Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

And Jesus said, "As you go, proclaim the good news. Cure the sick......." (Matthew 10.7)

What can be wrong with a therapy which helps others? Have no fear of conflicts between Christianity and Shiatsu. As long as the practitioner is working with love and good intent, then they are doing what Jesus told us to do.

With love and light,
Sue.

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

Hello, I am studying shiatsu currently & I have only found it to be respectful towards a person's body. One of my fellow students has a strong faith & even though we have not discussed the topic specifically, I know that he would not be there if he was not comfortable.

When some one comes for a session, there is no judgement, you just listen to what their body needs.
Hope that helps...
Anita x

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

ORIGINAL: Ripleykatzzzzz
Is Christianity and Shiatsu compatible?

Are there any specific aspects of Christianity that you are worried about in respect of Shiatsu?

Love and Reiki Hugs

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

Hi
Shiatsu isn't a religion, and any beliefs brought into the course material would only be the personal reflection of any teacher. People from all walks of life can learn shiatsu, without being conflicting to their beliefs in any way. And it is a wonderful form of giving, compassion for another being, respect, and self reflection, all of which are compatible with any religious or spiritual belief (IMO). I highly recommend it as a training.
Warmest wishes
Deelighted

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

:)Thank you for your query - I'm just concerned with what I skimmed over with reading about the 5 principles/elements?This was the role of 'the crone' in women's menaupausal health. This was a posting that led to a shiatsu website and I am aware this is perhaps a wiccan slant on the subject. I have been told that Shiatsu is not a religion and that any aspects other than the healing itself would be a reflection of my teacher. I am concerned however with essential element such as Yin and Yang and if they do in essence pull you away from Christ - hope that wasn't disrespectful to anyone. I fear the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but in respect to everything else, I'm no scaredy cat.

:DThank you everyone for your loving comments - respect and kindness coming your way, this I pray:D

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

Hi ya Ripleykatzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Like the other comments suggest, shiatsu is a form of bodywork not a religion, and certainly not Wicca.

The principles of yin/yang and the 5 elements are just ways ofunderstanding interelationships with the natural world, whether its theseasons or theinternal organs of the human body. It is not something you worship, these ideas are just a model to workwith like measuring length by a ruler. It is up to you if you measure in metric or imperial!

Because Yin/Yang (to be accurate Tai Chi) and the 5 Elements (some say 5 Phases)is a flexable, relative, qualitative system, anyone using this model will have a different opinion. The Orientals themselves are pragmatic and are happy to use such models whether they are Taoists, Buddhists, Muslims and even Christians. The Chinese call their cosmology a natural science, not something weird and esoteric.

One question I would like to ask you is: why do some (not all of course) Christians see complementary therapies as EVIL, yet it is OK to go to the Doctor and be drugged up to the eyeballs before looking more natural methods?

Best Wishes

Dave The Reiki Pixie

Reiki, Thai Massage & Tai Chi - Qi Gong Practitioner/Teacher

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

Hi there Reiki Pixie,

well I'll show ye me pasty!!!!!:D[:'(]:)

Thank you for replying to my fears and worries (actually I am a wee bit of a scaredy cat )- I'm afraid that in some denominations there is a general suspicion of Eastern and mystical culture. I do however like the idea of using a Taoist explanation to work from, like a kind of science. In my opinion, to be an open-mindedChristian is a bit of a rwrestling match. I read in a book called 'Freedom in Christ' that yoga is something that could place you in bondage, much to my dismay as I'm attracted to the benefits it could bring.

I understand that to be spiritually pure and holy is an attractive thing, some philosophies and practices may not be helpful yet I do get the feeling there is a small-mindedness in the church.

At best I try to practice things with integrity, go to God directly and to coin the phrase 'Speak my truth' - even this was frowned upon in a sermon!

RE: Christian Ethics & Shiatsu

Hi ya Ripley

If your faith is strong, don't let anybody tell you what to do and how to do it! Personally I can't see what's wrong in utilising what you need for your personal and spiritual development. If practising (Hatha) Yogahelps you feel better, allows youto have more energy to help and be of service to others, why not just do it?Most Yoga classes are mainly physical poses and breathing exercises, and most certainly won't be converting you to Hinduism. Most students of Yoga don't know what Hinduism is and don't care (load of weirdy nonsense they would say). They are just doing it for physical benefits and stress management! Only a few classes chant and play with their chakras. If you don't wish to do that, don't do it.

As a Taoist (not something I generally mention as it's not that important) I take quite a laid back view. For example, reading about the healing work of Jesus Christis very inspiring, but the Christian religion "doesn't float my boat"! My Tai Chi classes are full of people of all walks of life and beliefs (including Christians) - they are belief in what they like. When I practice massage and healing therapies I don't have any religous icons etc because of respectfor others. Unfortunately many therapists will ram Angels, Buddha's and badly drawn spirit guidepictures down people's throats. Very unprofessional.

Wishing the best on your journey.

Dave the Reiki Pixie