Shiatsu Massage

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Shiatsu Massage

What is Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an ancient healing art which originated in Japan . Energy know as ki (Japanese) or chi (Chinese) flows throughout the body like a system of rivers and canals called meridians. Sometimes these meridians can become blocked or weakened, which in turn can cause illness in the body. The Shiatsu practitioner applies pressure with their thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows to induce a deep state of relaxation and unblock these meridians to facilitate healing in the body.

History of Shiatsu

Shiatsu's history is tied closely to ancient principles of oriental medicine which, throughout history, were expressed as a part of philosophy, culture and religion. There were four main methods of healing which were acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, and herbalism. The oldest Japanese medical test was written in 1000 CE. The largest growth period of oriental medicine was in the 17 th to 19 th centuries. Shiatsu gained heavy recognition in 1919 with the publication of Shiatsu Ho by Tami Tampaku. His work stimulated much further research in Shiatsu. In the mid 1970s, this book as well as other were translated which caused the therapy to spread rapidly. In many countries, national societies of Shiatsu were formed to promote public awareness and recognition of Shiatsu as a healing art.

Typical Shiatsu Setting

A traditional Shiatsu session takes place with the client lying on a mat on the floor. The client is fully clothed and oil is not used. A massage table or chair may be used.

Techniques of Shiatsu

There are five basic techniques used in Shiatsu. They are softening, pointwork, stretching, vibration, and percussion. Softening is used to prepare the tissues for deeper work. The practitioner applies pressure using a soft fist or the palm of their hand. Pointwork moves energy and balances chi in the meridian. It involves using deeper pressure with the thumb or fingers. Stretching opens meridian. Vibration is a technique where the practitioner tenser all of the muscles in their hand and/or arm and applies a vibrating motion to the tissues. Its purpose is to spread the chi outward. Tapotement is a technique of alternatively using two hands and rapidly applying springy blows to the tissues. Its purpose is to strengthen and tone chi.

Benefits of Shiatsu

There are many benefits to Shiatsu. It is deeply relaxing but also invigorating and leaves the recipient with a deep sense of well being. Other benefits are reduced stress, increased circulation, decreased pain, and increased joint mobilization. It can help to alleviate conditions such as headaches, sinus congestion, fatigue, pain, and digestive problems. It also helps to prevent disease by balancing energy and alleviating energy blocks in the body.

Shiatsu Training

There are schools that are solely dedicated to Shiatsu training with programs ranging from 350 to 500 hours. Many traditional massage schools also provide Shiatsu training and the number of hours of training can widely vary.

Two schools that provide extensive Shiatsu training are The Hash Institute which as twelve locations worldwide, and The Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, CA.

Professional Organizations

The American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association.