Chi.  A simple word that conjures images of magic and mystery.  The concept is quite simple: Chi is life, without Chi, life ceases.  Where there is an imbalance, there will be ill health.  But what IS it?

Science has been trying to explain this for a long time, and whilst we are closer than ever to understanding it, Chi remains magical, as it should.

Let us look at Chi in the context of the human condition.  According to the ancients, we inherit our Pre Natal Chi from our parents (remember, our mother's ovums developed whilst she grew within her mother, so we are highly influenced by the health of our grandmothers).  This Pre Natal Chi, the spark of life, known as Jing, is considered our Essence.  It is what makes us who we are. Although Jing is incredibly potent, it is finite and cannot sustain us on its own for very long.The moment we are born, we have to supplement it with Post Natal Chi, which we create from the air we breathe and the food we consume. Jing cannot be increased, but if we look after ourselves, we will use more Post Natal Chi, and less Jing, thus only using our Jing sparingly, providing the conditions for a longer and healthier life. If we do not consume good quality food and air, the Post Natal Chi will be of poor quality and we will have to consume more Jing, using up our supply faster.

Many people are skeptical about Chi. I even once encountered a vicar that would not allow Tai Chi to be practiced in their church hall.  However, if we strip away all the poetry of the ancients, we can all get on board with some very simple scientific facts:

E=MC2 - all matter is made of energy

Every living cell requires an exchange of energy to survive 

Every bodily process, from digestion to muscular contractions, requires energy.

The human energy field has been measured up to 5m away from the body.

So, energy, whether you call it Chi or not, is part of the natural process of living.  I prefer the more poetic language of the ancients, but also love that science is beginning to recognise what the ancients knew.

Wow, it's been a long time since I wrote a blog!  I have to confess that I am not overly enthusiastic about blogging and social media, so it is often very low on my list of priorities.  However, I find myself on the cusp on starting at a new clinic and thought it was probably about time I updated my website, including a blog.

I am very excited to be starting at The Lotus Studio in Highams Park in Summer 2025.  The Studio's principles fit perfectly with Shiatsu, most shiatsu practitioners also practice Yoga and/or Tai Chi, due to the focus on balancing energy.  The room itself is calm, clean and bright, a real joy and a huge contrast from some of my early experiences, where the rooms were often dark and felt quite cramped.

Whilst I continue to support my current client base, I am hoping to build a new network in Highams Park.  I've been seeing most of my clients for over 10 years, and whilst my family were growing up, I was happy with the status quo.  However, I now find myself ready to get in touch with new people and hope that my community are as interested in trying Shiatsu as I am in introducing it to them.

I hope to see you at the Lotus Studio soon!