A Brief History of Shiatsu

What is it Shiatsu?
We all need to feel human touch in some form, and shiatsu gives you a wonderful opportunity to fulfil your body's need for touch in a loving, caring way.

A brief history Shiatsu
This ancient method of treatment is based on the massage, gentle soft tissue manipulation, and application of pressure to balance the body's energy for healing purposes. Shiatsu massage therapy is based on maintaining the body's nerve-muscle-skeletal balance for good health and well being.

How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu helps the body to nurture itself in such a way as to promote self-healing. Similar to acupuncture, Shiatsu uses the meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points), but does not call for needles.
Shiatsu massage is a form of treatment that is derived from a Chinese form of therapy called acupuncture. Acupuncture and acupressure treatments follow a channel or meridian that usually follows the same line as muscles or blood vessels.

The function of these meridians are to control the movement in the body of blood, gas, air and water; connect the arms, legs, and head with the trunk; provide communication from the inside to the outside of the body (and visa versa) and communication from up to down in the body (and visa versa); and to control the regulation of the organs.

Each meridian corresponds with an organ. There are twelve meridians and along each meridian are specific points used as pressure points. The belief is that if organs in the body are having difficulty there are specific areas on the skin that correspond to each organ. Literally meaning 'finger pressure' the application of differing levels of pressure is the underlying principle of Shiatsu.

What is Shiatsu used for?

Shiatsu has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years to treat pain, illness, and to maintain a good general state of health.

Side effects

There are no adverse side effects from Shiatsu.

A typical Shiatsu treatment

In therapy form it incorporates gentle stretches and pressure techniques exerted through fingers and thumbs, elbows and even knees and feet to apply pressure on the meridians. Physically this has the effect of stimulating circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, and helping to release toxins and ease muscle tension.

Shiatsu treatments are non invasive to the body, lasting about one hour for each treatment. The first assessment/treatment lasts somewhat longer, about one and one-half hours. Usually successive treatments are required to work effectively. Individuals receiving treatments are treated with their clothing on while lying on a soft massage table or on a floor futon.

The Shiatsu massage (acupressure) works with the person as a whole. Each practitioner evaluates the entire body, emotional state, mind, and spirit as a whole.