Shiatsu: a bridge between East and West. 56th Advanced Training Conference “Shiatsu: A Bridge Between East and West” Chianciano Terme (Tuscany, Italy) – June 12–14, 2026
From June 12th to 14th, Italy will host one of the most important events in the world of Shiatsu, featuring prominent speakers from both the East and the West.
The Japanese term Hashi (bridge) captures the essence of the event: not only a physical passage, but a symbol of spiritual and cultural union. The conference will celebrate the meeting between the roots of Shiatsu and its contemporary evolution in Europe, hosting renowned international masters:
From the East: Haruhiko Masunaga Sensei (Iokai Shiatsu Center), Yuji Namikoshi Sensei, and Yasutaka Kaneko Sensei (Japan Shiatsu College): all direct descendants of the founders of Shiatsu practice.
From the West: Chris McAlister (Sweden), Alexandra Gelny (Austria), and Valter Yugen Umelesi (Italy).
The event represents a unique educational opportunity for a community that senses the importance and honor of its mission.
The conference will be open to professionals from around the world, and English translation will be available. The event will take place in one of the most exclusive regions in the world: Tuscany.
We have also arranged accommodations for family and friends to stay and visit this enchanting place.
We hope to have you among the attendees to share with us a historic moment, an event unlikely to be repeated.
Please note that on Sunday, June 14th, a workshop for Namikoshi practitioners and teachers will be held, led directly by the Japan Shiatsu College.
An international, historic Shiatsu event:
The 56th APOS National Conference is more than a training event.
It’s a unique opportunity to experience Shiatsu at its roots — with direct connections to its Japanese origins — and to explore how it has evolved across Europe.
For three days, practitioners, students, and teachers from different countries will meet, practice, and share real experiences.
No barriers.
Just Shiatsu, people, and connections.
Why you should be there
- Learn directly from internationally recognized teachers;
- Experience different styles and approaches in one place;
- Deepen your practice through hands-on sessions;
- Meet a growing international Shiatsu community;
- Take part in a truly historic edition of the conference.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you will find something valuable here.
Discover Tuscany while you’re here:
The event takes place in Chianciano Terme, in the heart of Tuscany — one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.
Practical information:
- Location: Chianciano Terme (Tuscany, Italy).
- Dates: June 12–14, 2026.
- Open to international participants.
- Translation support available for main sessions.
- IMPORTANT! – The Conference starts on Friday, June 12 at 9:30 AM and ends on Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 PM.
Conference Schedule (in-person)
(indicative and subject to change):
- Friday, June 12 – 9:30 AM → START of the 56th National Conference
Registration opens from 8:30 AM - Saturday, June 13 → Gala Evening (optional – book here: https://forms.gle/trf5yH4WSJUM5N6R7)
- Sunday, June 14 – 5:00 PM → END OF THE CONFERENCE
For those who wish to arrive on Thursday, from 3:00 PM there will be an open practice exchange, available to everyone in a dedicated space.
PRE-REGISTRATION OPENS from Saturday, April 04, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Click thik link to join the congress: https://form.jotform.com/260846055703356
Participation fee: €238.00 (VAT included)
Note: Please wait for the confirmation email with the IBAN details before making the bank transfer..
Further useful information is available at the following link:
https://shiatsuapos.com/news/926-56-advanced-training-conference
https://www.facebook.com/APOS.shiatsu
https://www.facebook.com/www.dreamshiatsu.it/
Escuela de Shiatsu Masunaga
https://www.facebook.com/joseantonio.espesobustillo.7
Summer Courses 2026:
“If you tighten the rope too much, it will break; if you leave it too loose, it will not make a sound.”
Buddhist Teaching
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the fascia and the lymphatic system belong to the Triple Burner meridian. They are a support element for the Heart, which protects us in our external relationships: climatic, environmental, and social.
Here, the emotional level emerges, providing information on how we adapt to our environment, how we resolve conflicts by shaping our belief system, and how we coordinate all our resources.
For this to happen easily, our internal highway must be well-connected and accessible. Otherwise, it will manifest as a physical blockage (stiffness, water retention), an emotional blockage (vulnerability), or a mental blockage (confusion, learning difficulties).
Shiatsu can develop many physical and energetic abilities:
– Stimulate the meridians and associated extensions;
– Stretch all muscle chains;
– Use myofascial and lymphatic drainage techniques.
Finally, perform some specific theatrical exercises to address the emotional level, which will facilitate connection, transformation, expression, learning, and integration of what we have experienced.
If you would like to work on this individually, I recommend active meditation.
I will guide you.
Here is the schedule:
Fascia and Triple Warmer Workshop – May 9th and 10th;
Heart and Small Intestine Workshop – June 6th and 7th;
Summer Break – June 29th to July 5th;
Summer Break – August 24th to 30th.
Meditation courses.
My role is to facilitate this journey of exploration for you.
José Antonio Espeso Bustillo.
You can find many tips on improving your physical and energetic state on my Instagram profile: