Glasgow School of Shiatsu
We provide structured, student centred training in Shiatsu and Acupressure.
The Glasgow School of Shiatsu practice style is Zen Shiatsu.
In 1st year we use the Chinese Theory of Five Elements as a framework for teaching the classical meridians and an understanding of energetics.
2nd and 3rd year teaching is focused on Zen Shiatsu theory and practice, with a wider and deeper range of techniques and professional outlook presented in 3rd year (Shiatsu Unlimited).
Our attitude is that learning should be
- Open to everyone
- relevant to your own health and wellbeing
- grounded in practical Shiatsu technique
- experiential
- inspiring
Past Teachers include
Liz Arundel who specialises in Shintai-Shiatsu and was a guest teacher in 2022.
Vicky Smyth who produced the drawings for the popular Zen Shiatsu colouring book:
The Extended Meridians of Zen Shiatsu (co-authored with Elaine Liechti).
Lisa Snelling who has 18 years of experience in Shiatsu in private practice and in the NHS.
Mike Webster who created Waveform Energetics.
For details of the current teaching team see Teachers page.
School director Elaine Liechti with her published book ‘The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu‘ in 1998.
Elaine with her most recent published book ‘The Extended Meridians of Zen Shiatsu‘, which was co authored with Vicky Smyth, in 2017.
Elaine receiving flowers from graduates in 2019.
History of Glasgow School of Shiatsu
The Glasgow School of Shiatsu was set up in 1986 to provide an extended and structured training in Shiatsu at a time when there were few such courses. The School was one of the first to gain Ratified status from the Shiatsu Society in January 2002.
We have always taught from the centre of Glasgow, with its excellent travel links, and have welcomed students from the Borders and England to the Highlands and Islands. From early days in the Theosophical Society’s building, we moved to support the Glasgow Steiner School by renting rooms regularly. Our own premises on St Georges Rd proved not ideal so we moved to our current venue, the Tibetan Buddhist Centre KSD House near Charing Cross some 10 years ago.
Over the years we have graduated many people: some of whom have set up successful Shiatsu practices, some have moved into other therapy fields and some took the course for self help and personal development.
See the Graduates page.