, we invite you to come along. You do not have to abandon shiatsu to appreciate and be inspired by Sei-Ki. You can catch a flavour of the Japanese roots of Shiatsu through the lens of Sei-Ki. For students of Sei-Ki, since the Way of Touch is grounded in beginners mind, whether you are a newcomer or old hand you will find much to enjoy and learn.

Dr Alice Whieldon has presented Sei-Ki for over 25 years. She worked closely with Kishi Akinobu until his death in 2012 and co-authored, Sei-Ki: Life in Resonance (2011, Kishi and Whieldon).

Alice is the Director of Sei-Ki Hub, founded with two friends and dedicated to furthering Sei-Ki as a profession and community. She also wrote, Clearing: the key to mindfulness mastery (2016). Additionally, Alice has degrees in Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology and taught in Higher Education for many years. She brings a forensic understanding of this work to her presentation of this work.

Teaching approach:

Demonstration is crucial to picking up the ‘feel’, qualities and basic form of Sei-Ki through active observation and, where possible, experiencing the direct touch of the instructor or assistant.

Practice is central to learning Sei-Ki. Guidance in the form of kata (exercises) will be given, as well as time to freely explore with the benefit of gentle supervision.

Discussion in the form of Q&A sessions and short talks to help students understand core principles in Sei-Ki.

The workshop times are:

Friday 1700-2000

Saturday 1000-1800

Sunday 1000-1400