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| The Japanese healing art of shiatsu (literally meaning ‘finger pressure’) is based on more than 3,500 years of Asian medicine and modern anatomy and physiology theory. It is often regarded to as 'acupuncture without needles'. Shiatsu, like most traditional Asian medical practices, is a holistic therapy that addresses at once the body’s physical, emotional, mental and energetic systems. Shiatsu helps to restore the physical functions of the nervous system, circulatory system, bone structure, muscles, and internal secretion, and stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal. Regular treatments can help reduce pain, relieve stress and improve overall health.
The underlying philosophy of shiatsu is based on the concept that vital energy (known as “Ki” in Japanese) circulates throughout the body in a network of channels called meridians. When mental or physical stress, injury or lifestyle habits inhibit the free flow of Ki along these channels, symptoms such as pain, discomfort or fatigue may be experienced. If these imbalances in the body’s energy system persist, their underlying cause could lead to illness.
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When the body experiences stress (physical, mental, or emotional) specific points or areas of the body often become sensitive or painful. Shiatsu therapists use a variety of techniques to simultaneously assess and treat these areas which works to improve and regulate the flow of Ki energy, which helps to restore balance in the body and to relieve symptoms. These techniques include the use of the thumbs, palm of the hands, fingers and sometimes elbows and knees to apply pressure to key points and areas on the body.
The treatment results that shiatsu achieves have been explained by Asian medicine for thousands of years, however Western medicine is just beginning to suggest explanations regarding their effectiveness.
A few of theses include: |
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> Endorphins:
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> Gate Control Theory: |
Shiatsu (指圧 Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) |
| Shiatsu pressure stimulates the production of pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins which are known as anti-stress hormones. |
Pain is transmitted from the body surface to the brain via the spinal cord. There is a mechanism or a gate at work in the spinal cord, which stops pain messages from reaching the brain. Shiatsu's use of static pressure can close this gate, therefore reducing the feelings of pain. Endorphins have also been found to block these gates. |
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Shiatsu is basically the application of deep sensitive pressure, using hands, thumbs, fingers, and, in some styles, such as Zen Shiatsu, elbows and knees. Clients are clothed during treatment in loose clothing, and we do not use oils. Massage, on the other hand, incorporates movements along the surface of the naked body using oil as a lubricant.
Shiatsu is usually performed on a futon, or cotton mattress, on the floor, while massage is done with the client on a table. Apart from these practical differences, there are additional theoretical differences as well. Shiatsu theory incorporates Asian medical theory into its assessment and treatment procedures along with an understanding western anatomy and physiology.
Massage bases its assessment and treatment on a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology from the western perspective, without incorporating the eastern point of view. |
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The number of treatments needed will different for everyone and will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. For acute conditions only a few treatments may be required. For chronic conditions one or more treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended. As treatment progresses sessions then become less frequent.
The important thing to remember is to give shiatsu time to work and not to jump back into vigorous activity too soon. As your condition improves you want to then resume a normal routine. Shiatsu is not a silver bullet, it is a process, and it can sometimes take weeks to months of regular shiatsu treatments to rebalance and restore the body and mind.
The results from regular shiatsu sessions may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and attitude. All of these factors play a vital part in the healing process. Ideally shiatsu therapy is used as preventive medicine and regular weekly or monthly treatments can keep both the body and mind in balance. |
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