CNHC advise that this is the wording acceptable to the Advertising Standards Authority to avoid any complaints.

Descriptor

Shiatsu is a touch based therapy that applies pressure to areas of the surface of the body through loose comfortable clothing for the purpose of promoting and maintaining wellbeing.

A Shiatsu practitioner will initially consult with the client and plan the Shiatsu treatment. The client will then be positioned comfortably, with appropriate adjustments being made throughout the session. Clear and accurate aftercare advice will be given.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally means finger pressure and derives its theoretical and practical roots from the ancient traditions of Oriental medicine.

Today it is an autonomous treatment method influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Western knowledge. In addition to being regularly used by thousands of people all over the world, a variety of charities, health foundations, NHS trusts and hospitals in the United Kingdom provide Shiatsu to support patients whilst receiving treatment for a range of health issues and to help them maintain their general wellbeing.

 Choosing a practitioner 

It is important to choose a qualified shiatsu practitioner who has undertaken all the necessary training to understand the theory and practice of shiatsu.

You can check whether a shiatsu practitioner is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) by searching the register at www.cnhc.org.uk. By choosing shiatsu practitioners registered with the CNHC you can be confident that they are properly trained, qualified and insured.

Minutes of Previous Meeting were agreed an accurate record of that meeting.

Matters arising from Previous Meeting were covered in the reports from the Focalisers as below.

 1    Focalisers Report

The meeting welcomed Michael and Sue as Focalisers and thanked Kris for his work as Focaliser.  Kris remains as Membership Focaliser.  Liz continues to represent the Society at Shiatsu Representatives UK (SR-UK).  Sue continues as CPD.  It was noted that the position of Treasurer was still vacant.

 Michael and Sue reported they had co-opted Doug from the Focaliser Matrix to represent the Society at the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) meeting of Professional Associations (PAs).  Doug’s report is at para 4 below.

 2    Finances Report

Kris reported that the financial position was healthy in that there was money in the bank and all expenses were covered by donation.

 The Society made a donation of £250 to the Japan Society towards helping the victims of the natural disasters in Japan.

3    Shiatsu Representative Group -

Liz reported by email that SR-UK was continuing to develop a Core Curriculum in line with CNHC requirements.

 4    Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council Report

 Advertising Guidance

Society welcomes the CNHC guidelines for practitioner advertising agreed with the Advertising Standards Authority.  These have been circulated to members and posted on the Society blog.

CNHC has named the ‘Nightingale Group’ as the one targeting complementary therapists advertising claims that could not be evidenced.

Members should use the same descriptions as on the CNHC web site.

 Profession-Specific Board (PSB)

Kris reported that Carol Dean has been replaced by Suzanne Yates, and explained the PSB selection/election process.

CNHC has informed PSBs that PSB members will no longer be funded for attendance at PSB meetings.  Kris mentioned that this does not affect his position as our members are accustomed to voluntary work.

PSB is evolving into a Professional Standards Board,

 CNHC Registration

Requirements have not changed and our membership validation continues compliant.

 CNHC have announced an initiative to raise standards, from the baseline of ‘safety’ to a defined level of ‘competence.’  To this end, CNHC has instructed PSBs to deliver

Core Curricula mapped to NOS with Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria by September 2012.  See para 5 below.

 5    Shiatsu Standards re Core Curriculum

It was agreed that the Society would make the ZSS Curriculum available under licence once pending updates had been made. 

Action:  Kris to gather input from Focalisers and complete update by end of August then, as copyright holder, to licence ZSS Curriculum to the Society.

  6    Continuing Professional Development -

CNHC Requirements are different from our Society requirements, and no guidelines for monitoring have been issued by CNHC.

It was agreed that the Society should keep CPD under review, assess the implications for members, and investigate methods of monitoring.

Action:  CPD Focaliser.

 7    Any other business

It was agreed that the membership should be circulated seeking nominations for the post of Treasurer.

Action: Membership Focaliser

 There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.45 pm

Our Zen Shiatsu Society Charter is to support students, practitioners and teachers of Zen Shiatsu in their practical, personal and spiritual development.

We acknowledge the National Occupational Standard definition of Shiatsu as a touch based therapy that applies pressure to areas of the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting imbalances, and maintaining and promoting health (UK Standard CH13)

We recognises Zen Shiatsu as a mindful approach to contact-healing based on the organ-meridian networks of Oriental Medicine in their physical, energetic and spiritual aspects

The Zen Shiatsu Society is a member of Shiatsu Representatives UK and is affiliated with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and validates Practitioners for the CNHC National Register.