Shiatsu Therapy
Posted by
spiritual4u
| Posted on
3:03 AM
Introduction
Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in Oriental traditional medicine. It is sometimes described as Japanese physiotherapy. The actual treatment approach and philosophy is similar to acupuncture in its usage of the meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) as well as diagnostic methods, but without the use of needles. Unlike most other forms of bodywork, in shiatsu the receiver remains clothed for the treatment and no oil is used for the massage.
Shiatsu is a Japanese word made up of two written characters meaning finger (shi) and pressure (atsu). The application of pressure is the underlying principle of shiatsu. Shiatsu is often called accupressure, although technically it is not correct. We can say Shiatsu is a variant of accupressure, as it involves the stimulation of the acupoints with pressure. However, this is not the only thing nor the principal technique used in Shiatsu. In Shiatsu, the pressure is sometimes applied over a wider area, not just over the acupoints; sometimes, the pressure is applied precisely over the acupoints. The practitioners use fingers and thumb for applying pressure precisely at localized points. For applying pressure over a larger area, they use palms, elbows, knees, and feet.
In addition to the pressure itself, shiatsu involves gentle stretch and manipulation techniques. These may have been borrowed from modern physiotherapy rather than from the ancient oriental massage. But shiatsu differs from Western massage in technique as well as in theory. While Swedish massage therapists use long, flowing hand movements to knead muscles, shiatsu practitioners apply rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians and tsubos. Sometimes, very light 'holding' techniques may be used, usually with the palm, almost like the laying on of hands as in spiritual healing. Stretching exercises and other corrective techniques creates flexibility and balance in the body, both physically and energetically.
Shiatsu works on the flow of energy or qi that circulates through our bodies in specific energy channels or meridians. Traditional Oriental Medicine suggests that we all have a "life force" or "life energy" which created our physical structure and regulates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability. This life force, called qi or chi in Chinese and ki in Japanese, maintains a homeostatic balance in your body.
The flow of qi can be disturbed either through external trauma, such as an injury, or internal trauma such as depression or stress. This is when symptoms like aches and pain start to occur and we start to experience a state of "disease". In shiatsu the physical touch is used to assess the distribution of qi throughout the body and to try to correct any imbalances accordingly.
Touch is the essence of shiatsu. Touch is a wonderful means of communicating our love and compassion for others in a very direct way. Touch can be of very different quality, ranging from aggressive, abusive and mechanical to more nurturing, caring and intuitive. All living things responds to touch and shiatsu helps to fulfill this need. The caring touch used in shiatsu will help to trigger the self- healing process within.
Thus, modern shiatsu incorporates a mixtOrigins of Shiatsu ure of different approaches - ancient and modern. It includes pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing, and in one variation called barefoot shiatsu, it involves walking on the person's back. Legs, and feet. These all share a common theme, namely touch. Shiatsu is thus a 'hands-on' therapy. Shiatsu has become a respected alternative therapy in the western countries and is offered in many hospital settings as a complementary therapy for the treatment and prevention of many common ailments. It is a very safe and effective treatment.
Origins of Shiatsu
Shiatsu originated in China at least 2000 years ago, when the earliest accounts gave the causes of ailments and the remedies that could be effected through a change of diet and way of life. The use of massage and acupuncture was also recommended. Thus acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine evolved side by side to treat the range of diseases encountered. The traditional massage of ancient China was known as 'anma' and found its way to Japan to be adopted and adapted by the Japanese, who also called it 'anma'. The therapy that is known today as shiatsu has gradually evolved with time from anma under influences from both East and West.
Amma (anma in Japanese) has been used for centuries to deal with many common ailments, aches and pains as well as treating more serious "diseases". New influences from traditional Eastern medicine and Western science have gradually shaped it into what is today called shiatsu. There are several main styles of shiatsu found in the West: barefoot shiatsu, macrobiotic shiatsu, Namikoshi style, Ohashiatsu, Shiatsu-Do and Zen shiatsu. These are all valid and effective therapies using the basic shiatsu principles but with differing emphasis placed on techniques or philosophy. In Japan there are more than 87,000 registered shiatsu practitioners. This fact alone goes some way towards demonstrating its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of disease.
It is only very recently that it has gained recognition and popularity, with people becoming aware of its existence and benefits.
Although East and West have different viewpoints on health and life, these can complement one another. The Eastern belief is of a primary flow of energy throughout the body, which runs along certain channels known as meridians. It is also believed that this energy exists throughout the universe and that all living creatures are dependent upon it as much as on physical nourishment. The energy is known by three similar names, ki, chi and prana in Japan, China and India respectively. As in acupuncture, there are certain pressure points on the meridians that relate to certain organs, and these points are known as tsubos.
Which problems can Shiatsu help?
Shiatsu can be used to treat a variety of minor problems such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, back pain, constipation, skin irritations, etc. Shiatsu improves health generally by relieving stress, calming the nervous system and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems. It is particularly effective for stress- related tension and illnesses, insomnia, back pain, headaches and digestive upsets. However, through its stimulation of the hormone system shiatsu can also affect the digestive and reproductive systems. Apart from bringing relief to symptoms, shiatsu gradually corrects long term postural and behavioral imbalances leading to improved body/ mind awareness and a general sense of well-being and peace of mind.
It is possible that one session of shiatsu will be sufficient to remedy the problem by stimulating the flow of energy along the channels. This may be followed by recommendations for regular exercises and a possible change in diet and/or lifestyle.
Shiatsu invokes a general feeling of good health in the whole person, not just in the physical sense. There are many benefits for both the giver and the receiver of shiatsu, both on a physical and spiritual level.
Is Shiatsu safe?
Shiatsu given by a qualified therapist is safe for everyone and particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Some therapists also treat small children and the elderly.
The basic guidelines as to when and where not to give or receive Shiatsu are similar to those of any treatment which affects the flow of energy, blood and body fluids through the system. These would include times of high fever, especially when accompanied by local infection or inflammation or by infectious disease of any sort; cancer; heart disease; and areas where there may be cuts, bruises, scar tissue, injury or swelling.
However, since Shiatsu techniques vary from the very dynamic to the soft and gentle, it could still be possible to use the supportive quality of some of the holding techniques in most of these situations. In fact, Shiatsu has been used effectively to complement other approaches in the treatment of various forms of cancer, heart disease, HIV + and AIDS.
Use caution and common sense in determining the suitability of a particular shiatsu treatment. For example, don't try any of the more dynamic movements on old, frail or weak-boned people.
Effectiveness of Shiatsu
The use of shiatsu and acupressure has been found in various medical studies to be beneficial in relieving pain and sickness.
In 1986, car factory workers were screened in a study to exclude any with organic disease or infection, and 142 workers with chronic lumbar pain were treated with acupressure daily for 21 days on points along the spine, back and front of legs. A marked improvement was found in 29 percent of patients, 68 percent were cured, while 3.5 percent had no noticeable change. Thos who received acupressure treatments reported improved sleep as well.
Acupressure was used to treat morning sickness on 350 women attending the Royal Maternity Hospital in Belfast in 1988. They were randomly allocated to three groups, and the severity of morning sickness was recorded daily for four days. The treatment group pressed a wrist acupuncture point, whereas the second group used a pretend acupressure point, and the control group had no treatment. There was much less sickness in the genuine and dummy pressure groups compared with the control group. No adverse side effects were reported in the patients' pregnancies.
A 24 month study reported in Current Psychiatric Therapy in 1977 documented the successful treatment of headache pain with "auto-acupuncture." The acupressure or shiatsu techniques were evaluated as symptomatic treatment for the pain of migraine, allergy, and tension headaches. The study was conducted with more than 500 neuropsychiatric outpatients. These patients were seen for more than 5000 visits. More than 200, had significant headaches, occurring more than once per week. "Autoacupressure" replaced outpatient prescriptions for analgesics and stronger medications, and the physicians involved felt that the value of the alternative health method was greatly enhanced by its easy availability and lack of toxic effects.
In 1982, the American Journal of Chinese Medicine reported that various methods, including acupressure, were beneficial in improving the general health of the elderly and in promoting longevity. IN 1980, American Journal of Acupuncture reported that shiatsu and acupressure had been used effectively in a community health education center over a period of six years with amazing results. The participants benefited greatly in self management of pain and stiffness due to physical and/or physiological, and stress related conditions.
Shiatsu is an approved therapy in Japan and is gaining in popularity as a complementary therapy in the western world.
Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in Oriental traditional medicine. It is sometimes described as Japanese physiotherapy. The actual treatment approach and philosophy is similar to acupuncture in its usage of the meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) as well as diagnostic methods, but without the use of needles. Unlike most other forms of bodywork, in shiatsu the receiver remains clothed for the treatment and no oil is used for the massage.
Shiatsu is a Japanese word made up of two written characters meaning finger (shi) and pressure (atsu). The application of pressure is the underlying principle of shiatsu. Shiatsu is often called accupressure, although technically it is not correct. We can say Shiatsu is a variant of accupressure, as it involves the stimulation of the acupoints with pressure. However, this is not the only thing nor the principal technique used in Shiatsu. In Shiatsu, the pressure is sometimes applied over a wider area, not just over the acupoints; sometimes, the pressure is applied precisely over the acupoints. The practitioners use fingers and thumb for applying pressure precisely at localized points. For applying pressure over a larger area, they use palms, elbows, knees, and feet.
In addition to the pressure itself, shiatsu involves gentle stretch and manipulation techniques. These may have been borrowed from modern physiotherapy rather than from the ancient oriental massage. But shiatsu differs from Western massage in technique as well as in theory. While Swedish massage therapists use long, flowing hand movements to knead muscles, shiatsu practitioners apply rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians and tsubos. Sometimes, very light 'holding' techniques may be used, usually with the palm, almost like the laying on of hands as in spiritual healing. Stretching exercises and other corrective techniques creates flexibility and balance in the body, both physically and energetically.
Shiatsu works on the flow of energy or qi that circulates through our bodies in specific energy channels or meridians. Traditional Oriental Medicine suggests that we all have a "life force" or "life energy" which created our physical structure and regulates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability. This life force, called qi or chi in Chinese and ki in Japanese, maintains a homeostatic balance in your body.
The flow of qi can be disturbed either through external trauma, such as an injury, or internal trauma such as depression or stress. This is when symptoms like aches and pain start to occur and we start to experience a state of "disease". In shiatsu the physical touch is used to assess the distribution of qi throughout the body and to try to correct any imbalances accordingly.
Touch is the essence of shiatsu. Touch is a wonderful means of communicating our love and compassion for others in a very direct way. Touch can be of very different quality, ranging from aggressive, abusive and mechanical to more nurturing, caring and intuitive. All living things responds to touch and shiatsu helps to fulfill this need. The caring touch used in shiatsu will help to trigger the self- healing process within.
Thus, modern shiatsu incorporates a mixtOrigins of Shiatsu ure of different approaches - ancient and modern. It includes pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing, and in one variation called barefoot shiatsu, it involves walking on the person's back. Legs, and feet. These all share a common theme, namely touch. Shiatsu is thus a 'hands-on' therapy. Shiatsu has become a respected alternative therapy in the western countries and is offered in many hospital settings as a complementary therapy for the treatment and prevention of many common ailments. It is a very safe and effective treatment.
Origins of Shiatsu
Shiatsu originated in China at least 2000 years ago, when the earliest accounts gave the causes of ailments and the remedies that could be effected through a change of diet and way of life. The use of massage and acupuncture was also recommended. Thus acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine evolved side by side to treat the range of diseases encountered. The traditional massage of ancient China was known as 'anma' and found its way to Japan to be adopted and adapted by the Japanese, who also called it 'anma'. The therapy that is known today as shiatsu has gradually evolved with time from anma under influences from both East and West.
Amma (anma in Japanese) has been used for centuries to deal with many common ailments, aches and pains as well as treating more serious "diseases". New influences from traditional Eastern medicine and Western science have gradually shaped it into what is today called shiatsu. There are several main styles of shiatsu found in the West: barefoot shiatsu, macrobiotic shiatsu, Namikoshi style, Ohashiatsu, Shiatsu-Do and Zen shiatsu. These are all valid and effective therapies using the basic shiatsu principles but with differing emphasis placed on techniques or philosophy. In Japan there are more than 87,000 registered shiatsu practitioners. This fact alone goes some way towards demonstrating its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of disease.
It is only very recently that it has gained recognition and popularity, with people becoming aware of its existence and benefits.
Although East and West have different viewpoints on health and life, these can complement one another. The Eastern belief is of a primary flow of energy throughout the body, which runs along certain channels known as meridians. It is also believed that this energy exists throughout the universe and that all living creatures are dependent upon it as much as on physical nourishment. The energy is known by three similar names, ki, chi and prana in Japan, China and India respectively. As in acupuncture, there are certain pressure points on the meridians that relate to certain organs, and these points are known as tsubos.
Which problems can Shiatsu help?
Shiatsu can be used to treat a variety of minor problems such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, back pain, constipation, skin irritations, etc. Shiatsu improves health generally by relieving stress, calming the nervous system and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems. It is particularly effective for stress- related tension and illnesses, insomnia, back pain, headaches and digestive upsets. However, through its stimulation of the hormone system shiatsu can also affect the digestive and reproductive systems. Apart from bringing relief to symptoms, shiatsu gradually corrects long term postural and behavioral imbalances leading to improved body/ mind awareness and a general sense of well-being and peace of mind.
It is possible that one session of shiatsu will be sufficient to remedy the problem by stimulating the flow of energy along the channels. This may be followed by recommendations for regular exercises and a possible change in diet and/or lifestyle.
Shiatsu invokes a general feeling of good health in the whole person, not just in the physical sense. There are many benefits for both the giver and the receiver of shiatsu, both on a physical and spiritual level.
Is Shiatsu safe?
Shiatsu given by a qualified therapist is safe for everyone and particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Some therapists also treat small children and the elderly.
The basic guidelines as to when and where not to give or receive Shiatsu are similar to those of any treatment which affects the flow of energy, blood and body fluids through the system. These would include times of high fever, especially when accompanied by local infection or inflammation or by infectious disease of any sort; cancer; heart disease; and areas where there may be cuts, bruises, scar tissue, injury or swelling.
However, since Shiatsu techniques vary from the very dynamic to the soft and gentle, it could still be possible to use the supportive quality of some of the holding techniques in most of these situations. In fact, Shiatsu has been used effectively to complement other approaches in the treatment of various forms of cancer, heart disease, HIV + and AIDS.
Use caution and common sense in determining the suitability of a particular shiatsu treatment. For example, don't try any of the more dynamic movements on old, frail or weak-boned people.
Effectiveness of Shiatsu
The use of shiatsu and acupressure has been found in various medical studies to be beneficial in relieving pain and sickness.
In 1986, car factory workers were screened in a study to exclude any with organic disease or infection, and 142 workers with chronic lumbar pain were treated with acupressure daily for 21 days on points along the spine, back and front of legs. A marked improvement was found in 29 percent of patients, 68 percent were cured, while 3.5 percent had no noticeable change. Thos who received acupressure treatments reported improved sleep as well.
Acupressure was used to treat morning sickness on 350 women attending the Royal Maternity Hospital in Belfast in 1988. They were randomly allocated to three groups, and the severity of morning sickness was recorded daily for four days. The treatment group pressed a wrist acupuncture point, whereas the second group used a pretend acupressure point, and the control group had no treatment. There was much less sickness in the genuine and dummy pressure groups compared with the control group. No adverse side effects were reported in the patients' pregnancies.
A 24 month study reported in Current Psychiatric Therapy in 1977 documented the successful treatment of headache pain with "auto-acupuncture." The acupressure or shiatsu techniques were evaluated as symptomatic treatment for the pain of migraine, allergy, and tension headaches. The study was conducted with more than 500 neuropsychiatric outpatients. These patients were seen for more than 5000 visits. More than 200, had significant headaches, occurring more than once per week. "Autoacupressure" replaced outpatient prescriptions for analgesics and stronger medications, and the physicians involved felt that the value of the alternative health method was greatly enhanced by its easy availability and lack of toxic effects.
In 1982, the American Journal of Chinese Medicine reported that various methods, including acupressure, were beneficial in improving the general health of the elderly and in promoting longevity. IN 1980, American Journal of Acupuncture reported that shiatsu and acupressure had been used effectively in a community health education center over a period of six years with amazing results. The participants benefited greatly in self management of pain and stiffness due to physical and/or physiological, and stress related conditions.
Shiatsu is an approved therapy in Japan and is gaining in popularity as a complementary therapy in the western world.
Source: Spiritual4u.com
Comments posted (0)
Post a Comment