Shiatsu (Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional hands-on therapy originating in Japan. There are two main Shiatsu schools; one based on western anatomical and physiological theory and the other based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Shiatsu is regulated as a licensed medical therapy in Japan by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and elsewhere by various governing bodies set up by Shiatsu practitioners. Shiatsu is an evolving form, and its various styles incorporate (to differing degrees) aspects of Japanese massage traditions, Chinese Medicine practice, and "Western" anatomy and physiology.
History of Shiatsu
Shiatsu, as well as Teiate, pronounced te-ah-te (which literally stands for "medical treatment" in Japanese), originated in Japan. There were many hands-on therapies called Teate before traditional Chinese therapies such as Acupuncture and Tuina (called Anma in Japan) were introduced to Japan around 1000AD. The practice of this massage was a semi-mystical activity performed by women and the blind. The term shiatsu may have been first cited in a 1915 book, Tenpaku Tamai's Shiatsu Ryoho.
Tokujiro Namikoshi founded the Japan Shiatsu College in 1940 and systematised a form of shiatsu therapy based on Western anatomy and physiology. In Japan, Namikoshi's system enjoys special legal status, and its adherents often credit him with the development of shiatsu; the story is told that at age seven, Tokujiro Namikoshi developed a technique of pressing with his thumbs and palms as he tried to nurse his mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Shizuto Masanuga, originally a student and then teacher at the school, and professor of psychology at the Tokyo University, opened his own school (Iokai Center of Shiatsu) and taught what has become known as the Zen style of Shiatsu based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Definition of Shiatsu
“ Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses. ”
Shiatsu, also known as acupressure, is a finger pressure massage technique. that is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Shiatsu massage therapy and acupuncture are founded on the Chinese meridian system. The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the client's body that have been determined during an assessment period prior to the massage session. There are no needle pokes involved with Shiatsu. Massage techniques like tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and applied pressure are applied along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of ki.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
* Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
* Stress reduction and management
* Releases toxins from the body
* Dis-ease preventative
* Increased flexibility
* Improved blood circulations
* Reduces blood pressure
* Reduces mental anxieties
* Balances ki (chi)
* Calms nervousness
* Increases mental and spiritual awareness
* It feels good!
Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. Some westernized massage techniques are combined with the view that energy, qi or chi, circulates along channels called meridians. When freely flowing, chi brings fresh, strong energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. In this view, any number of influences upset our natural balance of yin and yang. Blocked or diverted chi must be cleared and restored. An Eastern perspective doesn't cite sleeplessness, indigestion, swollen joints, headaches, or depression as sources of discomfort, but sees them as symptoms of either hyperactive or underproductive chi.
A shiatsu masseuse first makes his or her diagnosis, assessing where chi flows healthily and where it may be siphoned or obstructed. They will ask if you have any specific ailments, and then do light massaging to feel which pressure points are stiff or tender. These pressure points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of your body. Once diagnosing your problem areas, the masseuse gently but firmly applies pressure using his or her fingers, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows.
Two meridians are central, drawing chi through your torso: the Governor along your back, and the Conception down your front. The other twelve meridians occur in mirrored pairs along the symmetric halves of your body. These do not only directly control organs; rather they are associated with the function and symbolism of each organ. These meridians are named the stomach, small and large intestine, spleen/pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, heart, lungs, sex, and triple heater.
When visiting a practitioner of shiatsu massage, wear thin, loose, comfortable clothing, such as cotton or linen. Expect to lie flat on the floor, a beaded mat, or a futon, so your muscles relax as much as possible. Be prepared to tell the masseuse what you would like worked on. If you have headaches, try to remember if they occur in the morning, after eating spicy food, reading for a long time, or vigorous exercise. Make sure to inform the masseuse of any westernized medical treatment you are receiving, as well.
Most people enjoy shiatsu massage as much as they enjoy deep tissue massage, but expect some differences. Shiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points. When these points are pressed, people describe the sensation as feeling tender, tickling, intense, or slightly uncomfortable, unlike anything else. After the massage, you may feel strange, but not sore as in a muscular tissue massage. Many believe Shiatsu is both preventative and healing, so getting it done on a regular basis, along with stretching, exercise, and a healthy diet, may improve your health. ...source:wisegeek.com
