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SHIATSU
by Paul Lundburg
A simple Japanese word meaning finger pressure, Shiatsu is the name coined earlier this century to describe
an increasingly distinguished form of healing. Massage, along with acupuncture, moxibustion and herbalism,
had for centuries been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine as it developed in Japan, however, the
practise of massage known by the old name of Anma became gradually divorced from medicine and more
associated in people's minds only with relaxation and pleasure. Certain practitioners were concerned to preserve
massage and related techniques as an accepted healing art.
Shiatsu emerged as a form of manual therapy
incorporating gentle manipulations and stretches derived from newer disciplines such as physiotherapy and
chiropractic, but using mainly pressure techniques exerted through the fingers or thumbs. Pressure is applied
to various parts of the body which correspond with the points and energy lines used in acupuncture, which is
why Shiatsu became popularly known in the West by the rather inexact term "acupressure".
We must look back to China for a complete perspective on the theories behind diagnosis and
treatment in Shiatsu. These relate directly to the ancient philosophical concepts regarding the
nature of existence which have underlain science, art, politics and religion for over two thousand
years.
All phenomena were understood in terms of the two primary archetypal forces symbolically
represented as Yin and Yang. These are the positive and negative aspects of the all-pervading life
energy of the universe which the Chinese call '"Ch'i". The cycles of the seasons, the influence of
the Heavenly bodies on the Earth, and ultimately the intricate relationship between all natural events
and their influence on human life were observed and studied.
The theories of Yin and Yang as
complementary but opposing dynamics were refined and developed, producing subsidiary
philosophical models such as the "Five Transformative Phases" - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and
Water, representing more specifically the essential qualities of things, and the interaction of events.
Inevitably these began to be applied in medicine.
Although energy is present everywhere in the body, it was noted that there were many places
where it seemed to accumulate or flow near the surface. In illness when the energy is disturbed,
it will sometimes manifest in these areas as pain, swelling, irritation, redness, etc.
It was then
found that such conditions, even internal ones, could be ameliorated by pressing or rubbing these
and corresponding areas. These observations were systematised as an understanding emerged
which was the birth of the related therapies of acupuncture, moxibustion and massage which made
use of needles, heat and healing touch to adjust the energies of the body for the cure of disease.
Ch'i flows in the channels which, in the West, have come to known by the French word "Meridian".
These channels are considered to be either Yin or Yang according to position and direction of flow.
They correspond with the internal organs, each of which contributes uniquely to the harmony of
the whole organism and is represented by one of the five "Phases".
Because an imbalance of Ch'i in the body (the Japanese word is Ki) often precedes the overt symptoms of
disease, all aspects of Chinese medicine have a preventative role. However, their suitability to treat specific
diseases is of paramount importance and it is worth listing here the commonest syndromes which may be
amenable to treatment by Shiatsu.
These include headaches and migraines; respiratory illnesses including
asthma and bronchitis, sinus troubles and catarrh; insomnia; tension, anxiety and depression; fatigue and
weakness; digestive disorders and bowel trouble; painful menstruation and some other urino-genital conditions;
circulatory problems; rheumatic and arthritic complaints, back trouble, sciatica and conditions following sprains
and injuries.
Treatment of all these conditions will be given according to Oriental diagnosis, though it is always
important that the modern Western diagnosis is confirmed and considered as well.
One of the real strengths of Chinese medicine is the subtlety and precision of traditional diagnosis,
which includes the four methods of interrogation, observation, listening and touching. These can all
be used in Shiatsu but of course the latter is especially applied and the Japanese have perfected the
art of abdominal or "Hara" diagnosis, whereby the abdomen is palpated gently to determine the
energetic quality and balance of the various internal organs.
Like acupuncturists and herbalists,
the Shiatsu practitioner may also diagnose from the pulse, but further refinement of the treatment
is made according to the "feel" or response from each point as it is held or pressed. So, in skilled
hands, Shiatsu can revitalise and restore health by promoting the circulation of energy in the channels.
Thus, the function of the organs, blood and body fluids are regulated, and increased nourishment to
the muscles and joints aids flexibility and relaxation.
Shiatsu is now recognised by the Japanese government as a remedial therapy and there are
several well known schools for training practitioners. But it should also be remembered that, as in
many other parts of the world, massage still forms an important part of the local folk medicine.
There is a long tradition of massage practised among Japanese family members for mutual
well-being and the relief of minor ailments. It was on this level that Shiatsu first became generally
known outside Japan.
Over the last fifteen or twenty years it has become slowly established in
America, Europe and other parts of the world through the influence of a few dedicated teachers.
Shiatsu classes have fulfilled an important role in the new movement towards a greater awareness
of social and individual responsibility in health. For the modern lay person, study of basic Shiatsu
can be a relaxing, enjoyable activity through which people can reach and touch one another, gain
mutual understanding and give practical help and support in times of stress. Traditional exercises
are often taught which not only improve ability to perform Shiatsu but which also serve as a valuable
means towards self-development.
In England, five or six years ago, a small group of dedicated students formed the Shiatsu Society
to facilitate communication between the various practitioners and teachers and to provide an
information network about classes for the public. Since then the society has grown rapidly and
in 1985 it was formally constituted as the main representative body for all those involved in the
teaching, study and practise of Shiatsu; also to ensure that standards are maintained as it's
value as a therapy becomes increasingly recognised. Professional treatment is now available
in some areas and evening and weekend classes are becoming ever more popular. The training
of responsible and competent practitioners takes at least two years, and to this end there are
now several courses established in this country.
Information supplied by
The Brighton Natural Health Centre
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