The Diaphragm and Breath in Shiatsu Practice

In daily therapeutic work we increasingly notice that many clients experience tension below the rib cage — in the area of the diaphragm. This tension often affects the whole body: breathing patterns, posture, emotional well‑being and energy flow.

When working with the Hara, imbalances in this area are extremely common. Why? Because the diaphragm, this powerful and often forgotten muscle, unites physiology, emotion and energy.

The importance of the breath

We breathe between 20,000 and 30,000 times a day. Every breath influences our health, mood, thoughts and well‑being — often in ways we are not aware of. Even a small change in how we breathe can bring a significant improvement in quality of life. That is why it is important to understand the physiological and psychological factors that affect our breathing — and to learn how to work with them consciously.

The powerful diaphragm — a bridge between body and emotions

The word diaphragm comes from the Greek dia ("through") and fragma ("barrier, partition"). The diaphragm is a dome‑shaped muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity that moves with the rhythm of breathing. Unfortunately, for many of us that rhythm is disturbed by stress, emotional tension, trauma, poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

• neck and shoulder tension
• headaches
• digestion problems
• impaired lymph flow
• feelings of anxiety and emotional build‑up

The diaphragm is also deeply connected with the nervous system, the circulatory system and our mental state. For this reason, working with this area in Shiatsu therapy can become an important step in the healing and rebalancing process.

About the seminar:

• during this 3‑day seminar in Warsaw: we will learn the anatomy and physiology of the diaphragm
• we will discuss the importance and mechanics of diaphragmatic breathing
• we will learn to observe how the breath affects the flow of energy in the body
• we will practice practical breathing techniques
• we will learn two unique protocols for working with the diaphragm in Shiatsu, developed by Chris McAlister and the seminar leader Marina Papazian
• we will discover how diaphragm work can support the therapeutic process on physical, emotional and energetic levels

This meeting is a combination of theory, practice and experience. You will understand how, through the breath, you can support your clients in regaining balance and lightness in the body.

The seminar is open to:

• Shiatsu students after at least 1.5 years of study, with basic knowledge of the 12 meridians and Shiatsu techniques
• certified therapists who want to expand their skills and include diaphragm work in their practice

Classes will be conducted in English with translation into Polish.

When:
March 27 - 29, 2026 (Friday, Saturday: 9:30am - 5:00pm, Sunday: 9:30am - 4:00pm)

Place:
17 Śniadeckich Street, Warsaw, Poland
map

Number of participants: 20

Seminar price:

• 340 EUR until January 15, 2026 (Early Bird)
• 440 EUR from January 16, 2026.

Registration for the seminar: shiatsupolska@gmail.com

A non-refundable deposit of 115 EUR is required to reserve a place.

Transfer details:
IBAN: PL65 1870 1045 2078 1080 4822 0003
BIC/SWIFT: NESBPLPW
Recipient: Stowarzyszenie Shiatsu Polska
Address: ul. Hoża 86/410, 00-682 Warszawa, Polska
Transfer title: Przepona - name and surname of participant

About the teacher:

Marina started working as a reflexology therapist in 1997. She completed acupuncture training in 2000 and Shiatsu training in 2001 and has worked with these methods since. She began practising Qi Gong in 1997 and Tai Chi in 1999. She completed Pilates teacher training in 2009, Yoga teacher training in 2013 and Yin Yoga teacher training in 2021.

In 2013 Marina and Chris McAlister founded the Swedish Energy School, where they train Qi Gong, meditation and relaxation instructors. Since 2022 Marina and Chris have taught Shiatsu together in Uppsala, Sweden. Since 2024 Marina has also been the head teacher of the Polish Shiatsu College.

Marina is deeply interested in the body from both Eastern and Western perspectives. She is constantly curious about different aspects of energy expression and manifestation, and Shiatsu is an excellent field of study in this area.

She is also passionate about all kinds of movement, which is a rich field for studying energy and self‑discovery. Marina is dedicated to exploration through movement, from Qi Gong, stretching and dance to various forms of fitness.

Hope to see you there!