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a Shiatsu Practitioner
Shiatsu
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What Happens During Treatment?
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
What Is It?
Shiatsu, meaning “finger pressure”, is a Japanese massage
therapy which involves applying pressure to points on the body
called “tsubos”. It combines energy balancing with
healing touch. Shiatsu is similar to acupressure, but also uses
relaxing massage and gentle stretching techniques to improve the
flow of energy through the body.
The techniques used in shiatsu have been practised
for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the
mid 20th century that shiatsu was recognised by the
Japanese government as a therapy which promotes health
and treats illness.
How Does It Work?
Shiatsu is based on the same meridian system of energy used in
traditional Chinese medicine. Blockages in the flow of vital
energy, ki (qi in Chinese), are thought to cause illness, and
the aim of shiatsu is to remove those blockages. This is achieved
by using the thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to
manipulate pressure points known as tsubos (equivalent to acupoints)
along the meridians, which correspond to other parts of the body.
Rebalancing the flow of ki through the body enhances vitality
and promotes natural healing.
Shiatsu may also work by releasing endorphins, the
body’s natural painkillers, and lowering the
level of stress hormones in the body.
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What Happens During
Treatment?
During your first visit your practitioner will take a medical history
and ask about your diet, lifestyle and any specific health problems.
S/he may examine your abdomen, back or 12 special pulses which
correspond to the meridians, to assess the quality of energy in
your body. You will normally be asked to wear loose, comfortable
clothing for the session. Treatment usually takes place on a mat
on the floor. You will spend some of the time on your back, some
lying on your front, and some time sitting up while the practitioner
works the shoulders.
Various techniques are employed, mostly involving
the use of the fingers and thumbs to press, stretch
or rotate parts of the body. Zen shiatsu practitioners
use their whole bodies to apply pressure, while those
using barefoot shiatsu use their feet as well as their
hands.
Some people describe the experience of shiatsu as “pleasurable
pain”, many feel relaxed during treatment and invigorated
afterwards. The therapy may bring about the release of pent up
emotions as related areas of tension are worked on.
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What Is It Used
For?
Shiatsu is recommended for general improvement of the circulatory,
immune and nervous systems. It is particularly helpful for stress
related problems, and may also help to relieve headaches, menstrual
problems, constipation, back and neck pain, insomnia, chronic muscle
tension, asthma, nausea and arthritis.
Side Effects/Cautions
Avoid shiatsu if you have open wounds, bone fractures, inflamed
or injured areas, slipped disks, varicose veins, phlebitis or
are prone to blood clots.
Avoid massage in the abdominal area if you are in
the first trimester of pregnancy of have an abdominal
hernia.
Some people report temporary “healing reactions” after
a shiatsu session as toxins are released. These may
include headaches or flu-like symptoms.
References
Find
a Shiatsu Practitioner
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Recommended
Books
Prices are in US Dollars
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The Complete Book of Shiatsu
Therapy
Toru Namikoshi
"The Bible of shiatsu and acupressure.
This book is exactly what any would-be practitioner
of Shiatsu and acupressure needs. If you are
just starting out, or if you've taken years
of classes, Mr. Namikoshi will show you step-by-step
exactly what points to hit, in what order for
maximum effectiveness, and using what positioning
of the body as well as the hands and fingers
you are applying with. No homoeopathic practitioner
should be without this book."
Learn
more...
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The Complete Illustrated Guide to
Shiatsu: The Japanese Healing Art of Touch
for Health and Fitness
Elaine Liechti
"Elaine Liechti has done a wonderful
job of sharing her passion and knowledge of
shiatsu. This book is a complete, concise,
yet easy-to-understand introduction to shiatsu;
what it is, the history, the different schools
of shiatsu, the basic principles, and how to
do it. The book is well structured and has
lots of diagrams, photos and illustrations
to capture your interest. This book is certainly
the most comprehensive and comprehensible book
on shiatsu I have seen." - Caroline Bertorelli
Learn
more...
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The Book of Shiatsu: A Complete Guide
to Using Hand Pressure and Gentle Manipulation
to Improve Your Health, Vitality and Stamina
Paul Lundberg
With shiatsu (a Japanese word meaning "finger
pressure") you can release and stimulate
the energy flowing through your body -- using
just your hands and fingers -- to awaken your
body's natural healing modalities. The Book
of Shiatsu is the authoritative, step-by-step
guide to this uniquely effective therapy. The
techniques offered are simple and can be used
to treat a variety of health problems, particularly:
• Arthritic conditions
• Backaches
• Emotional stress
• Headaches and migraines
• Intestinal disorders
• Menstrual and reproductive problems
• Muscular pain and tension
Here you'll find more than 240 colour drawings and photographs
in a brand-new, accessible format, demonstrating how to give
both whole-body and specialized massages, diagnose specific
conditions, and work with the body's energy meridians to
promote sustained health and well-being.
Learn
more...
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Shiatsu Books
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