 Shiatsu
is a form of therapeutic massage, literally translated as finger
(shi) pressure (atsu). Pressure is applied to certain points
(tsubo) on the body's meridians, invisible energy channels which
connect different parts of our body. When our body is in a state
of illness, this indicates that there is disharmony and obstructions
within the system. By stimulating the tsubo, shiatsu aims to
get the vital life energy or Qi moving freely again, thus inwardly
restoring balance, and outwardly relieving pain, aches and tension.
A shiatsu therapist will use the hands, arms, elbows, knees
and feet, as well as the thumbs and fingers on the patient's
body, according to what work is needed. As such, there is no
set routine or order for a shiatsu treatment, and it varies
from patient to patient.
Origins
Shiatsu began in Japan as a method of self-treatment, derived
from amna, an ancient oriental massage therapy involving rubbing
and manipulation of the hands and feet. Initially passed down
from generation to generation as a technique to cope with minor
ailments oneself at home, within the last century, shiatsu has
become one of the most widely used treatments in Japan today.
Now also popular in the West, shiatsu has developed into a preventative
and therapeutic technique.
Shiatsu
is a form of bodywork and healing. Like acupuncture, it is
based on Chinese medicine and the concepts of Yin, Yang and
Ki or universal energy.
WHAT
DOES A SHIATSU SESSION INVOLVE ?
Shiatsu takes place on a futon mattress and the receiver remains
fully dressed. The practitioner uses thumbs, hands and sometimes
elbows and knees to apply pressure to meridians, or energy
lines, and to specific acupressure points. Combined with stretches
and rotations of limbs, these techniques can adjust the body's
physical structure, stimulate the flow of the body's vital
energy and blood and help to relieve pain or discomfort. Shiatsu
is not just directed at symptom pain or relief, but aims to
rebalance the whole person on physical, mental and emotional
levels and to eradicate a deeper imbalance or the cause of
a condition.
Recommendations
may be given, focussing on posture, specific exercises, relaxation
techniques, stress management, diet and lifestyle.
WHEN
IS SHIATSU HELPFUL ?
Shiatsu is a very effective and powerful way to treat and
prevent ill health and to maintain good health. It can relieve
stress-related and chronic conditions and many health complaints,
including anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, headaches,
digestive disorders, menstrual dysfunctions, low resistance
to infection, rheumatic and arthritic complaints, asthma,
conditions following sprains and physical injuries, muscular
tension, aches and pain in the neck and back, and sciatica.
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