As we move beyond the summer solstice, the days begin to slowly shorten, even as the warmth of summer intensifies. This is the height of summer—a time when heat, light, and activity are at their fullest expression. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this period is...
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Traditional Chinese Medicine
Summer Fire Element: Embracing Joy and Connection
As summer arrives, nature bursts into full expression—warmth, vibrancy, and light fill the air. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season corresponds to the Fire Element, symbolizing joy, connection, and heart energy. At the Shiatsu Bodywork Academy in...
What Happens at a Shiatsu Retreat? Behind the Scenes
For many newcomers, the idea of joining a Shiatsu retreat can feel both exciting and mysterious. What really happens over a weekend of mindful movement, bodywork, and connection? At the Shiatsu Bodywork Academy in ÅŒkaihau, Northland, our retreats are designed to help...
Five Element Theory for Beginners: An Embodied Guide
The Five Element Theory is one of the cornerstones of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Shiatsu bodywork. While it can be approached as a philosophical model, it is also deeply embodied, inviting us to feel and experience the elements within our bodies, emotions,...
Introduction: Reconnecting Through the Five Elements
The Five Elements in TCM In a world increasingly disconnected from nature’s rhythms, the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—offer a timeless blueprint for holistic wellbeing. At Shiatsu Bodywork Academy in Ōkaihau,...
Autumn Shiatsu Retreat Reflections – A Weekend of Boundaries, Letting Go, and Deep Connection
A group of women gathered in a new and differently beautiful location for our Autumn Shiatsu Retreat. This retreat was unlike any we’ve hosted before—not only because it marked our final regular gathering in the Bay of Plenty, but also because it was held in a very...





