Shiatsu, Meditation, and Mindful Movement for Stress Relief

This shiatsu healing retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is a weekend of healing touch, breath-centered movement, and meditation for stress relief. It is led by Kumiko Kanayama, grandmaster shiatsu practitioner and founder of the Five Lights Center of Shiatsu. It suits anyone seeking balance and renewal, whether for personal growth, caring for loved ones, or professional development in holistic wellness. No prior experience is needed.

What to Expect

The weekend is rooted in Japanese shiatsu and Eastern healing traditions, and it blends bodywork, energy awareness, and mindful movement. You learn guided shiatsu techniques meant to stimulate meridian flow and restore energetic balance, and you practice Makko-ho stretches that open the body's five elemental energy pathways. Meditation and breathwork help center the mind and calm the nervous system. Partnered touch exercises build grounding, connection, and compassion, and you can practice them with a partner throughout the program.

Reflective journaling and integration time are woven in, along with group sharing that builds a sense of community. You also learn self-care practices to take home, plus hands-on techniques to support yourself and the people close to you. The aim is practical tools for stress, tension, and emotional overwhelm, along with a clearer understanding of meridians and the body-mind-spirit connection.

The program opens in the afternoon with check-in beginning at 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening session from 7:30 to 9:00. Full days begin with yoga at 6:30 am, followed by a silent breakfast and program sessions from 9:00 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch between. Another yoga class comes before dinner. On the final day, the morning session runs from 9:00 to 11:00, followed by lunch and departure. Times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the room locations.

About Kumiko Kanayama

Kumiko Kanayama is a grandmaster shiatsu practitioner and the founder of the Five Lights Center of Shiatsu. Her work draws on ancient Japanese traditions of touch and energy awareness. Trey Anastasio, guitarist of Phish, has said that meeting her and being introduced to shiatsu changed his life for the better in a very short period of time.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge hosts the retreat on its campus. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for solitude or a community-style dorm that fosters connection. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Three nutritious meals are served daily, and breakfast is taken in silence.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome. No prior knowledge of shiatsu, meditation, or yoga is needed, and instruction is accessible whatever your background or physical conditioning. The program is taught in English. Bodywork professionals and yoga practitioners will find it useful too, and 20 Continuing Education hours are available.

Your stay includes the program sessions, three meals a day, more than ten yoga classes, and access to the Kripalu grounds and amenities. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are separate. For specific dietary needs, contact Kripalu registration ahead of time.

On departure day, check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and join workshops until 2:00 pm.