Shiatsu
Inspired by the traditional Chinese (tui na) and Japanese (anma) massage techniques, shiatsu was formalized at the beginning of the XX century by Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000). This first forming operation was referring especially to the western anatomy and physiology. Afterwards, Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981) has reoriented shiatsu on traditional Chinese medicine. Today we find many approaches and shiatsu is officially recognized since 1950 in Japan.
1. Basic principles
Shiatsu means pressure (atsu) of the fingers (shi). The Japanese Health Ministry defines it as a “treatment that uses fingers and palms to apply a certain pressure on specific points and which tries to correct the irregularities of the body, to maintain or to improve the health and to contribute to the healing of certain diseases”. According to traditional Chinese medicine it refers to balancing the circulation of the energy exercising a stabile and continuous pressure on the meridians and the acupuncture points (tsubo). The therapist can also try other moves (wiggles, stretching, vibrations). Shiatsu is presented as a preventive method that contributes at health maintenance, and as a “art of feeling well”.
2. Indications
Holistic, energetic medicine, oriented on preventing health disorders, Shiatsu has numerous indications at any age. It permits the balancing of the organism, the fight against stress, easing of tensions and pains and amelioration of the psychic state. It is recommended, as a consequence, in the main and complementary treatment of many digestive, respiratory, gynecologic, and muscular and articulation affections, as well as psychic disorders (anxiety, depression, dependences etc). it is suited for adjusting minor health problems (indigestions, migraines etc).
What known effects does it have on health?
The shiatsu massage effects on health, as well as acupuncture, are still contested in the West. On limit, shiatsu massage is granted the virtues of any massage.
Inspired by the traditional Chinese (tui na) and Japanese (anma) massage techniques, shiatsu was formalized at the beginning of the XX century by Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000). This first forming operation was referring especially to the western anatomy and physiology. Afterwards, Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981) has reoriented shiatsu on traditional Chinese medicine. Today we find many approaches and shiatsu is officially recognized since 1950 in Japan.
1. Basic principles
Shiatsu means pressure (atsu) of the fingers (shi). The Japanese Health Ministry defines it as a “treatment that uses fingers and palms to apply a certain pressure on specific points and which tries to correct the irregularities of the body, to maintain or to improve the health and to contribute to the healing of certain diseases”. According to traditional Chinese medicine it refers to balancing the circulation of the energy exercising a stabile and continuous pressure on the meridians and the acupuncture points (tsubo). The therapist can also try other moves (wiggles, stretching, vibrations). Shiatsu is presented as a preventive method that contributes at health maintenance, and as a “art of feeling well”.
2. Indications
Holistic, energetic medicine, oriented on preventing health disorders, Shiatsu has numerous indications at any age. It permits the balancing of the organism, the fight against stress, easing of tensions and pains and amelioration of the psychic state. It is recommended, as a consequence, in the main and complementary treatment of many digestive, respiratory, gynecologic, and muscular and articulation affections, as well as psychic disorders (anxiety, depression, dependences etc). it is suited for adjusting minor health problems (indigestions, migraines etc).
What known effects does it have on health?
The shiatsu massage effects on health, as well as acupuncture, are still contested in the West. On limit, shiatsu massage is granted the virtues of any massage.
3. How do things happen?
Manipulations. The shiatsu session takes place in a sitting position, or, more often, lying on a table or on the floor. According to the diagnostic, the practitioner sets your body in a certain positions and acts upon a certain meridian or point, exercising with the fingers pressures more or less evident. He can also use his palms, elbows or knees. The session, of a considerable time, is pervaded of calm, fortunate to the practitioner’s perceptions and the client’s sensations.
Side effects? A session is always followed by a tonic sensation of well. Sometimes the so called “healing” effects appear: they refer to passing symptoms, associated with toxins eliminations.
4. Contradictions
The contradictions reflect the general manual therapies: urgent situations, traumas, serious bunions, haemorrhages, contagious infections. Prudence is required in pregnancy or severe pathologies. Resorting to shiatsu may call for a clear medical notice.
Manipulations. The shiatsu session takes place in a sitting position, or, more often, lying on a table or on the floor. According to the diagnostic, the practitioner sets your body in a certain positions and acts upon a certain meridian or point, exercising with the fingers pressures more or less evident. He can also use his palms, elbows or knees. The session, of a considerable time, is pervaded of calm, fortunate to the practitioner’s perceptions and the client’s sensations.
Side effects? A session is always followed by a tonic sensation of well. Sometimes the so called “healing” effects appear: they refer to passing symptoms, associated with toxins eliminations.
4. Contradictions
The contradictions reflect the general manual therapies: urgent situations, traumas, serious bunions, haemorrhages, contagious infections. Prudence is required in pregnancy or severe pathologies. Resorting to shiatsu may call for a clear medical notice.
Recognition at European level
In the European Union, shiatsu is one of the eight complementary healing techniques that could become officially recognized in the member countries (1997 European Parliament resolution). The other seven disciplines are osteopathy, chiro-practice, anthropo-physical medicine, Chinese traditional medicine (including acupuncture, naturopathies, homeopathies, and biotherapy).
In the European Union, shiatsu is one of the eight complementary healing techniques that could become officially recognized in the member countries (1997 European Parliament resolution). The other seven disciplines are osteopathy, chiro-practice, anthropo-physical medicine, Chinese traditional medicine (including acupuncture, naturopathies, homeopathies, and biotherapy).
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