learning kiatsu

[prophet]

Hi everyone,
This is my first post here. I am interested in kiatsu, and have been practising to the best of my ability both on myself and on my partner, who happens to be a reiki practitioner, and who says she definately notices "something" when I apply the technique. I have read Tohei sensei's book on the subject, and although I don't actually practise Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido I have several years experience in another style, which fundamentally also teaches the "four principles" of ki application/awareness - although they aren't labeled as such. I also practise ki breathing as per Tohei's advice.
What I'm after is comments from experienced kiatsu practitioners as to whether this is a good way to go about learning the art. I would actually like first hand tuition but finding a teacher is difficult, I have contacted several ki aikido groups in my country (Australia) about direct instruction but to no avail (they were quite helpful and friendly though!)
Any advice on learning or practise would be welcome, Thanks.

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Ki breathing is certainly very important for Kiatsu training, so that is a good start. Kiastu develops a certain quality of touch, and without some direct instruction, it's impossible to know if you are doing it correctly. The only certified Kiatsu schools are in Japan at Ki No Kenkyukai and in Portland Oregon with the Oregon Ki Society. Most Ki Society Instructors have had some training in Kiatsu, but very few put any strong emphasis on teaching it.

The most important thing in learning Kiatsu is to develop your own mind and body coordination. It is also important to get at least a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology.

I don't know any of the Ki Society instructors in Australia, so I can't advise you on where to receive instruction. Sory I can't be of more assistance.

[prophet]

Hi Mark,
Thanks very much for the reply. I agree that studying kiatsu by oneself is fairly dubious sounding, and that without personal instruction progress may be slow and "illegit", but so far the results speak for themselves. Without telling the subject what to expect of the treatment she reported and I also felt that the results were exactly as described in Kohei sensei's book.
I am hoping that in the future I can study at either location you mentioned for legitimate instruction, or that in the future some of those who have recieved this tuition will have the vision to spread kiatsu throughout the world.
I find it interesting however that Kohei has already published a well distributed book on the subject, a book that is often found in bookstores that don't even sell books on more well known things such as aikido itself. I'm under the impression that he wouldn't have done so if he didn't believe that people would be able to experience kiatsu themselves after having some kind of instruction on extending ki/chi/qi. Otherwise publishing the book itself would have been an entirely useless exercise, or at the very worst, a cynical ploy to market and popularise a little known and obscure healing art. I believe it was neither of the above.
Unfortunately, I'm not quite so sure that learning the art is as easy as the book itself makes out. It does not mention in it's pages that one needs to become a "registered therapist", and often claims that "anyone can learn kiatsu." I myself have only attempted to practise (in private of course) because I have an excellent aikido instructor who frequently talks about and demonstrates the workings of ki. It would be nice to say something like "anyone with at least a Shodan in aikido can practise kiatsu" but in my direct experience it ultimately comes down to an individual's personal sensitivity and their access to an experienced teacher of ki awareness.
I really do hope I can learn the correct way, as the last thing I want to do is become yet another bogus "alternative" therapist. I'm not out to get a client base as a healer. It already appears, after doing a google on kiatsu, that some already have started down the path of bastardising kiatsu and selling their own interpretation.
If there are other "amateurs" in my position, or if there are any other comments, please write. I have a geniune interest in the teaching and growth of this new art, and welcome further information on the subject. Cheers.    

[Rob_Pearce]

This is my first post here, Shiatsu is my thing, as well as the method taught by my teacher Akinobu Kishi which is Seiki Soho. We were lucky enough to be with him on a residential two years ago at Oomoto in Ayabe and Kameoka, and a breathing technique we use is the spiral spinal breath. Imagining heavens Ki entering through the very top of the head (like a dolphins blowhole) and down the spine to the Hara. Then try to feel the movement start from whichever one of the lumbar vertebrae you favour, it should be in a small spiral, but feel for it and see where yours comes from and what form it takes. Then if you can, feel the energy enter in a spiral, and from there take it up and out through the arms - ideally with your hands apart you should still feel a strong connection between them, but try that too.

Had a great time at Oomoto, would recommend it strongly if you get a chance to go, we did some Chinkon meditation, tea ceremony and even got a chance to try Wakura, a martial art based on the spiral idea of energy entering.

[fanman]

At this dojo in Sydney you can learn ki shiatsu, which I understand is similar to kiatsu:

http://www.shinsendojo.com.au/