|
what is it?
Shiatsu means 'finger pressure' in Japanese. The origins of this form of strong massage lie in traditional Chinese medicine, which was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks about 1500 years ago. Working on the same principle as acupuncture, practitioners apply pressure to key points known as tsubos on the surface of the body to stimulate the flow of 'life energy', or ki (chi in Chinese) in invisible channels known as meridians beneath the skin. They work with their fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to remove blockages or over-activity in ki (jitsu) or to restore areas of depletion (kyo) and stretch and mobilise your limbs to facilitate the flow.
Elements of Chinese massage merged with an ancient Japanese form called anma that was used largely for relaxation. It was not until the late 19th century that the healing potential of this massage was recognised and the modern form of shiatsu developed. The therapy is now hugely popular in Japan and is found widely in the West.
what it's supposed to do
Illness is said to result from imbalance or disruption in the flow of ki. Maintaining or restoring the flow of ki returns the body to a state of harmony in which the body's natural healing processes can function at an optimum level. Shiatsu is regarded as an excellent form of health promotion or preventive therapy because energy imbalances are said to be detectable before symptoms are evident.
The therapy can be used for a wide range of health problems but is considered most helpful for headaches, depression, fatigue, anxiety and any stress-related conditions, digestive disorders, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, catarrh, painful menstruation, back pain, sports injuries and circulatory problems.
what happens
Sessions last about 60 minutes and the massage takes place on a mat or futon on the floor through your clothes (wear loose cotton clothing) or in your underwear. The practitioner will ask questions about your medical history, any health problems and your lifestyle as well as using traditional methods of diagnosis: observing your appearance, posture and movements and listening to your voice. Some practitioners may take meridian pulses in the Chinese way. You will be asked to lie down on the mat for the important hara diagnosis, a gentle palpation of the abdomen to assess 'energy centres' that relate to internal organs. Ki is stored in the tanden, a point just below the navel that is considered the body's centre of balance.
Expect little in the way of chat as the practitioner moves around and over you, squeezing and twisting parts of your body to release energy flow before working firmly on the tsubos.
Practitioners may give advice on diet and lifestyle and show you simple techniques, known as do-in, to use on yourself at home. Most people feel relaxed and refreshed by the treatment, though it may feel slightly painful at the time and aches and pains could linger for a day or so. Weekly treatments for four to six weeks may be recommended for a specific problem.
what's the evidence
Although few controlled trials have been carried out on shiatsu, any studies on acupuncture would have some relevance as the process is similar. Western researchers believe that acupuncture's demonstrated effectiveness in treating back pain, migraine and nausea can be attributed to the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Be sure to tell the practitioner if you are pregnant so certain tsubos can be avoided.
- Tell the practitioner if you have high blood pressure, cancer, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, osteoporosis, thrombosis or varicose veins.
- It is advisable not to eat, drink alcohol, have a hot bath or take vigorous exercise for an hour before or after a session.
how to find a practitioner
Although shiatsu is an unregulated profession, meaning that anyone can call themselves a shiatsu practitioner, the Shiatsu Society is the recognised self-regulatory body that maintains professional standards of practice and training and provides a list of accredited practitioners throughout the UK.
» help and info
If you have further questions, why not search the extensive bank of answers provided by our trained advisors? Check out just ask.
For details of other organisations, websites and publications go to our get help directory.
(July 2002)
|
