"Prevention is better than Cure" - this old adage could not apply better than to Zen Shiatsu - a primary health care covering everything from trauma to depression to childbirth!

In ancient China and Japan their approach to wellness emphasised the human condition within nature and in particular the 5-element theory within which both the human body/mind and the natural seasons are classified as fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

Harmony with nature and seasonal cycles determined diet, exercise and spiritual growth within the cycle of nature, the elements and their relation to the body's essential organs, hormone and endocrine systems and the central nervous system - all these streaming as Ki, universal energy, within the body's pathways - the Ocean of Streams in the title.

Seasonal foods, regular exercise in Ki development and systemic healing in the form of acupressure and herbs formed the basis of a healthy Chinese population which has grown to billions.

The 'shiatsushi' was consulted instead of our modern GP. While the patron remained healthy, the shiatushi got paid but when he fell ill, payment stopped. It was therefore in the interests of practitioners to give lifestyle advice to keep their patients in the pink!

Compare this with modern medicine which seeks to patch up the ravages of society. In essence the doctor is paid when the patient is ill- perpetuating a culture of disease rather than wellness!

Tonight will be a hands-on approach allowing the audience to 'feel' Ki or Chi with their own 'hands' (ki awareness).

They will then be able to work this Ki into their neighbour's system and we will use group techniques to detect the Ocean of Streams around us! Some practitioner work will be available.