Description

Reading the Body the Japanese Way

Applied Diagnosis in the Spirit of Ohashiatsu

4-Day Ohashiatsu Retreat in Vienna · May 14–17, 2026

For Shiatsu practitioners and students


 

In your Shiatsu training, you have learned many different diagnostic approaches. Each of them offers valuable information — sometimes so much that it becomes difficult to bring it all together into a coherent picture. At times, the signals may even seem contradictory. Learning how to integrate these impressions into clear, confident action is one of the central challenges in practice.

In this retreat, we will explore selected diagnostic methods more deeply and apply them in a simple and practical way.

The focus is on direct experience. You will develop greater trust in your perception and discover a more natural, intuitive approach to individualized treatment.

You can look forward to inspiring workshops with experienced Ohashiatsu instructors from Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Margarete Eller shows how to integrate various diagnostic methods into a simple, intuitive practice — helping you see patterns clearly without getting lost in contradictions. Hara diagnosis and Yu points give you a solid foundation for confident, natural treatment.

Mauro Stabellini opens your perception to physical features, structures, and expressions that reveal deeper energetic patterns. In a playful and accessible way, you will learn to interpret the natural, everyday expressions of the person in front of you.

Claas Michelsen contributes psychological perspectives that help you understand the inner dynamics of your clients more deeply. He also explores the key role of the Triple Heater in recognizing and supporting emotional processes.

The retreat is supported by a comprehensive side program including supervised practice classes, private sessions, tutorials, and an introductory workshop that is open to everybody. This creates a vibrant space for meeting, exchange, and shared learning. In a warm and supportive atmosphere, you can connect with like-minded colleagues, share experiences, and gain new inspiration.

 

SCHEDULE

	Morning: 10.00 – 13.00	Afternoon: 14.30 – 17.30	Evening: 19.00 – …
Thursday, May 14	Margarete Eller: Diagnosis in Ohashiatsu	Margarete Eller: Hara Diagnosis and Yu Points	Open House
Friday, May 15	Mauro Stabellini: Reading the Body	Mauro Stabellini: Reading the Body	private Sessions / Tutorials
Saturday, May 16	Claas Michelsen: The Triple Heater as a Key to Emotion	Claas Michelsen: Body and Mind in Traditional Japanese Psychotherapy	Social Gathering / Dinner
Sunday, May 17	Margarete Eller: Practical Application with Invited Guests	Helga Vetr: Practice Class (private Sessions / Tutorials)

 

WORKSHOPS

 

Margarete Eller – Senior Ohashiatsu Instructor & Director of Ohashiatsu in Austria

Diagnosis in Practical Application

Margarete offers a direct, experiential approach to diagnosis in the spirit of Ohashiatsu. The focus is on developing an intuitive and embodied perception.

When diagnostic information is analyzed only through the mind, confusion and contradictions easily arise. Ohashiatsu opens another path: perceiving the person as a whole — through presence, inner calm, and trust in your own perception.

Practical exercises and clear guidance help you deepen this ability and develop greater clarity and confidence in your diagnostic work.

Thursday Morning – Diagnostic Tools
Get an overview of the many diagnostic approaches we use in Ohashiatsu, as well as the essential principles that support a clear and reliable diagnosis.

Thursday Afternoon – Hara Diagnosis and Yu Points
Two central diagnostic methods are explored through hands-on practice. You will learn how Hara and Yu points reveal the energetic condition of the meridians and provide a clear foundation for effective treatment.

Sunday Morning – Integration in Practice
You will work with invited guests and integrate what you have learned in real treatment situations. This creates a natural connection between perception, diagnosis, and touch.

Many practitioners have extensive knowledge, yet still seek greater clarity and confidence in specific cases. Your own questions and experiences are welcome and will be integrated throughout the retreat, creating a living learning environment where trust in your perception can grow.

 

Mauro Stabellini – Senior Ohashiatsu Instructor & Director of Ohashiatsu Bologna

Unveil Your Face & Read Beneath the Surface

This seminar explores oriental principles and practical methods for gathering meaningful information during a consultation or bodywork session. We will practice asking in a different way, perceiving subtle energetic responses, interpreting what is visible, and accessing what may still be hidden beneath the surface.

Through the “magic glasses” of George Ohsawa, we will develop our ability to view the world through the lens of universal order — understanding the dynamic interplay of opposites in life, such as Yin–Yang, Kyo–Jitsu, and hypo–hyper.

Using the compass of the Five Phases and/or the Eight Directions, we will explore where we stand in the present moment, which areas of life are calling for greater attention, and which directions can best support our path.

All of this information is already present within each of us. We simply need to attune our perception and practice sensing and recognizing it. Practical exercises will support and deepen the theoretical understanding.

 

Claas Michelsen, Certified Ohashi Method Instructor & Relaxation Teacher

The Triple Heater as a Key to Emotion

This seminar explores the Triple Heater as a gateway to understanding and working with emotional processes in Ohashiatsu. Participants learn to assess and interpret its back zones within an oriental diagnostic framework, gaining insight into emotional patterns and psychophysical states.

Alongside hands-on practice and essential theory, the course addresses the professional foundations for working with emotional and psychological themes, emphasizing practitioner presence, clear boundaries, and the creation of a safe therapeutic space.

Body and Mind in Traditional Japanese Psychotherapy

This seminar introduces the foundations of traditional Japanese psychotherapy based on the work of Shoma Morita. Participants explore Morita’s approach to emotion, acceptance, and natural psychological regulation, with special attention to the role of the body in therapeutic transformation.

Through practical exercises, body awareness, and meditation, the connection between physical experience and psychological change becomes directly tangible.

 

SIDE PROGRAM

Practice Class – by Helga Vetr, COC

Private Session – offered by COIs and COCs

Tutorials – offered by all teachers

Open House – Hands-on Introduction Workshop by Margarete Eller 

Social Gathering – we go out for dinner together

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Clothing
Please bring a Gi or comfortable clothing suitable for Shiatsu practice and clean socks. White clothing is recommended.

Language
Teaching languages are German and English (with translation).

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Shiatsu is required.