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Shiatsu

What is Shiatsu?

 

Shiatsu is a form of body work which at its highest level combines key aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an understanding of ‘bodymind’, structural alignment (bones and posture), fascial (muscle) release, empathy and compassion.  Shiatsu is done through clothing, typically on a mat on the floor. This is because the earth is the most basic form of support in our lives, and being on the floor allows people to reconnect with their ground.

 

Bodymind is a compound conjunction of body and mind, which, in scientific disciplines, researchers have begun studying in order to move beyond the dualist conceptions of body and mind that limit their medical research. (Source: Wikipedia)

 

In Shiatsu, there is a giver and a receiver.

 

The word Shiatsu literally means

 

Shi = thumb    a = connects & coordinates   tsu = pressure, condensing of energy

                                                                                       

So shiatsu is a giver using thumbs to connect with a receiver through pressure. The pressure stimulates the energy channels called meridians. Palms, knees, elbows and feet are also used.

 

The pressure is applied through the giver leaning on the receiver.

 

The giver needs to understand how much and where to press.

 

The receiver needs to be relaxed in order to receive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are meridians?

 

Just as the earth has latitude and longitude lines, your body has meridians, or lines of energy that run through the body. Latitude lines on the earth represent different time zones and geographic locations have different climates. Meridians on the body do the same thing, except they represent energetic zones that correspond to networks of internal organs. As one goes around the arm, or leg, or torso, the meridian changes as well. Zen Shiatsu is a type of Shiatsu that was greatly enhanced by the work of Shizuto Masunaga in the 1970s and 80s. He was a shiatsu practitioner and psychologist. He extended the classical meridian system used in acupuncture to be more suited to Shiatsu. 

 

History of Shiatsu

 

· Traced to China around 530 BC as a series of self applied pressure exercises.

· By 10^th century AD, had been brought to Japan and modified. Called Anma.

· 300 years ago, Anma used by doctors in Japan to diagnosis and therefore       treat.

· Anma finally associated with pleasure and comfort.

· Those who still used traditional Anma coined Shiatsu to distinguish themselves from other kinds of practitioners.

· Shiatsu is very common except in North America.

· Licensing is from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

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