Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy that has been formulated over the last years from the traditional Japanese amma massage which is a feel good, therapeutic massage. Shiatsu literally means fingerpressure and as such describes part of the therapy whereby natural body weight finger, thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees is used in applying pressure to special points on the body. This is combined with stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation to give an all-over treatment, which aims at treating the patient on a holistic level.
The aim of a Shiatsu Practitioner is to rebalance the flow of energy Ki , along the meridians or channels. The surface touch uses points on the surface known as Tsubo to access those meridians. The practitioner feels for excessive Jitsu or deficient Kyo energy Ki within the meridians as they control the movement in the body blood, gas, air, water. Shiatsu incorporates pressure, holding, rubbing, heating or stretching techniques which can be deep and firm, but which are applied with sensitivity.
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress. Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include: back pain, headaches, whiplash and neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced mobility, menstrual problems, digestive problems, asthmatic symptoms, sports injuries, depression and stress.
In some cases, patients responding to Shiatsu may also benefit from Acupuncture. It begins with the practitioner using pulses, tongue, face, hara stomach area and spinal column examinations to ascertain what treatments to use. Treatment is carried out fully clothed, usually with the patient lying or sitting on a futon mat on the ground. A typical session will last about an hour. It is a painful condition that affects a surprising number of women, but the good news is that there are natural ways of managing the condition.
The term Watsu is derived from the combined words water and shiatsu. Developed in by Harold Dull, Watsu is a passive form of bodywork that draws on techniques from zen shiatsu, yoga, the Alexander Technique and meditation. New Zealand's Natural Therapies Website. Sign up Login. Kelston, Auckland. Find a Practitioner. Share on Facebook. Related Articles. Benefits of Shiatsu Shiatsu can benefit your body and energy in a range of ways. Endometriosis It is a painful condition that affects a surprising number of women, but the good news is that there are natural ways of managing the condition.
