Shiatsu, originally from Japan, is an alternative therapy based on a culture, the oriental, and on a philosophy, the Buddhist, and although it has existed for centuries, Tokujiro Namikoshi is considered the creator of modern shiatsu in 1925.
Its name means «finger pressure» in Japanese, and it has a precedent called Anma, which means to press or rub.
As its name indicates, it consists of applying pressure with the palm of the hand and the fingers over the entire body.
The expert therapist diagnoses and treats at the same time, since he feels how each area of the body is, physically and energetically, treating each area accordingly with more or less pressure and for more or less time. And so, the body receives what it needs: increased energy and immunity, and reduced stress.
But the essence of shiatsu lies not only in the hands, the diagnosis or the treatment, but also in the warmth of the touch, like that of a mother. It is perhaps for this reason that Tokujiro defined it as “mother’s love; pressure on the body stimulates the source of life. If the attitude of the person who gives shiatsu is one of care and affection and if, in addition, that of the person who receives it is open, the experience will be even more beneficial for both.
Hence, it differs from Western medicine in medical terms and other alternative therapies. In other words, shiatsu does not treat the disease as such, but as a cause, and he will proceed to understand why this disease develops in a specific individual by looking at him.
Shiatsu and its benefits
The effect of shiatsu is quite deep and comprehensive. The points, or tsubos, that are pressed (many of which coincide with those in acupuncture) correspond to the muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and the glands of the endocrine system below them.
The pressure on these points of tension and blockages sends instant information to the organs, and all physiological functions begin to balance more deeply.
The nervous, circulatory and endocrine systems immediately improve, and our body’s natural self-healing capacity is activated, which we usually have half asleep, the part of the autonomic nervous system that is most awake in childhood, but which due to the education and society, is fading somehow. However, we all have great regenerative capacities, which are not fully developed and whose potential we are not fully aware of.
Shiatsu and the emotional aspect
Shiatsu also makes the person feel more deeply the center of his being and not just his external body. This in itself facilitates the coordination of the mind and heart with the physical-energetic body.
Despite the complexity of the emotional world, we all recognize that emotions are an indispensable part of our balance and health. Although shiatsu is not a therapy specifically created to improve the emotional world, work on an energetic level… on a physical level, what is known in other philosophies as «the etheric body», also makes aspects intrinsically linked to the physical improve. and energetic: the mental and emotional, as well as the spiritual.
In fact, these aspects of being are so closely related, even though we don’t know or believe it, that everyone benefits when one of those areas improves, like a domino effect. The result is more balance and a greater ability to reflect and act from our own being. By being more focused, we face any situation more easily to act on it in a better way.n.
Shiatsu and diagnosis
The four diagnostic methods are bo-shin, which is based on recognition; bun-shin, the final evaluation of the disease is done through sounds; mon-shin, through questions to the patient we find out the ailment, and setsu-shln, with which touch analyzes and gives a diagnosis.
This last method is the one on which shiatsu is based and is considered the most appropriate to exercise these treatments based on physical contact. Within this type of diagnosis, two aspects are particularly relevant: the patient’s pulse and touch in the hara area.
In the West, heart rate is measured, but in shiatsu, pulsation measurement is used to determine which meridians are in kyo or jitsu. On the other hand, exploring this area, we will know the ailment.
Shiatsu and the meridians
The meridians are the channels that run through our body and through which vital energy flows. In optimal health, the meridians are in balance and allow energy to flow freely through them.
On the contrary, when a meridian is not in balance, it causes stagnation in the passage of energy, causing ailments and diseases.
Likewise, to heal through shiatsu, we must find the affected area of the meridian and rebalance it through stimulation-relaxation until it allows the vital flow to pass. If the zone of the meridian is found to be slightly stagnant, it will be an easy imbalance to correct because the patient has a strong energy system; in this case we will be facing a jitsu-type stagnation.
If, on the contrary, the stagnation is strong and the cure requires more dedication due to a possible chronic disease present in the affected area, we will be facing a kyo-type ailment.
Ailments for which shiatsu has a greater positive effect
Shiatsu is indicated for all types of stress and back pain anxietyinsomnia, depression, menstrual and digestive problems, Joint painvarious injuries and other alterations caused by our lifestyle.
A weekly or biweekly session will help you have a better quality of life. It is recommended to always put yourself in the hands of a qualified practitioner or therapist.
Shiatsu and its contraindications
Although shiatsu is generally considered safe, some precautions must be taken into account. It can increase blood flow, so this type of therapy is not recommended for people with bleeding problems, coronary heart disease, or cancer.
Therapeutic massage should always be practiced carefully on people with osteoporosis, recent injuries or scar tissue, bone fractures or inflammation.
According to some shiatsu experts, applying pressure to areas of the head is not recommended for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure.
It is not considered beneficial in the treatment of feverburns and infectious diseases.
It should not be applied after eating.
Some people may experience mild discomfort, which usually subsides during the treatment session.
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