Although Shiatsu is a form of therapy uniquely Japanese, its roots date back to ancient Chinese philosophical ideas. The oldest text available - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Han Dynasty 206 BC - AD 25) gives us an inkling of how medicine and philosophy were tied together at that time. The text is a series of dialogues between Emperor Huang Ti, and his physician/minister, Ch'i Po. The emphasis is on how the environment and geography affect one's health. The aim was to be in touch with the Tao - the flow of life - "the Way" - the Source of undifferentiated energy.
A form of massage called Anma evolved during the Edo Period (1602-1868) in Japan. This therapy was mainly performed by the blind. Unfortunately, because the means were not available to the blind to receive much education, their medical knowledge was not up to the level of Doctors and Herbalists at the time. Thus, the Anma practitioners fell behind in their knowledge, and Anma came to have a reputation of only being useful for relaxation.
It wasn't until the early part of the twentieth century that Shiatsu itself was developed. The originator was Tamai Tempaku, who published a book called Shiatsu Ho (finger pressure method) in 1919. His book combined Anma, Ampuku (an ancient form of abdominal massage used in pregnancy and childbirth), and Do-In (therapeutic exercises), with Western anatomy and physiology.
In the Taisho Period (1911-1925) Shiatsu was defined for the first time under the Shiatsu Law. In 1955, Shiatsu was legally approved as part of Anma massage. In 1957, the Japan Shiatsu School was officially licensed by the Minister of Health and Welfare, and in 1964, Shiatsu was finally recognized as a therapy in its own right, as distinct from Swedish Massage and Anma. To this day these three different therapies are regulated under one law in Japan. Today Shiatsu is fully incorporated into the Japanese Health Care System.
Description and benefits of Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese “hands on” healing art based on traditional oriental healing principles and modern anatomy and physiology theory. Literally translated as “finger pressure”, Shiatsu consists of simple manipulations and pressure applied to acupuncture meridians and points. Hence, it has been called “acupuncture without needles”.
Shiatsu aims to regulate the energy known as “ki” or “chi”, which flows through these meridians, nourishing the organs, muscles, glands, nerves and blood. An imbalance in this energy network can lead to fatigue, pain and illness. Today, many styles of Shiatsu are taught and practiced in Japan and throughout the world. The most widely known are the Masunaga, Namikoshi, Ohashi and Macrobiotic styles. Other forms of finger pressure therapy include Acupressure and Jin Shin Do.
Shiatsu utilizes a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques, some of which are common to other therapies, such as Massage, Physiotherapy, Acupressure, Osteopathy, Lymphatic Drainage, Do-in and others. The treatment stimulates the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, releases toxins and deep seated tensions from the muscles, stimulates the hormonal system and the immune system, and acts on the autonomic nervous system, allowing the recipient to relax deeply and to get in touch with own healing power.
Shiatsu Therapy is not necessarily a painful experience. However, pain is the body's signal that an imbalance exists in the meridian system. A skilled practitioner will locate these areas and/or points, and apply appropriate pressure within the client's comfort zone. Gradually, the pain subsides or changes character. Tension is released, the flow of Ki is restored, and the healing process begins.
Shiatsu treatments help to relieve stress and pain, improve muscle and joint function, strengthen the body, and improve health and well being. There is no need to have a specific problem to enjoy the many benefits of Shiatsu Therapy which include the following:
- Relieves stress and tension
- Improves digestion
- Reduces blood pressure and muscle stiffness
- Promotes menstrual regularity and comfort
- Relieves headaches
- Relieves back pain
- Increases circulation of blood and lymph
- Strengthens immune system
- Improves stamina and energy (Qi)
- Relieves post-traumatic stress
- Promotes healthy pregnancy
- Eases childbirth
Governing bodies of Shiatsu
The Shiatsu Society is the UK's leading professional Shiatsu organisation
Register of Professional Practitioners of the Shiatsu Society (MRSS)
European Shiatsu Federation (ESF)
Shiatsu Therapy Association (STA)
Registered Shiatsu Therapist (R.S.T) is a professional designation granted to an S.T.A. member
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