| Shiatsu is the application of finger pressure to various | | | | motion" movements with pressure points which |
| points along the "meridian lines" of the body. The | | | | requires the client to be passive, loose, and relaxed. |
| intent is to manipulate the body's "Ki" flow to bring | | | | It is a preventative therapy for inflammatory disease |
| about beneficial results. Shiatsu and Acupressure are | | | | as well as a good method of recovery and body |
| closely related in that they both manipulate these | | | | maintenance. |
| meridian points through pressure by fingers, thumbs, | | | | Another form is Zen Shiatsu, originated by Shizuto |
| and palms. | | | | Masunaga (1925-1981.) This form combines the |
| In Shiatsu, much like other forms of massage, one | | | | traditional Shiatsu techniques with the meditative |
| can use not only the thumbs and fingers, but also | | | | state of the practitioner. The Zen meditative state |
| elbows, palms, knees, or even feet (thumbs, palms, | | | | allows the masseur to better feel the client's |
| and fingers are used in traditional Shiatsu.) Combined | | | | responses to the treatment. The Zen Shiatsu |
| with a solid knowledge of pressure points Shiatsu | | | | Therapist uses these responses, and his hands, to |
| works well to relieve pain, relax the body, and | | | | detect the imbalances of the body and he then |
| promote healing. Some have even used Shiatsu for | | | | attempts to restore those imbalances. |
| migraines, but that will vary greatly with the individual. | | | | Aromatherapy is frequently used with Shiatsu |
| So what are the benefits of shiatsu massage? | | | | massage. While not formally part of shiatsu therapy |
| Shiatsu practitioners are trained in diagnosis, as well | | | | the aromatherapist brings added benefit to the |
| as therapy, and the intent of Shiatsu is to prevent | | | | Shiatsu session. Note, that just having a pleasant |
| illness and to assist in recovery and aid healing. | | | | scent in the massage room is not Aromatherapy. |
| Shiatsu is a "whole body" system, so its use will help | | | | Acupressure Training in Shiatsu can be had at a |
| the immune and circulatory systems, bone structure, | | | | variety of online and offline massage training centers. |
| muscles, and the overall health of the body. | | | | Look in your phone book for local Shiatsu Massage |
| The origins of Shiatsu are fairly recent. Shiatsu was | | | | centers or go online and search on "acupressure |
| developed in Japan in the 1900s and is based off | | | | training" or "shiatsu training." You'll see a good number |
| principles that are thousands of years old. In many | | | | of sites come up under either of those terms. |
| ways it can be looked at as a variation of | | | | Shiatsu is difficult, if not impossible, to learn from a |
| acupressure, or acupuncture without the needles. | | | | book, so a good shiatsu teacher is highly |
| The Japan College of Shiatsu was established in 1940 | | | | recommended. |
| and Shiatsu became generally accepted in Japan in | | | | If you can't find a Shiatsu therapist an interesting |
| the 50's and is growing worldwide. Today Shiatsu | | | | alternative might be a Shiatsu massage chair. These |
| practice in Japan is regulated and practitioners have | | | | chairs attempt to reproduce the effects of a Shiatsu |
| to go through a government licensing program. | | | | massage, though I don't imagine that they're very |
| Several variations on Shiatsu methods have | | | | good at manipulating Ki flow or entering into a Zen |
| developed over the years. One is Grigorian Method | | | | meditative state. They do provide a pretty good |
| Shiatsu, by Dr. Grigore, Shiatsu Master. This is a | | | | massage, though, and can be very comfortable. Try |
| unique whole body treatment that is focused on the | | | | one and see if it's worth your time. |
| skeleton. It combines joint motion and "range of | | | | |