The ESF Symposium

21-23 February 2025

For the first time ever, the Shiatsu associations of Europe came together to map out a strategy for the future of our profession.

ESF and non-ESF organisations alike  sent representatives to reflect upon what has been, discuss what is ongoing and together look forward to a bright and united future.

Even where there currently exists no association, key players in local European Shiatsu communities  attended and contributed.

When the ESF reoriented itself in 2018, two broad strategic ideas were projected:

– Shiatsu Without Borders – cooperation across all boundaries
– European Qualifications Framework – recognition via education

Shiatsu Without Borders has spawned mass zoom planning sessions, global meditations, The Quintalogue, a yearly five-way conversation on major themes pertaining to Shiatsu and Shiatsu Resources Worldwide, a website and facebook page dedicated to spreading inspiring stories of success in the global Shiatsu community..

The Austrian Shiatsu Association (ÖDS) has, after many trials and tribulations, achieved Level Six according to the standards of the NQF, the National Qualifications Framework. This is exactly identical to Level Six in the EQF and indicates a very high level of autonomy. It therefore marks a major turning point in the professional development of Shiatsu in Europe.

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