Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a massage technique which originates in Japan. The word Shiatsu means „finger pressure“, and Shiatsu can be described as a finger pressure massage that uses fingers and palms to apply pressure to Shiatsu points throughout the body. The location of the Shiatsu points and the effect of the pressure on them is based on an understanding of bodily functions according to Western anatomy and physiology, and not according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM. By applying pressure to these points, the body’s natural healing ability is enhanced and the progression of disease is prevented.
Shiatsu Characteristic
The essence of Shiatsu is „diagnosis and therapy combined“. The trained and experienced Shiatsu practitioner has the ability to use his fingers, thumbs, and palms to detect irregularities in the skin, muscles, or the body temperature which he then promptly corrects or heals. Of course, it takes considerable experience to acquire such an amazing skill. In Western medicine as well as in TCM, treatment is only decided after a diagnosis has been made. In Shiatsu, treatment is applied as soon as irregularities or abnormalities are detected. And besides, by stimulating the immune system, the recovery of illness is prevented. A Shiatsu practitioner treats the body as a whole and helps to restore the physical functions of the nervous system, the circulatory system, the bone structure, the muscles, and the inner secretion and thus stimulates its natural ability to heal itself.
Shiatsu History
Tokujiro Namikoshi founded the Shiatsu College in 1940. When he was seven years old, he tried to ease the pain of his mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. He discovered that she felt better when he pressed on her body using only his thumbs, rather than stroking or rubbing with his whole hands. He concentrated his pressure on points on the cervical region of her spine as well as the middle and lower back. Eventually he was able to cure his mother’s rheumatoid arthritis. Tokujiro Namikoshi at first called the technique „Pressure Therapy“ but later renamed it „Shiatsu Therapy“.
By now, many derivative Shiatsu techniques and therapies have been developed and a great many workshops are held in Japan as well as throughout the world. The techniques taught at these workshops are called „Derivative Shiatsu“ to distinguish them from the original Shiatsu taught at the college that is registered with the Ministry of Health of Japan, and they are not recognized as Shiatsu treatment according to government regulations.
Shiatsu Indications and Contraindications
The following are some examples of conditions which can be improved and/or prevented by receiving Shiatsu Therapy, from the Shiatsu Guidelines:
Indications
Nervous system disorder: e.g. neuralgia, paralysis, convulsions, stroke recovery, polio, insomnia
Dyskinesia: e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aches, muscular atrophy, myositis, tendonitits, adhesion ablation, joint deformation, recovery of broken bones, dislocations and sprains
Digestive system disorder: e.g. gastroptosis, chronic gastritis, gastro-intestine atony, chronic enteritis, chronic constipation
Circulatory system disorder: e.g. heart neurosis, hyperemia, congestion, anemia
Urinary organ and reproductive organ disorder: e.g. paralysis, bladder convulsions, cystitis, mammary gland disorder
Metabolism disorder: e.g. gout, beriberi
Fatigue recovery and Rehabilitation: e.g. depending on the condition
It may be necessary to follow a Medical Doctor’s diagnosis and/or advice for the treatments.
Contraindications
Acute disorder: e.g. acute disease with fever, acute communicable disease
Malignant tumor: e.g. cancer, sarcoma
Acute poisoning: e.g. snake poison, insect poison
Acute inflammation: e.g. peritonitis, appendicitis
Bleeding disease: e.g. hemoptysis, bloody vomit, right after cerebral hemorrhage
Trauma: e.g. wounds, broken bones, right after dislocation
Serious internal organ disease: e.g. chronic valvular disease, nephritis
Vessel disease: e.g. aneurysm, serious arteriosclerosis
Ulcer: e.g. gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer
Tuberculosis: e.g. pulmonary tuberculosis, backbone carries
Veneral disease, suppuration disease: e.g. syphilis, gonorrhea
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