Shiatsu Representatives UK (SR-UK)

Shiatsu Representatives UK (SR-UK) is a voluntary umbrella organisation of professional associations representing shiatsu practitioners in the UK. It acts as the lead body for the shiatsu profession. SR-UK's main objectives are to include as much of the profession as possible, and to be inclusive and flexible in its definitions, as is consistent with the nature of shiatsu. It aims to encompass all forms and views of shiatsu and to give common voice and opinion on shiatsu.

It works with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the only voluntary regulator for complementary therapies with government backing, and acts as a conduit for communication between the CNHC and the shiatsu community. SR-UK receives and disseminates information between the CNHC, Shiatsu Professional Specific Board (PSB) and the shiatsu profession as a whole. It also acts as an advisory body to the CNHC Shiatsu PSB and the shiatsu profession.

SR-UK agrees to abide by the CNHC Code of Ethics and Practice and Disciplinary Procedures. It works towards compliance with CNHC rules and governance of healthcare therapies and is a working group for ongoing development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and other relevant policies. The CNHC works with SR-UK to ensure that all shiatsu registrants meet NOS. SR-UK works with other bodies that may assist it to gain public recognition for shiatsu as a health improving therapy.

Shiatsu (NOS)

Shiatsu is 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.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally means finger pressure. Shiatsu 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. An aim of Shiatsu is to promote the flow of Ki.

Terminology: Ki, a Japanese word (Chinese, Qi or Chi) used to describe the life force said to flow through the body, sometimes described as bio-electro-magnetic energy.

SR-UK Membership

Any organisation that recommends shiatsu practitioners to the public, either by direct referral or recommendation to an insurance company, and has been in existence for more than six months, is eligible to be a member of SR-UK. All eligible organisations can request to be kept informed of the progress of SR-UK.