If you have ever rubbed and pressed a sore spot on your body, you have performed a type of shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy, whose name literally means ‘finger pressure’. In practice therapists use their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, arms, knees and feet to apply pressure to hundreds of pressure points called tsubos. Working on these points is believed to influence the body’s flow of energy along invisible channels called meridians. Although a relatively modern therapy, shiatsu is based on an ancient oriental type of massage called ‘amma’, which involved rubbing and pressing on the body to treat common physical and emotional problems. Modern practitioners combine traditional oriental bodywork techniques with a knowledge of physiology and anatomy gleaned from Western medicine.
How Shiatsu Works
Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture in that it works on the body’s so-called energy pathways, or meridians, to regulate the flow of healing energy which the Japanese call ki. Practitioners diagnose by asking questions about your health, medical history, work, diet, relationships and lifestyle. The sound of your voice, your smell, and the look and feel of certain of your body parts can also indicate the underlying problem. A red face, for example, is a sign of circulation problems, and the chest and upper back reflect emotional health. Most important of all is the abdomen or ‘hara’. This is called ‘the ocean of ki’, and touching it enables the practitioner to diagnose and treat problems throughout the body.
Shiatsu Treatment
Treatment is aimed at relieving pain, regulating the circulation, lymphatic and hormonal systems, easing muscular tension and releasing the energy blockages responsible for ill health. Practitioners say they work to re-balance the whole person, mind and body and to maintain good health.
For the treatment you should wear loose and comfortable clothes, refrain from alcohol for a day and avoid food for two hours beforehand. Treatment lasts about 40 to 45 minutes and takes place with you lying on a mat on the floor, or sitting on a chair.
Practitioners use different techniques to re-balance the ki in different areas. For example, rotating and stretching your leg can relieve related back pain, and using elbow pressure on the spine can help chest, digestive or circulation problems. Finger pressure is used on specific points to release blocked energy. The therapist may also walk on the soles of your feet to stimulate your kidneys and help clear waste from the body.
Do-In DIY Stress Relief
This is a type of self-massage that is closely related to both shiatsu and acupressure. It is used as a sort of self-help, daily maintenance shiatsu and you may learn certain techniques if you go for shiatsu treatment. Practice involves breathing and stretching exercises, and the application of pressure to the tsubos. It is usually practiced first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Try the exercise below for neck and upper back tension. Most stress causes stiffness in the back and neck muscles. You can easily release these physical tensions and the underlying stress with the following simple exercise.
- Kneel on the floor on all fours, like a cat.
- Arch your back downwards, pushing your tummy towards the floor.At the same time push your head up and back.
- Now, arch your back up towards the ceiling and, at the same time, slowly drop your head towards the floor.
- Repeat the movement five or six times, as one graceful, continuous flowing sequence.
How does it feel to have shiatsu?
It can be slightly uncomfortable, but some people describe it as ‘positive pain’. If you suffer from a painful condition such as arthritis, a practitioner can use very gentle energy transference techniques, in which he or she holds the point and acts, to use their interpretation, as a ‘channel’ for healing energy. After treatment some people feel energetic, taller and straighter, others feel nothing for 24 to 48 hours. It’s also common for treatment to trigger a ‘healing crisis’ as ki is unblocked. This can cause fatigue, headaches, flu-like symptoms or bowel changes for up to 24 hours. Relax until your symptoms pass, but call your therapist if they persist.
Is shiatsu safe for everyone?
When practised by a qualified therapist, shiatsu is perfectly safe for all, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. However, it may be unsuitable for people with cancer of the blood or lymphatic systems.
Shiatsu Is Good For:
- Muscular aches and pains
- Stress & stress related problems
- Arthritis
- Circulation problems
- Headaches & migraine
- Asthma
- Digestive disorders
- Menstrual pain
- Sleep problems
Shiatsu:
AVAILABILITY – Widespread
MEDICAL EVIDENCE – Limited
MEDICAL ACCEPTANCE – Mixed
SELF HELP – Possible
[...] is similar to shiatsu in that it involves applying pressure to key points on the body’s energy system. It is based [...]