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 SHIATSU

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF SHIATSU
The word shiatsu comes from the Japanese "shi," meaning finger, and "atsu," meaning pressure. 

Shiatsu is a synthesis of traditional Asian massage, acupressure, and Western body therapies designed to balance the body's vital energy to promote and maintain health. In Japan it is a government-approved mainstream therapy where the practitioners are trained to diagnosis and treat illness.  Shiatsu in the U.S. tends to be a complementary therapy used for prevention, balancing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and relaxation.  Practitioners use fingers and palms to apply pressure to particular points on the surface of the body. 

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE HELPED BY SHIATSU
- Back pain
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness
- Joint pain
- Respiratory illness, sinus trouble
- Fatigue and weakness
- Digestive disorders
- Inflammatory complaints such as arthritis
- Sprains and injuries

Shiatsu's benefits may also include deep relaxation, toxin release, immune boosting, improved circulation and flexibility, lowering blood pressure, and increasing an overall calmness and sense of spiritual well being.   

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF SHIATSU

1912: The first therapy was created when Tokujiro Namikoshi developed his own treatment for his arthritic mother by applying pressure with his thumbs and palms.  Although he originally called this “Appaku” he later altered the name to “shiatsu”. 

1940: He started the first shiatsu school in Tokyo.

1945: After World War II POWs reported being treated for illness with needle insertions and the use of moxa, MacArthur banned traditional Japanese methods of medicine during his occupation of Japan.  Much furor ensued and Hellen Keller even intervened after learning that there were many blind practitioners.  The ban was eventually lifted.

1956: While in Japan Marilyn Monroe was treated by Namikoshi after she became extremely ill and was unable to be helped by other methods.

1964: The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan provides an official description of shiatsu.

1980: The students of Shiazuto Masunaga begin providing instruction in the United States and England.

1989: The  American Organization for Bodywork Therapiest of Asia is founded in the United States.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF SHIATSU
The underlying philosophy of shiatsu is similar to that of acupuncture; the energy that forms and pervades the world (called qi, ki or chi) flows through our body in defined pathways called meridians.  This energy may become blocked, weak or excessive resulting in illness.  A Shiatsu practitioner is trained to feel or see these energetic interruptions in flow and correct them by pressing on specific "tsubos," or  "acupoints" located along the meridians on the surface of the body.  As the energy is rebalanced, the body’s natural healing processes can again work effectively. 

How is it done?
WHAT A SHIATSU SESSION IS LIKE
As shiatsu has evolved, it has combined effective protocols from traditional Asian massage (amma or anma), acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western physiotherapy and massage. 

In Japan, practitioners of shiatsu therapy must be licensed with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Shiatsu therapists must undertake three years of educated in schools approved by the Ministry and pass a national licensure examination.

Japanese treatments may include diagnostic techniques such as examination of the tongue, noting the body's smell, and palpating the abdomen to learn what the body requires. 

In the U.S. only those with medical credentials may diagnose illness, but shiatsu practitioners take a thorough health history and address issues within their scope of practice. The practitioner's experience and what they feel and observe while working also guide treatments.  

In a typical shiatsu session loose comfortable clothing is best.  The client usually lies down on a massage table, futon or padded mat. Often the therapist will begin with work on the abdomen, an important area in shiatsu. A practitioner may use his fingers, palms, knees, elbows, or feet to systematically press along the meridians of the body, treating the whole body, noting areas where the energy may not be flowing freely and working to correct it. The therapist may press and hold certain points at length or stretch and rotate limbs as needed.  Typically a session lasts about an hour.  Often clients may wish to rest an hour or two after a shiatsu session.

Sometimes a client may experience side effects after their first few treatments such as stiffness, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, frequent urination, or lethargy.  It is recommended that one should keep well hydrated after sessions, and side effects should be discussed with a practitioner.  Since shiatsu works to bring the body into balance, some side effects are emotional as well. 

Who does it?
SHIATSU PRACTIONERS
Shiatsu techniques are sometimes, but not always, taught as part of general training for U.S. massage therapists. There are many continuing education classes available for Licensed Massage Therapists and other healthcare professionals, as well as schools dedicated solely to teaching shiatsu. There are no specific legal requirements nationally to practice shiatsu, and the "license to touch" varies from state to state. Professional organizations are available for practitioners and have standardized requirements for their members.