Delegates from all factions in the fragmented world of UK Shiatsu gathered in London to agree new Shiatsu Regulation policy. This was an early sign of peace breaking out in the Art of Gentle Healing. London, England UK (PRWeb) February 19, 2007 -- Shiatsu Politics took a tip in the right direction when the Zen Shiatsu Society, Shiatsu Society, Shiatsu International, Shiatsu Schools, Institute of Complementary Medicine and several smaller organisations that hitherto had communicated at the bellow, sat down together to hammer out a group policy for compliance with House of Lords recommendations for regulating complementary therapy.

Sponsored by the Prince of Wales Federation for Integrated Health, the meeting was chaired by newly elected Paul Nethercott whose impressive credentials include chairing a high-level National Health Service complaints committee, well fitting him for the task of managing the diverse representatives of the Art of Gentle Healing.

For the first time in several years there did seem to be an element of agreement in principle about the way forward for regulating our profession; although one organisation still laboured under the impression that responsibility toward their members should be balanced against a duty to guard the public against marauding practitioners. (Armed Shiatsu Bandits arrested dispensing Random Acts of Healing)

The new Chair explained that protecting the public was the purpose of a Regulator whereas a Society exists for its members, (the principle on which our Society was founded; see our Charter at www.zen-shiatsu-society.co.uk)

A breakthrough was achieved in agreeing the Shiatsu Schools should have a vote in the regulatory process.

"The Zen Shiatsu Society is the only shiatsu organisation to offer corporate membership to schools as well as individual membership to students, practitioners and teachers," said Kris Deva North, "yet whatever process evolves it will be the shiatsu schools that implement it."

The new Shiatsu Regulatory Group is intended to replace the General Shiatsu Council as regulator for the profession. The SRG is seeking a lay Vice-Chair* and until they find one North was elected interim Vice Chair and a committee set up to seek a lay member for the office.

"I came away feeling quite encouraged," says Kris. "That vote is evidence that all parties sitting around this table, are taking seriously what's best for Shiatsu. If you were following this melodrama a year or two ago, you might have been excused for thinking that this was not among the foreseeable outcomes. This is a fitting start to the Year of the Pig, a symbol of abundance. Let's hope other negotiations on matters of health, life and death in other fragmented parts of the world also enjoy successful new beginnings."

The full minutes of the SRG meeting will be posted on the Zen Shiatsu Society web site www.zen-shiatsu-society.co.uk

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