Sei-Ki: Soul Medicine | Hamburg

A three day Sei-Ki Workshop in Hamburg by Alice Whieldon with expert assistant Alexandra Gelny.

‘The founder of Sei-Ki, Kishi Akinobu, was once asked by a student what Sei-Ki was. On this occasion, he responded that Sei-Ki is soul medicine. I particularly like this; it sounds to me both warm and practical; it is exactly the kind of help I might look for and describes Sei-Ki perfectly.’ – Alice Whieldon

In this context, the soul is that aspect of ourselves that is most quintessentially who we are. It is not the changeable parts, like body, emotions or even the mind. It is the inner sense of self or the real ‘me’; the bit that doesn’t change; the bit, you might say, that is perfect the way it is. But if it is already perfect why would the soul need any kind of medicine?

In Alice’s experience, it is not that the soul needs medical attention, it clearly does not. But we need help. We need help to get out from under the weight of our troubles, be they troubles of mind, body or emotion. We need help, maybe just a little, at the right moment, to be able to be more who we really are. When we are more who we are, then we are healthier, even if our bodies carry aches and pains.

When this ‘me’, the most personal aspect of us is seen and heard by someone who wishes us well, we simultaneously recognise our own discomfort and, as we become more aware of it, we can put it down. Once our burdens are set down, the true ‘me’, the part that was always OK, can step forward. We can take a more measured view on life and pain. It is a relief, and we can breathe again. When I am seen in this way, my innate wellness shines through.

It is in this way that Sei-Ki is medicine; it is balm for the soul. It is not that the soul is ‘mended’ through Sei-Ki touch, for there is nothing to mend, but the diamond in the mud is located and dusted down. This simply feels better; it feels good to locate myself in all the noise of the world and I can be more ‘myself’.

Kishi Akinobu was a consummate Shiatsu practitioner, graduate of the Japan Shiatsu College and senior disciple of Masunaga for 10 years. Sei-Ki evolved in this fertile arena and Kishi was a master in his own right. In this workshop, students of Shiatsu will recognise a family likeness and can experience a flavour of the Japanese approach that can only enhance and inform their work. Students primarily interested in Sei-Ki can share and deepen their practice.

This workshop will include demonstrations, instruction, practice and discussion of Sei-Ki touch. The aim is that you will leave the workshop more informed, more skilled and breathing more freely than when you arrived.

Who it is for

This course is open to participants with or without prior experience in Sei-Ki; to shiatsu practitioners as well as anyone interested in touch-based treatment methods.