Shiatsu

Origins and historical development :

Shiatsu is based on traditional Chinese massage that was introduced to Japan some 1,500 years ago. Referred to simply as ‘anma’, the Japanese use it as a form of relaxation. In the early 20th Century Tamai Tempaku applied his knowledge of anatomy and physiology that he had learned from studying Western medicine to his technique and developed Shiatsu; from the Japanese ‘shi’ (finger) and ‘atsu’ (pressure).

Tamai remained loyal to the 4 traditional Chinese Medicine ‘examinations’ for diagnosis. These being observation, listening to the actual words said by the client, listening to the sound of the client’s voice, and finally touch. Then, by making use of the body’s meridian energy pathways, 7 chakras and ‘tsubos’ (pressure points that relate to certain organs), Tamai looked to promote self-healing by influencing the flow of ‘ki’ (life-energy) around the body. By externally stimulating the meridians and tsubos with holding, stretching and pressure (predominantly applied with the fingers) Tamai would replenish ki in those areas of the body where it was low or deficient, known as ‘kyo’; and reduce excess ki where the flow was blocked or over active, ‘jitsu’.

After schools had been established to encourage the growth of this new therapy, Shiatsu was officially recognised by the Japanese Government in 1964. As it has grown in popularity, a self-help form has developed known as Do-in. This can be done on parts of the body that can be easily reached and the face is an obvious choice to try and relieve built up tension, increase circulation and tone the skin and muscles.

What to expect during a treatment :

Sessions last about an hour. The first will start with a detailed case history and current lifestyle habits, including diet; and subsequent sessions with an update of how things have been going. The treatment itself will then involve lying down on a futon or mat while the practitioner works round the whole body using their fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to assist with the relevant techniques. The client remains fully clothed and loose fitting cotton is most practical. The client will then be left to be still, relax and reflect. After a treatment, client’s often report feelings of being invigorated and refreshed.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

As well as the general therapeutic, relaxing qualities experienced from touch, Shiatsu supports well-being and is also used as a long term preventative treatment. It is said to be suitable for easing stress, insomnia, fatigue, musculo-skeletal complaints, circulatory problems, digestive disorders, migraines, PMT and asthma.