Shiatsu Article
Shiatsu Origins
Shiatsu originated within Japan although it's historical roots stretch across time and the Sea of Japan to China. When the closed society of Japan opened its borders over ten centuries ago, the cultural influence of its asian neighbour was enormous.
An amalgamation of palm healing, spot pressing and massage, collectively known as 'Amma' was combined with do-in ("exercises) creating a precursor to Shiatsu. Early in the 20th century, a few dedicated Amma therapists revitalized their therapy by incorporating new manipulative techniques from the west. This new system was named Shiatsu ('shi'- finger, 'atsu'- pressure). In the late 1950's Shiatsu spread to the western world, where it now is well established amongst the panoply of natural health practices. You can find schools for shiatsu on all continents.
The Role of Chi
Shiatsu's Asian heritage is reflected in how a the health of a recipient is assessed. Rather than addressing the individual as a collection of separate components, Shiatsu strives for a deeper, more comprehensive view: the psychophysical structure of the body is seen as a constantly moving energetic pattern, flowing and ebbing not only with a unique personal rhythm but also influenced by the time of day, the time of year and the geographic environment. This energetic pattern, known as "ki" or "chi", flows through electro magnetic channels called meridians, nourishing every nerve and blood vessel, each and every cell. Meridians are energy pathways which correspond to all the internal organs. Each meridian has a specific physical, emotional and spiritual purpose. Along these meridians are charged areas or pressure points, "tsubo" in japanese. Stimulation of these tsubo affects the chi moving along the meridian and often in other areas. Imagine a meridian as a hose, and chi as water flowing in the hose. A blockage would be represented by a kink in that hose. Above the blockage excess pressure accumulates, called 'jitsu', which requires sedation, while below there is an lack of water, a deficiency called 'kyo', which requires tonification.
All illness comes form the same source - a blockage of chi within the body. We all have experienced these blockages, which may arise as emotional or behavioural patterns. Pain is the most common indicator of energy distortion. At lower levels of severity, this impeded energy may manifest as physical tension, stiff shoulders, low back pain, headache, digestive disorder or menstrual complications. The longer the impeded energy remains unresolved, the more severe these symptoms may become. Given enough time, an acute condition may evolve into one which is chronic. The aim of receiving Shiatsu will be to rectify these blockages.
The Shiatsu Treatment
Shiatsu shares characteristics of other forms of Asian massage in that the recipient remains clothed and the session is conducted at floor level, typically on a futon. This allows the therapist to move freely around the recipient, utilizing their 'hara' ("ocean of chi") to apply a variety of stretches, massage techniques and palm or thumb pressure. Like any other asian art, the challenge is to move from one's center to tap into one's own chi resources, not to rely on muscle strength.
The number of treatments required depends on the health of the recipient and the type of condition being treated. Initially, treatments may be once or twice a week. As the person progresses, this will lessen to once a fortnight or once a month.
The beauty of Shiatsu is that it is an effective therapy for a wide range of of conditions, from the mildly acute to the debilitatingly chronic. It is especially effective for stress related conditions. But one need not be ill to experience and enjoy the benefits of a Shiatsu treatment. Touch is something which our stimuli rich society is sadly deficient. Yet this is something which we all require throughout our lives. It is a physiological necessity, it is a fundamental human need. The Shiatsu therapist aims to fulfill this need, working on the principle that touching in a caring manner helps trigger self- healing in the patient. A supportive hand in times of stress or injury will always assist recovery.
The majority of recipients find Shiatsu a powerful, relaxing, and grounding experience. It can leave you feeling calm and attuned, free from fatigue, tension and stiffness. Used in a preventative manner Shiatsu will help maintain a more balanced energy flow, keeping your renewed health at its peak, giving you a sense of well being and direction in life.
Registered Shiatsu Therapist Don Himmelman has been a student, instructor and practitioner of the Asian healing and martial arts for over 18 years. He resides in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia and can be reached at .