Body and mind are inseparable!

Natural cycles.

Animal shiatsu is based on the dynamics of the Five Elements and the duality of Yin and Yang.
These principles are considered universal. They govern the laws of both the macrocosm (the cosmos) and the microcosm (nature, our bodies).

The view of life in all its aspects (physical, environmental, spiritual, emotional, social, etc.) is called cosmogony. It encompasses everything from caring for the body to how we eat, how we connect with spirituality, how we form society, and so on.
It influences every aspect of a culture. Since we are steeped in Western culture, we share assumptions that are not universal.
For example, in Western European countries (unlike in Northern and Eastern Europe), we are very attached to the world of form and much less so to the invisible aspect. Even though this latter aspect has been regaining importance since the latest research in quantum physics.
The Far Eastern perspective, on the other hand, considers the interconnection of all things to be self-evident, as well as the vibrational origin of matter.

The Dynamics of the Five Elements:

We are composed of the five elements, which influence our physical and emotional balance.
Just like every living being on the planet, and every natural cycle!
Each element corresponds to a season, a color an organ, a viscera, an emotion, a flavor*, etc.
They nourish or control one another. And their harmonious interactions ensure overall balance.

Wood: spring,
Fire: summer,
Earth: Indian summer, inter-season,
Metal: autumn,
Water: winter,


When one element is out of balance, it throws the others off balance.
For example: a summer heat wave (excess Fire element) will disrupt fruiting and water resources, thereby impacting autumn, which in turn will impact winter… this cascading imbalance can be restored by the elements regulating one another. In the example of the heat wave, a cold, rainy, or snowy winter can rebalance the system, with the Water element tempering the Fire element.

It’s the same in our bodies and minds. If we’re too anxious—an Earth imbalance—we may tend to eat too much sugar and not exercise enough. This will further exacerbate our imbalance. We may then shift into a Metal imbalance: feeling less inclined to go out and socialize.
If, on the other hand, to calm anxiety, we get moving by going for a walk: anxiety will decrease and we’ll stay physically fit. We’ve balanced the anxiety (Earth) through movement (Wood).

In short

These five elements, lodges , or movements correspond to the seasons, organs and viscera, emotions, and ways of being in the world.
Every individual possesses, within their personality, varying degrees of the five elements. However, some are often more pronounced than others.
Based on the proportions of the five elements, we can determine a unique energy profile specific to each individual.

This profile will determine how well the animal adapts to life’s ups and downs and its emotional sensitivity.
Each animal will thus have, based on its unique profile, specific needs and preferred ways of communicating that will allow its owner, once these characteristics are identified, to offer it an appropriate approach and activities.
When these needs are not met, the imbalance may result in inappropriate or excessive behaviors and/or physical disorders.

The Yin-Yang duality: opposition AND complementarity.

Represented by the famous taiji symbol, Yin and Yang embody the duality present in all things. They are the complementary forces essential to manifestation: day and night, black and white, hot and cold.
One cannot exist without the other, and their balance ensures harmony. Together, they are unity.
Yin: feminine, interiority, depth, chronicity, cold, moon.
Yang: masculine, expansion, surface, inflammation, heat, sun

We have both principles within us: the feminine and masculine attributes are not divisive and do not define us, but rather require balance within each of us.

My Instagram posts https://www.instagram.com/horse.and.balance.shiatsu/

Shiatsu: a hands-on practice that combines analysis and intuition.

Based on these principles, equine and canine shiatsu aims to restore energy balance by stimulating the free flow of Qi.
Using their hands, the practitioner (shiatsu-ki) applies pressure to the energy meridians (a sort of “channel” through which Qi circulates throughout the body). They release tension in blocked areas through tapping and stretching. There are different types of shiatsu, depending on the schools in Japan. Some also use “moxas,” glowing mugwort sticks, to stimulate certain tsubos (energy points). Moxas are derived from the Chinese medicinal tradition.

In shiatsu, as in Chinese energy medicine, the practitioner’s posture is very important.
The same applies to their mindset and lifestyle: in Eastern tradition, the shiatsuki must apply all these principles to themselves first and foremost (yes, charity begins at home! :)). And of course, they must approach their client with humility and non-judgmental acceptance.

The practitioner's posture, or shiatsuki.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the shiatsuki (practitioner) must be balanced in order to provide the patient with truly effective care.
The same is true for shiatsu, which follows in the footsteps of this tradition and has adopted its philosophy and practices.

Healthy lifestyle:

It involves a healthy, seasonal diet— —that follows the principles of the Five Elements and the balance of yin and yang. This diet contributes to the practitioner’s physical and emotional harmony throughout the year— .

A healthy lifestyle also involves taking walks in nature, treating others with respect, and distancing oneself as much as possible from negative environments, in order to cultivate inner peace and serenity, fostering joy and a spirit of sharing.

Spiritual and physical practices:

Meditation is an integral part of a shiatsuki’s daily life in the Japanese tradition. It can be practiced while seated (zazen) or in motion (zen). One can meditate indoors or in natural settings. In any case, meditation allows one to center oneself and avoid scattering one’s energy.
Furthermore, providing hands-on care is no trivial matter. It is important to be sufficiently grounded so as not to absorb the recipient’s ailments—and vice versa.

Qi Gong is a very slow and deliberate physical practice that allows you to explore every part of your body and work on your own meridians. Qi Gong helps you improve your flexibility from the inside out: through the flow of Qi.

Do-in is a set of self-massage techniques. These techniques help awaken the body’s energy, maintain physical fitness, and calm the mind. You can focus on the fascia, the meridian pathways, or specific points, depending on your needs at the time.
As a daily ritual—even if it’s just for a few minutes—do-in enhances your awareness of yourself and the world.

*Chinese dietary therapy employs flavors, cooking methods, colors, and the yin-yang properties of foods to achieve a subtle balance.

For more information:

Shiatsu for Dummies. The book is very comprehensive and includes plenty of Do-In techniques (self-shiatsu) https://www.decitre.fr/livres/shiatsu-et-reflexologie-pour-les-nuls-9782754009812.html