About Us

Constitution

The purpose of the society is:

To establish and maintain a non-profit organization of the Shiatsu practitioners.

To promote, within Canada, understanding of true Shiatsu therapy which originated with Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei in Japan.

To promote elevation of the status as the Professional Shiatsu practitioners.

To assist in the improvement of the Shiatsu technique as Shiatsu practitioners.

Representative Association

The Canadian Shiatsu Society of British Columbia is a non-profit organization of Shiatsupractors in British Columbia promoting original Shiatsu Therapy developed by the founder, Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei and regulated by the Ministry of Health in Japan. The CSSBC represents Shiatsu Therapy in British Columbia as a self-regulating, governing body.

Professional Designation

Shiatsupractor  is a professional designation granted to a CSSBC member who has successfully completed the minimum 1000 hours curriculum requirement of the CSSBC.  All the active members are required to follow the CSSBC’s Code of Ethics for their practice.

Code of Ethics

All members are held responsible for behaving and practicing Shiatsu Therapy in strict accordance with the Code of Ethics. It applies to the practitioner/client and instructor/student relationships.

Client/Social/Ecological Concern

CSSBC members shall consider above all the health and well being of the client. Members also recognize their intrinsic involvement in the total community of life on the planet Earth.

Professional Conduct

members conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, performing only those services for which they are qualified, and represent their education, certification, professional affiliations and other qualifications honestly. They do not in any way profess to practice medicine or psychotherapy, unless licensed by their province to do so.

Health History and Referrals

CSSBC members keep accurate client records, including profiles of the body/mind history. They discuss any problem areas that may contraindicate use of Shiatsu Therapy and refer clients to appropriate medical professionals when indicated.

Professional Appearance

CSSBC members pay close attention to cleanliness and professional appearance of self and clothing, of linens and equipment, and of the office/clinic environment in general. They endeavor to provide a relaxing atmosphere, giving attention to reasonable scheduling and clarity about fees.

Communications and Confidentiality

CSSBC members maintain clear and honest communication with their clients, and keep all information, whether medical or personal, strictly confidential. They clearly disclose techniques used, appropriately identifying each in the scope of their professional practice.

Intention and Trust

CSSBC members are encouraged to establish and maintain trust in the client relationship and to establish clear boundaries and an atmosphere of safety.

Respect of Clients

CSSBC members respect the client’s physical/emotional state, and do not abuse clients through actions, words or silence, nor take advantage of the therapeutic relationship. They, in no way, participate in sexual activity with the client. They consider the client’s comfort zone for touch and for degree of pressure, and honor the client’s requests as much as possible within personal, professional and ethical limits. They do not use elbows, knees or feet in the application of pressure to the client’s body. They acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person and therefore do not unjustly discriminate against clients and colleagues.

Professional Integrity

CSSBC members present Shiatsu Therapy in a professional and compassionate manner representing themselves and their practice accurately and ethically. They do not give fraudulent information, nor misrepresent the CSSBC or themselves to students or clients, nor act in a manner derogatory to the nature and positive intention of the CSSBC. They conduct their business honestly.

Professional Courtesy

CSSBC members respect the standards set by the various CSSBC modalities, and they respect service marks, trademarks and copyright laws. Professional courtesy includes respecting all ethical professionals in speech, writing, or otherwise, and communicating clearly with others.

Professional Excellence

CSSBC members strive for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses, and by continued education and training.

Municipal Licensing

The City of Vancouver will accept certification by the CSSBC as Validation for issuing a Business License to Shiatsupractors. Now, most Municipal Governments in BC approve or are moving towards approval of our Designation in issuing Business Licenses.

Professional Liability Insurance

Active CSSBC members are recommended to have the Professional Liability Insurance.

Covered by Medical Insurance

Some Extended Insurance companies and Travel Insurance companies currently may cover Shiatsu treatments in BC. The CSSBC is taking many approaches to promoting the inclusion of Shiatsu Therapy by MSP and all Insurance companies in their health care packages. Starting a petition is one approach we hope will make a difference.