Shiatsu literally means finger (Shi) pressure (Atsu). Although shiatsu is primarily pressure, usually applied with the thumbs along the meridian lines, extensive soft tissue manipulation and both active and passive exercise and stretching may be part of the treatments. Extensive use of cutaneovisceral reflexes in the abdomen and on the back are also characteristics of shiatsu massage. The emphasis of shiatsu is the treatment of the whole meridian, however, effective points are also used. The therapist assesses the condition of the patient’s body as treatment progresses. Therapy and diagnosis are one. In addition to traditional Japanese shiatsu, there are other forms of shiatsu, including five element, macrobiotic, and zen.
The primary emphasis of five element shiatsu is to identify a pattern of disharmony through use of the four pillars of examinations and to harmonize that pattern with an appropriate treatment plan. Hands-on techniques and preferences for assessment varies with the practitioner, depending on their individual background and training. The radial pulse usually provides the most critical and detailed information. Palpation of the back and/or abdomen and a detailed verbal history serve to confirm the assessment. Considerations of the client’s lifestyle, emotional, and psychological factors are all considered important. Although this approach uses the paradigm of the five elements to tonify, sedate, or control patterns of disharmony, practitioners of this style also consider hot or cold and internal or external symptoms and signs.
Macrobiotic shiatsu involves non-invasive touch and pressure using hand and barefoot techniques and stretches to facilitate the flow of qi and to strengthen the body-mind. Dietary guidance, medicinal plant foods, breathing techniques and home remedies are emphasized. Corrective exercises, postural rebalancing, palm healing, self-shiatsu, and Qi Gong are included in 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.
Zen Shiatsu is characterized by the theory of kyo-jitsu, its physical and psychological manifestations, and its application to abdominal (Hara) diagnosis. According to Japanese theory, “kyo” describes a state of weakness, emptiness, desire, fear, greediness, dissatisfaction or instability. “Jitsu” describes states of strength, fullness, congestion, protection, support, satisfaction and stability. Zen shiatsu theory is based on an extended meridian system that includes, as well as expands, the location of the traditional acupuncture meridians. The focus of a Zen shiatsu session is on the use of meridian lines rather than on specific points. In addition, Zen shiatsu does not adhere to a fixed sequence or set of methods that are applied to all similar client needs. It utilizes appropriate methods for the unique pattern of each individual. Zen shiatsu was developed by Shizuto Masunaga.
Source: American Association for Bodywork Therapies of Asia
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