CONFERENCES

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A Milestone: The 2025 ESF Symposium in Brussels

 

A Historic Moment for Shiatsu in Europe

On February 22, 2025, history was made in Brussels. For the very first time, representatives of Shiatsu associations from all over Europe and key players from countries in which such associations don’t exist yet gathered together. Hosted by the European Shiatsu Federation, this landmark symposium brought together an impressive 56 participants from 22 different countries, including members of the International Shiatsu Network (ISN). The event marked a significant milestone in fostering unity, collaboration and shared vision within the European Shiatsu community.

ESF president, Chris McAlister, began by recounting the origins of the ESF and, more importantly, detailing the strategies and hopes for recognition of Shiatsu as an autonomous profession.

Over the past few years, the European Shiatsu Federation has undergone significant changes, opening up to all involved parties through its “Shiatsu Without Borders” initiative. ESF focus is on the future of Shiatsu, its organization at the European level, and its accessibility to all national Shiatsu organisations. The entire board was present at the symposium, and the remarkable effort of bringing together representatives from 22 countries was widely acknowledged. 

 

Recognition of Shiatsu Through the EQF System

The main topic of this symposium was the proposal for the recognition of Shiatsu training through the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This path, opened by the Austrian Shiatsu Federation (ÖDS), represents both a glimmer of hope for our profession and proof that recognition is possible. Eduard Tripp gave a presention that covered the background to the EQF system, the development of the Austrian application and the implications for European Shiatsu moving forward.

Throughout the afternoon, participants and representatives gathered in discussion groups to develop ideas for a common future strategy. These ideas were then formulated in the plenary session, and a series of proposals and action points were arrived at.

 

Conclusion

This first European Symposium enabled all participants and representatives to understand that we have arrived at a possible turning point that could potentially mark a historic moment for our profession in Europe.

Through this symposium, the ESF has demonstrated consistency in pursuing its new approach: to work together with national associations, including those outside the ESF, towards the common goal of European recognition. The Brussels symposium was the first of its kind on this scale and showed that it is possible for our profession to leave debates about association affiliations and different Shiatsu styles behind and work towards a common goal across association boundaries.

For the first time in the history of Shiatsu, large numbers of key players have come together to exchange ideas and work together to gain a clearer understanding of the needs and levels of development in different countries and possible joint steps that might be taken.

Never before has there been such a broad, transnational grassroots movement willing to work together across borders to gain Europe-wide recognition for Shiatsu.

 

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First European Parliament Conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM

The conference was organised by EFCAM

The first ever conference at the European institutions on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM, took place on Tuesday October 9th in the European Parliament. It was accompanied by a three day exhibition that had demonstrations of reflexology and Shiatsu, where visitors could sample those modalities. Stands and posters illustrating CAM modalities, providing publications and information on access to and uses of the modalities were also displayed.

CAM Conf. Summary report

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Below are the presentation files presented during the conference.

Introduction to CAM: An Innovative Healthcare Practice

Prof. Andrew Long

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Simona Dragan

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine and chronic disease management

Prof. Dr. Erik W. Baars

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Innovative use of CAM in health care and public health systems

Associate Professor Torkel Falkenberg

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine for innovative partnerships

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Dominik Irnich

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Patients’ motivations for and use of CAM

Prof. Helle Johannessen

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Costs and cost-effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Claudia M. Witt

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Evidence-base and effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Prof. Dr. Gustav Dobos

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