A to Z of Therapies
Shiatsu
April 16th, 2010
Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy that has its origins in Oriental medical theory and massage techniques. The Japanese adopted Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices and enhanced its methods to develop a unique form of treatment called Shiatsu.
Shiatsu literally means ˜finger pressure™ and as such, describes part of the therapy whereby natural body weight (finger, thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees) is used in applying pressure to special points on the body. This is combined with stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation to give an all-over treatment, which aims at treating the patient on a holistic level.
Shiatsu uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening - merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb.
It almost seems a lazy activity and, to the extent that it conserves one's energy, it is. But underneath the uncomplicated movements much is happening internally to the body's energy on a subtle level.
Different Methods
There are many different styles of shiatsu today. Some concentrate on acupressure (acupuncture) points. Some emphasize more general work on the body or along the pathways of energy to influence the Ki that flows in them. Others high¬light diagnostic systems, such as the "Five Element'' system or the macro-biotic approach. But all of these are based on traditional Chinese-medicine.
From a western view Shiatsu can be explained through its effect on the nervous system. Shiatsu pressure activates the healing, conserving functions of the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system to calm the body's over-active fight or flight responses (a classic response lf stress) - giving the body space and time to heal itself, improving circulation and giving the body the opportunity to function effectively.
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia www.AOBTA.org
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