About Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of body work that was developed in Japan and founded on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A treatment involves applying pressure to the body using a practitioner’s thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet.
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Shiatsu can assist an individual with their self-development and self-healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition and addressing physical and psychological functions; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities.
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What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of acupressure, muscle meridian stretching and corrective exercises derived from Japan. Shiatsu involves applying pressure to the body using a practitioner’s thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet. It is founded on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that energy moves through channels within the body, known as meridians. Shiatsu practitioners aim to restore the balance of energy through meridians in order to promote health and strengthen the body’s healing abilities. Shiatsu is a dynamic body therapy in which the therapist interacts with the receiver to restore balance in the energy system. Imbalance, that is, too little or too much chi (ki), can manifest in various ailments, depending on which meridians are affected. Like most natural therapies, shiatsu is based on the assumption that the body is a self-healing organism, and that the role of the practitioner is to aid and support that naturally occurring process. Shiatsu can assist an individual with their self-development and self-healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition and addressing physical and psychological functions; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities. Although the word shiatsu translates literally from the Japanese as ‘finger pressure’, in practice, the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet are used to apply pressure to various parts of the body. Pressure can be gentle or firm, depending on the condition being treated. Treatment may also include the use of flowing stretches and gentle rotations of the limbs and joints, simple structural alignments and muscle release techniques. On a physical level this has the effect of stimulating circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid. It also works on the autonomic nervous system; helps to release toxins and deep-seated tension from the muscles, and can also stimulate the hormonal system. On a subtler level shiatsu allows the receiver to deeply relax, stimulating the body’s inherent ability for self healing and regeneration. The person receiving shiatsu remains clothed, or is covered by a sheet and treatment usually takes place on a futon on the floor. The effectiveness of shiatsu in maintaining balance may be supported with recommendations regarding diet, yoga, meditation and exercise as part of an overall treatment regime.
What conditions can be helped?
Shiatsu is excellent for general health maintenance and as a preventative therapy. Conditions that may respond well to shiatsu treatment include: • allergies • arthritis • asthma • back, neck and shoulder pain • constipation • depression • digestive problems • fatigue • headaches and migraine • insomnia • menstrual issues • RSI • sciatica • sports injuries • stress
What happens during a treatment?
A shiatsu session is about one hour of hands-on bodywork, plus the time before and after for diagnosis and discussion. The client's medical history and presenting issues are discussed - some therapists will use either all or some of the traditional diagnostic methods of tongue, pulse and hara. The subsequent diagnosis is important in guiding the therapist and each shiatsu treatment will be tailored specifically for an individual's current needs. The treatment usually takes place on a soft futon on the floor but may also be given in a sitting position or on a massage table. The aim of shiatsu is to facilitate the harmonious flow of energy or ki in the body so to promote the health and well being of the mind, body and spirit. Progress and changes are recorded at each subsequent visit and lifestyle recommendations may be made. Shiatsu combines well with counselling and psychotherapy. It can be used in conjunction with Western medical treatments and modalities to harmonise and strengthen the body. A therapist can explain how shiatsu will benefit particular conditions and will support you to explore how best to maintain your health. Food should not be consumed close to treatment time. In cold winter weather wear appropriate outdoor clothes to keep warm after the session. How long does it take? A shiatsu treatment can last from 30-90 minutes, according to the presenting condition. How much does it cost? The cost of a shiatsu treatment will vary according to the therapist's qualification, experience and the length of the treatment. The recommended fee for a 1-hour treatment with a Diploma qualified therapist is $80 per hour. What do I wear? Wear loose comfortable clothing including socks, preferably of natural fibres, as shiatsu will often involve a number of flowing stretches and gentle rotations. What may happen after the treatment? You will probably feel invigorated yet relaxed. There may be some temporary 'healing reactions' as toxins and emotions are released, although most people generally experience a sense of increased wellbeing. Drink plenty of water to help facilitate the change.
What are the benefits of shiatsu?
Shiatsu is used to maintain and restore health. It is also an effective preventative therapy. People of all ages, including children, can benefit from treatments. Shiatsu: • stimulates circulation • strengthens the body • promotes relaxation • alleviates pain and discomfort • supports the body back to its natural balance. Shiatsu is a total body therapy which effectively assists with a variety of conditions including: asthma and respiratory illnesses, depression, digestive disorders, constipation, irritable bowel, anxiety, pregnancy, menstrual issues, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, back, neck and shoulder pain, RSI, insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, heart palpitations and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a meridian?
According to traditional Eastern theory, energy (ki or qi) circulates in the body along channels called 'meridians'. The unobstructed flow of energy through these meridians is essential to good health.
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When the body is under stress, ki blockages occur along the channel causing physical, emotional, mental discomfort or pain. The shiatsu therapist identifies these blockages and designs a treatment to restore the flow of ki and support the body back to its natural balance.
What is ki?
Ki is the basic life force. It is what animates life and is found every where on earth, without it life would not exist. Ki is not static, it is the energy associated with movement, whether it is walking or the movement of blood. In the body, it is a constantly changing flow of energy, which is affected by our moods, stress, illness, injury and lifestyle.
It flows in the meridians and affects all aspects of the physical body as well as emotional and mental states. In a healthy body, Ki flows freely but the pressures of everyday life can affect the flow of ki, causing restrictions or blockage in the meridians that may lead to illness and stress.
What are yin and yang?
In nature everything has both and yin and yang quality. These qualities are in a continuous relationship and one cannot exist without the other. Yin is more a more feminine, receptive, nourishing and relaxing energy whilst yang is a more masculine, active, outgoing, consuming energy.
Nothing is completely yin or yang, everything is relative. Yin and yang is the basis of Oriental medicine and is used to understand relationships of the body and the external environment.
What are tsubos?
Tsubo is often translated as 'acupoint' or 'acupuncture point'. Tsubo are points on the meridians that can be stimulated in order to relieve pain and balance ki. The character for tsubo originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It literally translates as 'jar'. On the body a tsubo is shaped like a tiny jar or deep pore. The application of pressure to the appropriate tsubo in shiatsu ensures the release of stagnating ki, allowing it to flow through the body.
What is the Five Element Theory?
The five element (or five phase theory) is used by many shiatsu practitioners as a diagnostic tool to understand their clients physically, psychologically and spiritually.
According to the Five Element theory, ki which animates the universe can be subdivided into five different but interconnected phases: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. As symbols of Nature, they relate to the energetic quality of such things as the seasons, colours, flavours and emotions. Each element is associated with two meridians that are yin/yang partners. The elements follow the natural cycles of nature and each element is associated with a different time of day. For example: the fire element relates to the energy of the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak.
Wood Element
The liver and gall bladder meridians are governed by the Wood element and is associated with initiating action and the energy of the morning. It gives the ability to plan, control and assert oneself. The emotion associated with it is anger.
Fire Element
The fire element governs two meridian pairs: the heart and small intestine meridian, and the heart protector and the triple heater. This element is associated with the middle of the day when energy is at its peak. It represents our self-identity and celebration. The emotions associated with it are Joy and Love.
Earth Element
The spleen and stomach meridians are governed by the Earth element, which is associated with the late afternoon and a waning in activity. It relates to our ability to concentrate and analyse. The emotion associated with it is pensiveness.
Metal Element
The lung and large intestine meridians are governed by the Metal element, which is associated with evening and a balance between activity and rest. It enables us to know our boundaries and when it is appropriate to take in and let go. The emotion associated with it is grief.
Water Element
The kidney and bladder meridians are governed by the Water element, which is associated with night-time and rest. It provides us with the instinct for survival and procreation. The emotion associated with it is fear but this element is also the source of courage and endurance.
Styles of Shiatsu
Although shiatsu has evolved out of centuries of bodywork, Japan is essentially the birthplace of shiatsu as it is known today.
Many early Japanese shiatsu practitioners developed their own style and some, such as Tokujiro Namikoshi and Shizuto Masunaga, founded schools in Japan that helped establish shiatsu as a therapy in its own right.
Today, there are many different styles of shiatsu practised and therapists all around the world are constantly evolving new approaches to treatment. Some approaches concentrate on the stimulation of 'acupressure (acupuncture) points', while some emphasise more general work on the body or on the energy channels to influence the flow of ki within them. Other forms highlight diagnostic systems, yet all of these different approaches inherently come from the same underlying theoretical approach.
What all the different styles have in common is the manipulation of ki and the use of body weight in one way or another when performing a shiatsu treatment. Many of these forms can be studied in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines set by the Association at the accredited colleges listed on the Shiatsu Colleges page.
Barefoot (Macrobiotic) Shiatsu
Founded by Shizuko Yamamoto and based on George Ohsawa's philosophy that each individual is an integral part of nature, Macrobiotic Shiatsu supports a natural lifestyle and heightened instincts for improving health. Assessments are through visual, verbal, and touch techniques (including pulses) and the Five Transformations.
Treatment involves non-invasive touch and pressure using hand and barefoot techniques and stretches to facilitate the flow of ki and to strengthen the body-mind. Dietary guidance, medicinal plant foods, breathing techniques and home remedies are emphasised, corrective exercises, postural rebalancing, palm healing, self shiatsu and Qi gong are included in Macrobiotic Shiatsu.
Healing Shiatsu
Healing-Shiatsu Touch is an approach of shiatsu developed over the years by Sonia Moriceau which applies the practice of Mindfulness Meditation and Loving Kindness to the shiatsu form.
Jin Shin Do
Jin Shin Do combines gentle yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques, to help release physical and emotional tension. It promotes a pleasurable trance state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access feelings or emotions related to the physical condition.
This bodymind approach is a unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist yogic philosophy, breathing methods and Reichian segmental theory. Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure was developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden.
Namikoshi (or Nippon Shiatsu)
This is the form most often found in Japan, developed by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1920s. It involves a very thorough whole body treatment, but perhaps due to Namikoshi’s focus on getting Shiatsu legally recognised in Japan by appealing to Western medical theories, he does not incorporate meridian theory into his style. The emphasis is more on the points than the meridians and the style requires a thorough knowledge of the musculo-skeletal structure of the body, and the nervous system, emphasising neuro-muscular points. It can be more vigorous.
Ohashiatsu
Ohashiatsu is a nurturing method of touch developed by Wataru Ohashi. The emphasis of Ohashiatsu is on communication and synergism between giver and receiver and the self-development of the giver, as well as the receiver, and on the true physical, psychological and spiritual harmony for both.
Quantum Shiatsu
Quantum Shiatsu is a style of shiatsu based on the work of Pauline Sasaki. It is an approach to bodywork that focuses on the Energetic Body. The Energetic Body is much more expansive than the physical body, though the physical body forms its core. Quantum Shiatsu developed into a system under the influence of Quantum Physics and in particular, the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and its relevance to human healing. By applying quantum principles to shiatsu, contact with faster, more expansive energy became possible. This resulted in the inclusion of chakras as well as meridians into a shiatsu framework.
Tao Shiatsu
Tao Shiatsu, founded by Ryokyu Endo, represents an expansion of both the technical and theoretical bases of previous styles of shiatsu from two decades of clinical practice and research. With a clear concern for both the receiver of treatment and the well-being of the practitioner, Endo has sought to make shiatsu responsive to contemporary needs.
He has noted that rapid changes to the natural and social environment cause reactive physical and mental changes: increasingly, patients appear with chronic ‘empty’ conditions, against which in his view traditional meridian-based shiatsu is less effective.While remaining profoundly rooted in the holistic spirit of Oriental treatment, its methodology is revolutionary. Tao Shiatsu introduces five new elements to shiatsu: ki training, the Ki method, the Super Vessel & Super Vessel Specific Tsubos (SST), the basic 24 meridians, and an improved, systematic methodology of diagnosis and treatment.
Tsubo Therapy
The third noteworthy figure, alongside Masunaga and Namikoshi, in the development of shiatsu in Japan over the last century is Katsusuke Serizawa, who concentrated on the tsubos (effective points on the meridians). He was able to prove the existence of tsubos using modern electrical measurements of the skin. He called his system Tsubo therapy and advocated the use of any kind of stimulation of the Tsubos, from moxibustion to acupuncture or acupressure. A style of shiatsu known as Acupressure Shiatsu is a Western derivative of Tsubo Therapy.
Watsu
Watsu (Water Shiatsu) began in 1980 when a man named Harold Dull started floating people while applying the stretches and principles of the Zen Shiatsu he had studied in Japan. Stretching strengthens muscle and increases flexibility. Warm water, which many associate with the body's deepest states of waking relaxation, is the ideal medium.
The support of water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved in ways impossible on land. Gentle, gradual twists and pulls relieve the pressure a rigid spine can place on the nerves and helps undo any dysfunction this pressure can cause to the organs serviced by those nerves.
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu was established by a Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981). After initially studying psychology, he decided to pursue shiatsu as well, training under Namikoshi, before going on to research the ancient roots of the art. He eventually forged his own version of shiatsu which incorporated his experience of shiatsu into his studies of Western psychology and Chinese medicine theories, while still maintaining Western anatomy and physiology. Masunaga went on to became a professor of psychology at Tokyo University and, at the same time he taught at Namikoshi’s Japan Shiatsu School for 10 years before opening his own school known as the Iokai Shiatsu Centre in Tokyo.
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The emphasis in Zen shiatsu is more on the meridians, and it can be either strong or gentle. Intuition and connecting with the clients ki is important. Zen Shiatsu introduces a theoretical model known as kyo and jitsu, to explain energy imbalances within the meridians.
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The kyo being the deep underlying need, or under active ki, and the jitsu being the external action the body takes in trying to fulfill the need, or the over active ki. It uses as the basis of its diagnosis, a form of abdominal palpation known as hara diagnosis to determine the most kyo and jitsu energies.
Masunaga also modified and extended the traditional meridian system, with the extensions commonly known as the Masunaga or Zen extensions. He also developed his own set of stretching exercises called Makko-Ho designed to help correct imbalances in the flow of ki and strengthen the internal organs.
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Zen Shiatsu is viewed by some as shiatsu having been properly reunited with its ancient Chinese heritage and most of the styles of shiatsu practiced in the west today will probably be somewhat based on Zen Shiatsu.