Further Information About Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of Oriental bodywork that was developed in Japan in the 20th century, but has its roots in ancient Chinese/Japanese medicine. Often described as acupuncture without the needles, shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage that, like acupuncture, works to rebalance the life force or Ki (life force energy).

The word Shiatsu itself literally means 'finger pressure' ('shi’ - finger and ‘atsu’ - pressure). Like acupuncture, shiatsu works on the flow of ‘Ki’. Oriental medical practitioners believe that our energy flows throughout our bodies via energetic pathways which are known as meridians (energy channels).

Modern Shiatsu is based on these oriental traditions (which go back several thousand years) drawn together with ideas and knowledge from modern western disciplines such as physiotherapy and psychology.


The History of Shiatsu
Shiatsu originates from ancient Chinese/Japanese techniques, Do-In (self massage) and anmo or mo massage (or anma in Japan). (Modern Chinese massage is called Tui Na). It is based on traditional Oriental medicine with all its depth of analysis and focus on the energy system of a person as a sign of their condition.

The modern development of Shiatsu in the form recognisably practised today began during the early part of the 20th century in Japan. The term 'Shiatsu' was first used by Tamai Tempaku in an attempt to provide some scientific credibility and to distinguish Shiatsu from other forms of oriental bodywork. After Tampaku, Shiatsu developed in two directions. One of Tampaku's students was Namikoshi, who had also studied western medicine. He westernised Shiatsu by using neuro-muscular terminology and removing references to oriental medicine. Namikoshi Shiatsu is still popular in the U.S. today.

Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1976), who had a background in psychology, developed Zen Shiatsu, the main style of Shiatsu practised in the UK and Europe today. In Zen Shiatsu the attitude of mind, awareness and focus of the practitioner is an important factor in treatment. Masunaga also introduced the idea of support and connection through the use of both hands, a supportive 'mother hand' and an active working hand.

Since the deaths of Namikoshi and Masunaga, Shiatsu has continued to develop. Over the past few years leading practitioners have developed their own styles based on the understandings and insights they have gained through their own experience. This has brought about Ohashiatsu, Tao Shiatsu and Quantum Shiatsu. However, these more recent developments continue to be based on the theories and practices of Masunaga or Namikoshi.

The theory behind diagnosis and treatment in Shiatsu relate directly to the ancient philosophical concepts regarding the nature of existence, which have formed the basis for science, art, politics and religion in China for over two thousand years. The cycles of the seasons, the influence of the Heavenly bodies on the Earth, and ultimately the intricate relationship between all natural events and their influence on human life within the human body and mind were observed and studied.


How Shiatsu Works

The aim of Shiatsu is to restore balance to the body and make it stronger thereby assisting the body to heal itself. Like acupuncture, shiatsu works on the flow of ‘life energy’ or ‘Ki’. Oriental medical practitioners believe that our energy flows throughout our bodies via energetic pathways which are known as meridians (energy channels). If the Ki becomes blocked in any of these channels illness or dis-ease can result.



What Conditions Can Shiatsu Help?
It is not a requirement to be ill in order to benefit from Shiatsu; it is a very effective form of preventative medicine and can benefit most conditions due to its ability to strengthen the body's energy and self healing properties. Because an imbalance of " Ki " or energy in the body often precedes disease symptoms, Oriental medicine has a preventative role. Nevertheless, treating specific diseases is of paramount importance and amenable to treatment by Shiatsu and it has been found to be very useful for the following conditions:

* Balancing energy levels
* Relieving IBS
* Improving digestive problems
* Alleviating backache
* Boosting the immune system
* Relieving headache and migraine
* Benefiting the respiratory system
* Relieving stress
* Relieving menstrual problems
* Stabilising the emotions
* Expelling toxins
* Improving the circulation

Treatment of all these conditions will be given according to Oriental diagnosis although Western diagnosis is considered as well.


Contraindications
Shiatsu may not be beneficial for those with:

* High fever
* Infectious disease
* Tumour
* Certain heart conditions
* Severe arthritis (Where there is inflammation of joints)

What Happens During a Session of Shiatsu?

The practitioner will begin by taking a case history. This will generally be followed by palpating the abdomen (known as the hara in Japan), and the back, and possibly feeling some pulses in the wrist, the patient's energetic condition can be assessed. This information will enable the practitioner to decide whether to work on one, two or more meridians. The techniques will depend on the patient's energetic condition and the practitioner will be combining intuition and theory to create an appropriate treatment for the client at that particular time. So each session will be unique.

Pressure is applied to various parts of the body which correspond with the points and energy lines (meridians) used in acupuncture. For this reason Shiatsu became popularly known in the West by the rather inaccurate term of acupressure. Unlike acupuncture or acupressure massage, where the practitioner concentrates on a few specific points, Shiatsu works on the whole of an imbalanced meridian (or parts of it).

The practitioner will use thumbs, fingers, elbows and when working on a large or heavily muscled person, he/she may use their knees and feet in order to disperse or move blocked Ki. These techniques are used in conjunction with stretches and joint rotations where appropriate to assist the flow of energy through the meridians.

The practitioner will generally work all over the client's body, i.e. arms, legs, back, abdomen, neck and head. This enables the receiver to relax deeply and get in touch with their body's own healing abilities and feel more connected with their body/mind and spirit.

Contacting the receiver's Ki or internal energy is an integral part of the treatment. While working on the meridians and specific points helps to regulate the energetic level, Shiatsu also has the physical effect of stimulating the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems and assist with the release of toxins and deep seated tension in the muscles.

Treatment is carried out through light clothing, usually lying on a padded mat on the floor. However, if the client is unable to lie on the floor, Shiatsu can be adapted to another position he/she feels comfortable with, i.e. sitting on a chair or lying on a couch. Working through clothes enables the practitioner to be more aware of the client's energy. Practically, being at floor level allows the practitioner to use body weight rather than muscle to apply pressure, which is more comfortable to receive and less tiring for the practitioner.

Shiatsu affects all levels of our being, the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual: treatment is attuned to the individual's personal development of total health and character. The practitioner may give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, encouraging self-understanding and greater independence in health matters. This in turn leads to improved self-confidence and lasting peace of mind for the patient. A typical treatment will last an hour (the first treatment will generally be 1.5hrs to allow time to take of a full case history)


The Affects of a Shiatsu Treatment
Most people will feel very relaxed and peaceful after a treatment. Sometimes there is an increase in energy, of feeling invigorated. These reactions can be due to the deep energetic effect of the Shiatsu session. However, the full effects of a treatment may also take several days to achieve. Occasionally a new patient may have a 'healing reaction' after the first few sessions. Symptoms such as headache, stiffness, diarrhoea, desire to urinate frequently, or lethargy may be experienced, due to the release of toxins. These symptoms are transitory and soon pass, usually in 12 hours. Rest and drinking plenty of water will help. The practitioner can be contacted for advice and reassurance if required.

Most people have two opposing tendencies: one, the wish to regain health and freedom; the other, to remain attached to old behaviour patterns which reinforce the sickness. An important benefit of Shiatsu is that in addition to aiding the healing process and providing relief from symptoms, it can also assist the receiver to to become aware of what they need to do to help themselves and improve their quality of life.


Does Shiatsu Work Well with Orthodox Medicine?
Shiatsu is complementary to orthodox medicine and other natural therapies. Most people can benefit from Shiatsu, from small children to the elderly. If you are receiving medical treatment for a particular condition, you may wish to inform or consult your practitioner prior to undertaking a course of Shiatsu treatments.

Shiatsu FAQ

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