The Importance of Deep Contact and Deep Rhythm in Shiatsu with Wilfried Rappenecker

In Europe, Shiatsu is predominantly carried out quite superficially. However, as in the Japanese tradition, clear, deep physical contact is essential for good and effective Shiatsu. This deep contact is specific to Shiatsu and distinguishes our work from other types of body therapy.

Two important aspects interact here: first, clearly perceptible physical contact deep within the tissue, and second, the relaxed and focused presence of the practitioner at this depth. The practitioner feels what they are touching there; this makes it easy to decide on the correct depth.

Relaxed staying in the depth is of particular importance. This is the most important phase in meridian work, more important than sinking in or moving on to the next point. It is also the phase in which inner techniques are applied.

When one phase of holding the depth follows another during the course of a treatment, something arises that I would like to call the deep rhythm. Then the (often unconscious) attention of the receiving person follows this touch into the depths. The person not only feels truly deeply touched, but also feels that stress, problems, and worries that are still there become less important. The freedom of the successive phases of relaxed holding in the depths allows the receiving person to realign themselves in a new and better way.

Touching the depths and then holding them relaxed for a brief moment can be challenging for the therapist and also require courage. On this day, we will discuss in detail how this can be achieved in a relaxed manner without stress. A good treatment position is particularly important.

Course aims

By participating in this course, you will learn:

how to touch deeply and relaxedly

how to let go and relax deeply within

how good it feels to work with deep rhythm

the importance of a good treatment position

how to apply inner techniques in deep contact

the profound effects of deep contact and deep rhythm

how satisfying working with deep rhythm can be for the person being treated

Target group

Shiatsu practitioners and advanced students

Prerequisites

at least one third of a 3-year Shiatsu training course

Bemerkung

6 hours of training/further training (EMR/ASCA compliant)

Further information: See also the article *"Deep Contact and Deep Rhythm"*, which will be published in 2026 in a new book by Wilfried Rappenecker! It will be sent to participants in advance.