1. They have received formal training from a Zen Shiatsu Instructor affiliated with the ZSA in the practice and technique of Zen Shiatsu. This instruction may take the form of a formal certification program (diploma etc) or traditional apprenticeship (minimum 500 hours).
2. They have received formal Shiatsu Training and have shown evidence of conducting their practice in the “spirit” of Zen Shiatsu.
3. They strive to conduct their practice in accordance with the practice guidelines of the ZSA.
4. They are engaged in continuous self-development and practice.
5. They are engaged in continuous professional growth.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES.

1. Practitioners recognize that the practice of Zen Shiatsu is a life practice and one of continuous growth and development for their own benefit and the benefit of their patients, families, and broader communities. Knowledge and wisdom of the practice strengthens and deepens from daily and diligent practice and not from theoretical study alone.

2. Practitioners of Zen Shiatsu recognize that they are part of a lineage of teachings, passed down to them by their teachers and their teacher’s teachers. They realize that they are a part of this larger tradition and so honour the teacher-student relationship through which the fundamental teachings are transmitted.

3. The practice of Zen Shiatsu is a practice of service that gives each practitioner the daily opportunity to develop self-awareness and empathy for the suffering of themselves and of others.

PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS:

1. This Code of Ethics serves to enable Zen Shiatsu Practitioners to uphold the highest values of our practice: to be of service to others; to engage in continuous growth and development; to do no intentional harm; to respect our students, teachers, and patients; to honour life.

2. This Code of Ethics serves to clarify the expectations of ethical conduct for Zen Shiatsu Practitioners and the public alike.

THE ZEN SHIATSU PRACTITIONER’S CODE OF ETHICS:

#1: I treat my parents, partner, and children with respect for their individual needs and values.
     • I value my partner and family members supporting my life’s path and my supporting theirs.
     • I value honesty and integrity in relationships.

#2: I treat my patients and students with respect for their dignity, individual needs, and values.
     • I work to the best of my ability without prejudice regarding age, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or socioeconomic background.
     • I value the sacred trust that exists between me and my students and patients by refraining from exploitation involving power or sexual misconduct.
     • I refrain from using my position as a Zen Shiatsu Practitioner to begin or to intimate future sexual relationships with a student or client.
     • I allow sufficient time to truly change the roles of each party (power dynamic) before envisioning a romantic or sexual relationship with a student or ex-patient.

#3: I respect a patient’s right to choose their own forms and path of healing and a student’s right to choose their teachers.
     • I respect my Zen Shiatsu client’s faith in their own doctor or primary care provider.
     • I support my students and patients without allowing my personal judgments to interfere. If I am unable to do this I will recommend that the student or patient work with another Zen Shiatsu Practitioner.

#4: I hold confidential all information about a student or client.

#5: I maintain my awareness.
     • I refrain from abuse of alcohol and drugs.
     • I am aware that my judgment and professional conduct may be impaired by my use of alcohol and drugs. I abstain from these substances during professional activities.

#6: I continually enhance my professional qualifications, knowledge and skills.
     • I recognize my own capabilities and limitations and state them accurately and fairly.

#7: I maintain my trust in Zen Shiatsu and my community.
     • I cultivate conscious and clear communication and the qualities of loving kindness and honesty. I speak what is true and useful and refrain from speaking what is not.
     • I value my relationship to a process larger than myself, recognizing that healing is something I can give to myself, and can learn from but never control.
     • I support life rather than avoid death.

#8: I respect the property of others, maintain my professional integrity and refrain from the misuse of money.
     • I refrain from professional misconduct including plagiarism, inappropriate omission of information, and making false or deceptive statements.
     • I refrain from using other people’s methods and disciplines professionally before I have my own deep experience with them. I acknowledge their source.

#9: I acknowledge and respect other disciplines and their practitioners.
     • I endeavour to work in cooperation with other Zen Shiatsu Practitioners or practitioners of other disciplines and I refrain from slandering, criticizing or otherwise denigrating them.

#10: I take responsibility and accountability for all my decisions and actions as a Zen Shiatsu Practitioner in society.
     • I realize that all my actions and choices in behaviour and communication have a potential effect on others; I teach by my own example.
     • I promptly resolve actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Drawn up on 7 October 2016 in Toronto, Canada.
With gratitude to The Reiki Alliance who gave approval for the use of their Code of Ethics as a source document for this text.
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