Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means “finger pressure.” As a healing therapy it is based upon acupuncture principals, focusing on clearing the meridian system of blockages to improve well-being. It also integrates human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Like many types of holistic medicine, shiatsu massage can be used to treat specific conditions, but it also helps the body reach a state of overall well-being.
What is the shiatsu experience like? A therapist will apply pressure with the fingers, thumbs, and palms of the hands to specific areas on the body. Unlike deep tissue or Swedish massage, in which there is a constant flow of motion as a therapist’s hands massage tissue, with shiatsu the applied pressure may be sustained. Think of it as applied pressure to a specific point rather than a needle, which is used in acupuncture. Massage and stroking are also used. A treatment can be done on a thick floor mat or a low table. The patient wears lose clothing and massage oils are not applied to the skin.
The Story of Shiatsu
How old is this healing technique? How did it develop? Knowledge of and the use of the meridian system for healing has been around for thousands of years, particularly in China, where ancient stone acupuncture needles were discovered; they are believed to be 8000 years old. When acupressure was first used is debatable, although the theory that finger pressure was used before needles to serve the same purpose is not unrealistic.
Shiatsu as a specific form of treatment was not developed in China, but rather Japan, and not until the 6th century. It is founded upon the exported philosophy of Chinese medicine. The concept of meridians and chi energy flow became a staple of Japanese healing theory. The manipulation of this subtle energy though finger pressure, or shiatsu, became a part of everyday life for people in Japan, somewhat of a folk tradition.
It flourished until the worldwide advent of Western medical philosophy a century ago, but was then revived as a more scientific, respected form of alternative medicine by healers/teachers such as Tokujiro Namikoshi and Shizuto Masunaga. Today shiatsu massage is still being discovered in the West, where it has been around for decades, and is quite popular in Japan.
What is shiatsu massage then but a modern manifestation of a very ancient healing philosophy. It holds true to the foundation of metaphysical/healing thought that connected the well-being of the physical body to the well-being of the subtle flow of chi energy. We are fortunate today to be able to experience this form of healing therapy that originated in ancient China and was passed down through the people of Japan. Why has it survived and why will it continue to flourish as an alternative therapy for those seeking well-being? The truest answer to that question lies in experiencing shiatsu massage yourself.
References
Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone.” Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Shiatsu Co <“>http://www.shiatsu-co.co.uk/site/a-brief-history-of-shiatsu.html>;
Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario
