As Shiatsu shows us, there's deep power to the Healing Touch. Our world needs Shiatsu, now more than ever. Join Five Lights Center of Shiatsu in NYC for our 3rd Annual Shiatsu Summit, a unique opportunity to connect with inspiring, passionate Shiatsu instructors—both in person and virtually—as we convene to spread the magic of Shiatsu into the next generation.
WHERE: In-person at the Himalayan Institute Retreat Center in Honesdale, PA, or via Zoom, so you can take part from wherever in the world you are. On-site lodging is available through the retreat center.
WHEN: April 17-19, 2026
SHIATSU TEACHERS:
Kumiko Kanayama, founder of the Five Lights Center of Shiatsu and originator of the Global Shiatsu Weekly Gatherings, has been studying shiatsu for more than 30 years. Shiatsu has deep roots in her family’s tradition in Japan.
She trained for many years with her uncle, Wataru Ohashi, a shiatsu pioneer in the West. This led her to develop her style of practice, Intuitive Shiatsu™, which focuses on a deep sensitivity and awareness of Ki energy. Kumiko has taught courses and workshops in the US and Europe. Her Five Lights Center is an international gathering place where students, instructors, and practitioners come together both virtually and in person to share their knowledge and passion for shiatsu. Shiatsu Summit Coordinator.
Ivan Bel, International Ryoho Shiatsu Teacher
Ivan Bel discovered Shiatsu at the age of 28, a passion that would never leave him. He established several schools, founded Ryoho Shiatsu, a world-renowned blog, and the NGO Missions Shiatsu Humanitaire. Today, he teaches 500 students worldwide each year and continues his journalistic work on Shiatsu and conducts historical research through the "History of Shiatsu" group.
Xu Li or the Column of Emptiness
In the Huang Di Nei Jing and Nan Zi there is mention of the Column of Emptiness (Xu Li), attached to the Great Luo of the Spleen, but which has no point. There is no further explanation. Yet this notion of Emptiness is common in meditation, in the practice of Shiatsu, and on the body. For example, why does the middle toe have no meridian in the Chinese acupuncture system?
After 8 years of research and several international articles that have caught the attention of Shiatsu and acupuncture specialists, Ivan Bel reveals the fruit of his research to you, as he did at the European Shiatsu Congress in 2023. The Emptiness Column exists and is used in great depth in Shiatsu. It serves to rebalance the individual in their incarnation between Heaven and Earth, at the deepest level of their being.
This practice is unique and reveals the whole story of the path of the Spirit (Shen) in the body.
The program:
- Explanation of all the voids in the body
- Explanation of the Void Column and how it works
- Precise practice
- Explanation of when to use Xu Li
押手治療法 Oshite Chiryo Ho (Acupressure/shiatsu Technique using Reiki)
Practitioner's Guide to Working with Reiki and the Meridians
What is Reiki?
What is Shiatsu?
Both healing techniques are based on energy healing. They are both hands-on healing methods. A practitioner who used both techniques consciously for a specific issue could gain a positive outcome.
There are certain injuries (bleeding, burn, bruise, cut), where touching is not advisable, reiki can be the first aid remedy.
Using both Reiki & Shiatsu can enhance your own wellbeing by a greater understanding of the Meridian system and its relationship to health and vitality.
Thin Thin Lay, RN, HWNC-BC, originally from Myanmar, trained as a nurse in Geneva, Switzerland, before moving to New York. She is a board-certified Health & Wellness Nurse Coach, shiatsu practitioner, certified ergonomics assessor, and Reiki teacher (Traditional & Komyo styles).
With over 20 years of nursing experience, including as a Senior Nurse in an Occupational clinic in New York., Thin Thin has worked in occupational, public, and community health. She studied at the Ohashi Institute and was a Certified Ohashiatsu® Instructor and Consultant until its NYC closure.
Her holistic approach blends Eastern and Western healing traditions, focusing on meridians and the five elements. She works with clients facing neuromuscular disorders, chronic pain, and work-related injuries, and offers care in English, French, and Burmese.
Known for her humility, compassion, and calm presence, Thin Thin supports diverse, multicultural clients through touch, coaching, and deep listening.
Currently, Thin Thin offers Shiatsu online and in-person classes in the U.S, Singapore, and Myanmar. She travels extensively to teach Reiki and to host Reiki retreats globally.
Healing Through Movement, Self-Shiatsu, and Five Elements
Join Ori Flomin for a transformative workshop that explores the connection between movement, energy, and nature’s healing power. Through a blend of self-shiatsu, dance, and the five elements of shiatsu (earth, water, wood, metal, and fire), participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, balance, and renewal.
Drawing from the meridian system (the energy pathways that flow through our bodies) this workshop offers practical tools to release tension, enhance wellbeing, and cultivate a deeper connection to oneself. Through guided self-bodywork, stretches, improvisation, dancing, and imagery, you’ll learn to embody some of the qualities drawn from the five elements in nature, such as fluidity, grounding, compassion, and adaptability, allowing for greater physical and emotional harmony.
No previous experience in dance or shiatsu is needed—just an open heart and curiosity to explore movement as a form of healing. The techniques learned in this workshop can be easily integrated into daily life, offering a sustainable practice for self-care and vitality beyond the workshop.
Ori Flomin, Choreography, teaching, shiatsu.
Ori completed his shiatsu training at the Ohashi Institute in New York City in 2001 and earned his yoga teaching certification from Bhava Yoga in 2003. Since then, he has taught dance, yoga, and shiatsu worldwide at renowned dance schools, professional companies, and international festivals.
Assessing Boundaries and releasing the Shen／Shin
In this immersive workshop for Shiatsu practitioners, we explore how trauma imprints the body through protective holding patterns that distort boundaries and restrict the flow of Shen. Based on Mihael Mamychshvili’s 25 years of exploring, researching and working with trauma and complex chronic pain; we will investigate how these patterns manifest along the body & meridians.
Through hands-on practice, guided palpation, and diagnostic observation, we will learn how to track these disruptions and support the gentle release of stored trauma. By restoring clarity and EASE in the energetic field and refining our therapeutic touch, we can help clients reestablish embodied safety and access the deeper intelligence of the Shen.
This workshop is ideal for Shiatsu therapists seeking to integrate trauma-awareness into their practice while deepening their connection to their Intuition.
Mihael Mamychshvili, Founder, Master Lead Therapist (RST)
Rooted in his healing journey through injury, trauma, and transformation, his path led him to discover the deep power of Shiatsu as a catalyst for profound change. Over the past 25 years, he has worked with more than 15,000 people experiencing chronic pain and trauma, integrating Shiatsu with fascia and visceral bodywork, nervous system regulation, transformational coaching, and intuitive development. As the creator of the NeuroPath Reset Method, he has developed a unique, five-element approach that empowers clients to become active participants in their healing. His work has evolved within a collaborative, clinical setting alongside naturopaths, osteopaths, psychologists, and other integrative practitioners. As the creator of the Everything Shiatsu podcast and global therapist network, he is passionate about advancing Shiatsu as a powerful, modern therapeutic art for trauma recovery and whole-body mind transformation.
... and more!
Receive:
Cutting-edge Shiatsu education by teachers from the U.S. and Europe
Five Lights Center’s Famous Zen Gift Bag is valued at $100
Opportunities to connect with Shiatsu educators and practitioners from across the country
A beautiful natural setting at the Himalayan Institute
Makko ho, yoga, and meditation classes
Healthy, nutritious vegetarian meals, etc
DETAILS:
LOCATION:
Virtual option & THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE RETREAT CENTER
The summit will be held on the beautiful 400-acre Retreat Center at the Himalayan Institute in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.
You can learn more about the location here: https://himalayaninstitute.org
Cancellation Policy:
5 days before the course begins - full refund, less $30 withdrawal fee; less than 5 days - no refund, but the fee may be transferred to other Five Lights Center courses, less $30 withdrawal fee.
No refund in other cases.
Room and Board
"Book Your Room as soon as possible." Registrants book their accommodations directly through the accommodation registration link
Students/Registrations can also call the Himalayan Institute to reserve their accommodations at (800) 822-4547 | (570) 253-5551 Ext 1.
Please look and decide which room you would like to stay in: https://himalayaninstitute.org
*All room reservations include nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals prepared with the intention to nourish body, mind, and spirit.
* Groomed hiking trails, a meditation room, a lounge, a bookstore, and a cafe are available to hotel guests.
*A block of rooms will be held for Summit attendees until [April 15, 2025].
*Please make your reservation early to guarantee a room on the Himalayan Institute’s beautiful campus.
* If staying off campus during the Summit, the Institute charges a [$45/day] facility use fee which includes meals, and access to campus hiking trails, meditation rooms, and public lounges and cafes.
* A list of local hotels and B&Bs is available from the Himalayan Institute.
Transportation
Himalayan Institute Headquarters
952 Bethany Tpke
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 253-5551 | (800) 822-4547
Email: info@himalayaninstitute.org
https://himalayaninstitute.org/retreat-center/getting-here/
Air: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is the nearest commercial airport, approximately a one-hour drive by car.
Bus: A taxi from the bus stop in downtown Honesdale to the Institute also needs to be arranged 24 hours in advance with Maple City Taxi Transit. (No credit cards. One-way fare is $18.00.)
Car: The Himalayan Institute is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, 6 miles north of the town of Honesdale on PA-670.
Carpool: Request to info@fivelightscenter.com
Additional Questions:
Contact: kumiko@fivelightscenter.com
Cell/text: + 1 917-721-0823
We are an approved CEU Credit provider by the NCBTMB for massage therapists. We are NCBTMB Continuing Education Approved Provider # 1000040