In November, I participated in a training workshop led by Bernard Bouheret on the theme of “Body Disconnections” (Ruptures de corps) and their treatment in therapeutic Shiatsu massage. Here is a look back at this moment rich in teachings.
The practice of Shiatsu, whether for wellness or therapy, requires regularly returning to oneself to strengthen one’s core and improve the care provided to those we accompany. To this end, participating in a training workshop is a wonderful opportunity to enrich and revitalize one’s technique. I experienced this once again in November 2025, during the session organized in Dijon by the Contact et Nerjie association. Bernard Bouheret, founder of the School of Therapeutic Shiatsu in Paris and a prominent figure in our discipline in France, offered two days of teaching on the theme of “Body Disconnections.” On the tatami were a few dozen French Shiatsu practitioners—mostly Burgundians—from various schools and backgrounds.
Theme: “Body Disconnections” We call “body disconnections” the zones of disconnection or major obstruction of Qi (energy or breath) that prevent its harmonious circulation between Heaven (the head, the spirit) and Earth (the feet, the grounding). Mentioning this circulation implies that we are considering here the “belt-body” (corps-ceinture), the space of this Qi circulation, which is vaster than the simple physical body. These formulas may seem supernatural, but as I wrote recently: one must accept this—Shiatsu is weird!
A more horizontal approach to treatment The most important thing is: what techniques do we apply when facing blockages experienced very concretely by people through pain, loss of mobility, or physical or psychological troubles? Bernard Bouheret does not lack answers in this area, proposing solutions that take us out of the linear (and by nature, vertical) treatment of acupuncture meridians. I will not insult my previous trainers by pretending that I had never before been sensitized to more “horizontal” approaches to treatment. However, this review and the perspective provided by Bernard Bouheret were very useful and applied, during sessions, immediately upon my return to Tangier.
The inspiring experience of the workshop But participating in a workshop brings more than just new or refreshed knowledge. Among the highlights of this course, the following will remain:
- The Qi Gong sessions led by Bernard,
- The joy he constantly communicates in his practice,
- The precision and efficiency of his gestures,
- The benefits of the Shiatsus received over the two days,
- The pleasure of new encounters.
As with every workshop, I felt the pleasure of getting out of my little fishbowl and living an inspiring immersive experience in the “deep end.” The meetings and the mixing of different paths help me better grasp the road I have traveled myself and confirm to me that I am moving forward on the Way.
