Japanese Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Zen Shiatsu

Shiatsu was developed in Japan in the early 20th Century but is rooted in 5000 years of Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) history. Shiatsu is an amalgamation of an ancient Asian massage called Anma or Tuina, a system of exercises called Tao-Yinn (Do-In) and Western manipulative techniques. The word “Shi-atsu” literally translates as “finger-pressure” although many practitioners incorporate thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms, knees and feet into their treatments. Shiatsu epitomizes the healing power of touch that is an innate power that we all possess. 

Shiatsu acquired its name with the publication of Tenpaku Tamai's book Shiatsu Ho (Shiatsu Method) in 1919. Today there are several different styles of Shiatsu all of which are based on the techniques and teachings of Shiatsu’s two founding father’s: Tokujiro Namikoshi and Shizuto Masunaga. Namikoshi’s Shiatsu style is based on the concepts of Western anatomical and physiological function. Shizuto Masunaga, the founder of Zen Shiatsu, realigned Shiatsu with the ancient medical theories of Yin/Yang, Ki/Qi, meridians, and obtaining an overall physical and emotional balance and harmony otherwise known as Zen. Shiatsu was officially recognized as a legitimate form of therapy by the Japanese government with a series of laws passed during the period between 1955-1964.

Zen Shiatsu serves to resolve distortions of Ki or Qi flow in the body. At the core of Traditional Chinese Medicine lies the concept that the root of all disease stems from Ki or energy imbalances in the body.  If left unattended these Ki distortions may manifest into pathological conditions. Shiatsu’s gentle pressure is applied to the energy pathways or meridians in order to resolve and correct these areas of ki or energy blockage. Energy imbalances manifest as deficiency and excess in the body and are respectively called kyo and jitsu in Shiatsu. Shiatsu aims to balance and harmonize these areas of kyo and jitsu along the entire path (or portion) of the meridian in order to achieve a complete body balance. Good health and vitality depends on the overall balancing of Yin & Yang energy in the body that ultimately relies on the smooth flow of Ki.

Shiatsu: Main Principles

To achieve effective results in Shiatsu the overlying principle of “Lean On” pressure must be strictly followed. The aim in Shiatsu is to “lean” and not “press”. The pressure is applied by effortlessly shifting one’s weight thus allowing the forces of gravity to interact. Force is not used in Shiatsu as healing is best achieved through support, sensitivity, and patience which are all important aspects when giving effective Shiatsu. 

Several other principles must also be followed when applying effective Shiatsu including: Using the application of Vertical or Perpendicular pressure. In other words, the pressure is applied at 90 degree angles to the body area or specific part being worked; Holding each point for a period of at least 2-10 seconds (this can range from 1-60 seconds in duration) depending on the kyo or Jitsu condition of each point; the use of a Support hand to balance the pressure of the Working hand called “two handed connectedness”; and working from the Hara are all key components of Shiatsu.

To date, the World Health Organization recognizes over 50 conditions that can be treated by Acupuncture.

 

Shiatsu vs. Other Massage

Shiatsu differs from other massage types, many of which focus primarily on stimulating the superficial tissues which aim to increase blood and lymphatic circulation.  Shiatsu also stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation but as a secondary goal.  Shiatsu’s main goal is to penetrate deep within the body having profound effects on the internal organs and energy pathways.  Shiatsu technique is not forceful but relies on gravity, vertical pressure and holding time to achieve the desired effects. Shiatsu’s effect is likened to dropping a stone in the water vs. skimming the stone along the water’s surface. The Shiatsu pressure penetrates with precision and depth reaching the very core of the problem. Because of the still, subtle and meditative nature of a Shiatsu session the body undergoes deep healing without force or discomfort.

Zen Shiatsu focuses less on treating specific acupuncture points on the body (Acupressure), and strives more to palpate and balance all of the points or Tsubos along the entire length, or portion, of a meridian.  It is for this very reason that Zen style Shiatsu is sometimes called “Meridian Therapy”. This approach of palpating the whole meridian makes a Shiatsu massage very fluid and relaxing to receive.     

Abdominal palpation (Hara) is another distinguishing feature of Zen Shiatsu, when compared to other massage styles, and is used as the primary diagnostic technique. The abdominal diagnostic zones are used in determining whether each meridian is relatively deficient (Japanese: kyo, Chinese: xu) or relatively excess (Japanese: jitsu; Chinese: shi). Treatment of the “most kyo” and “most jitsu” meridians form the basis of a Zen Shiatsu session along with the recipient’s presenting chief complaint. At the end of the treatment, the abdominal diagnostic zones are once again palpated in order to ascertain changes (improvements) that occurred during the treatment.

Shiatsu assists the body in remembering how it feels to be balanced, healthy and whole. I often refer to Shiatsu as “meditation in movement” as it is a meditative experience for both giver and receiver.  Shiatsu allows us to become aware and grounded on the physical, psychological and emotional levels.