Types of Massage Therapy and Bodywork: Shiatsu
Shiatsu
Background: Shiatsu was developed in the early part of the 20th century by a Japanese practitioner, Tamai Tempaku who combined aspects of contemporary Western anatomy and physiology with some Asian traditional healing. He originally called it “Shiatsu Ryoho” or ‘finger pressure way of healing,’ then “Shiatsu Ho,” ‘finger pressure method.” Now known as Shiatsu, it was recognized by the Japanese Government in 1964 to distinguish it from the traditional Japanese bodywork style of Anma. Shiatsu is now being taught and many western Massage and Bodywork Schools.
Shiatsu therapists diagnose and treat according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which originated well over 3000 years ago. TCM was introduced to Japan in the 6th century by a Buddhist monk and since has developed its own philosophy, manual healing, and diagnostic arts. There are many styles of Shiatsu practiced today. Some of the styles recognized by the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA, www.aobta.org) include Five Element Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Shiatsu, Shiatsu Anma Therapy, and Zen Shiatsu.
Methods: The Shiatsu client remains clothed and generally lies on a mat on the floor during a treatment. All of the styles are based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Some styles emphasize general body work or along the meridians (energy pathways) to optimize the flow of Ki (Qi) in the body. Some styles focus on acupressure (acupuncture) points along the meridians. Others incorporate diagnostic systems such as Five Element or Macrobiotic Shiatsu. Five Element Shiatsu diagnoses and treats on the basis of the interrelationship and correspondences of the Five Elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu uses Japanese Shiatsu techniques, principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western methods of soft tissue manipulation. Macrobiotic Shiatsu focuses on a natural lifestyle; the bodywork includes non-invasive touch and pressure using hand and barefoot techniques and stretches. Shiatsu applies pressure with the thumbs along meridians, extensive soft tissue manipulation, and active and passive stretching. Shiatsu Anma Therapy is based on the energetic system of Traditional Chines Medicine in long form and contemporary pressure therapy which is based on neuro-musculo-skeletal system in short form. Zen Shiatsu focuses on meridian lines rather than specific points; it does not have a fixed sequence, but rather uses appropriate methods for the unique pattern of each individual.
Results: Shiatsu has been useful in treating a wide range of disorders including stress-related disorders, headaches and migraines, menstrual dysfunction, depression and anxiety, muscle tension and spasm, insomnia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, sports injuries, sciatica, whiplash, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
