MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Touch & Movement Therapy SHIATSU MASSAGE
INTRODUCTION
Shiatsu massage was developed in Japan early in the 20th century. Although influenced by Western medicine, it has its basis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and follows the same principles of energy and meridians of acupuncture. The practitioner uses fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, and even feet in a combination of massage techniques, applying pressure to key points to influence and stimulate energy flow in the body. Shiatsu has become very popular in the West, where it is both practiced by trained practitioners and used as a self-treatment for minor ailments.
Shiatsu, which translates literally as "finger pressure" has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine, introduced into Japan around 1,500 years ago. The most common form of Japanese massage was anma (tuina in China), which was used for hundreds of years simply as a means of relaxation. The therapeutic potential of this type of massage was discovered in Japan early in the 20th century, and a Japanese practitioner called Tamai Tempaku developed what is now known simply as shiatsu by combining the traditional Eastern techniques with a knowledge of physiology and anatomy derived from Western medicine. Schools were founded to promote the new therapy, which received official recognition by the Japanese government in 1964.
This engraving from the late 19th century shows the practice of anma, a traditional form of massage in Japan and the forerunner of shiatsu.
Shiatsu is used in Japan by professional therapists to diagnose and treat ailments, and a related version of shiatsu, called do-in, is practiced as a form of self-help. There are approximately 1,200 practitioners in the US.
Shiatsu is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, according to which "life energy" (ki in Japanese and qi in Chinese) circulates throughout the body along meridians, or channels, which can be influenced at specific points (tsubos or acupoints) on the body. Stimulating the tsubos externally, either by acupuncture or by finger pressure and massage, is said to reduce excess ki where its flow is blocked or it is overactive (jitsu), and to restore it where it is depleted (kyo). Practitioners aim to identify and harmonize the body's jitsu and kyo patterns.
Practitioners may use a specialized technique called hara diagnosis to monitor the flow of ki through the internal organs and their meridians. Treatment techniques vary, with some practitioners working on specific tsubos, as in Chinese acupressure, and others using a general massage to stimulate the meridians.
Hara Diagnosis: To assess the condition of the internal organs and their corresponding meridians, the practitioner feels the hara in the lower abdomen. Fingers are used to apply subtle pressure required for accurate diagnosis.
Western practitioners use physiological terms to describe the effects of shiatsu, claiming it regulates the hormonal system and the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, aids the elimination of waste products, releases muscle tension, and promotes deep relaxation. They claim that shiatsu works effectively as a general tonic and also enhances the body's self-healing abilities.
There is little evidence specifically relating to shiatsu. Any studies on acupuncture, acupressure, or massage would have implications for this technique.
MEDICAL OPINION
The theory of acupoints and meridians underlying all Traditional Chinese Medicine is unfathomable to conventional medical practitioners and scientists in the West. Some patients report strong sensations after shiatsu, yet for many conventional practitioners, the therapy appears to be no more that a highly developed approach to massage. Practitioners' claims for the power of touch and pressure to treat diseases need more research before Western science can accept that shiatsu triggers healing processes.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
The practitioner will be trained in the "Four Examinations" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She will ask detailed questions about your medical history, emotions, lifestyle, and your responses to foods; observe your appearance, movements, and posture; listen to your voice (wheezing is a sign of poor lung energy), for example, and an angry voice indicates liver energy problems); and use touch to take your pulse, using a complex techniques characteristic of Eastern medicine.
The practitioner may also use hara diagnosis; the hara consists of "energy centers" in the abdomen, which are said to relate to parts of the body. The practitioner may gently feel the hara to detect problems elsewhere in the body.
You remain clothed for treatment, but loose, preferably cotton, clothing is advised. So that the practitioner can use her body weight to apply pressure, you lie on the floor, on a mat or a futon. Sessions last about an hour, and several may be needed, depending on your condition. The practitioner may also advise changes in your lifestyle and diet.
Each session covers the whole body and treatment often begins at the point on the hara called the tanden, three fingers' width below the navel, which is the center of balance and gravity, and is said to be where ki is stored. A wide range of techniques may be used, including pressing with the knee or elbow to stimulate blood and ki flow, stretching and squeezing to disperse blocked ki, rocking to counteract agitated ki, and gently holding on the meridians and tsubos to enhance the flow of ki. the practitioner may even walk on the soles of the feet (believed to stimulate the kidneys). At the end of the session you will be left alone for a few minutes to relax and absorb the benefits of the treatment.
The firm and sometimes robust treatment should leave you feeling relaxed but invigorated. However, after-effects, such as flulike symptoms, may occur. This is the "healing crisis" - a sign that the body is trying to expel "toxins", said to be released as ki is unblocked.
TREATING A HEADACHE
1. Working on the Gallbladder meridian, the practitioner gently stretches the shoulder away from the head with her right hand and uses her left thumb to massage down the neck.
2. Turning around, she then massages along the top of the should with her thumb. The sequence is then repeated on the other side of the neck. It may also ease sinus pain or earache.
TREATING THE LIVER MERIDIAN
This meridian, which runs along the side of the body, ensures the smooth flow of ki around the body. Pressure applied along the Liver meridian can address many conditions, from headaches to menstrual pain.
Supporting herself with the right hand, the practitioner ensures pressure is evenly balanced. The thumb of the left hand applies direct pressure to specific points on the Liver meridian.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant. Certain tsubos should not be stimulated in pregnancy, except in labor.
Tell your practitioner if you have any long-term condition, such as cancer, AIDS, or CFS. Some shiatsu techniques may be unsuitable. This also applies if you have high blood pressure, epilepsy, osteoporosis, thrombosis, or varicose veins.
Avoid alcohol, large meals, hot baths or showers, and strenuous exercise (including sex) immediately after treatment, as they may counteract its effect.
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