Zen shiatsu is a unique therapy based on traditional Japanese shiatsu therapy with it’s origins coming from the theories of Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Zen Shiatsu is based on the teachings and work of Shizuto Masunaga 1925-1981. Masunaga came from a rich family history of a long line of shiatsu therapists and healers. He was also a brilliant professor of psychology. His work and teachings incorporates Zen Buddhism with traditional Japanese shiatsu and the theories of TCM. Zen shiatsu works directly on the autonomic nervous system at a physiological level as well as incorporating traditional Chinese acupressure which is directly related to the body’s energy system, or what is traditionally called Ki. Ki is the life force running through the bodies meridians. It can become stagnant or misdirected and imbalanced. These imbalances have physical manifestations that a trained shiatsu therapist will recognize and which shiatsu therapy will help balance.
Zen shiatsu uses 12 meridians in the body based on traditional Chinese acupuncture meridians as well as classical acupuncture points called tsubo. With the use of pressure instead of needles this practice is called acupressure. Each meridian corresponds to a specific organ system in the body and incorporates the physical with emotional. The practioner also uses the theory of Yin and Yang in the course of a treatment.
Zen Shiatsu is generally preformed in 1 hour treatments and the client is fully clothed. There are no oils involved like traditional western massage. The treatment takes place on a futon on the floor. The practitioner will used their fingers, feet, knees and body pressure to administer the treatment as well as incorporating many stretches and yoga style poses. The treatment will include rocking and tapping as well. It can also be beneficial for the both the practitioner as well as the client.
The Zen shiatsu practitioner works in a meditative state at all times and uses personal intuition and theory of TCM during the course of the whole treatment. It is quite an involved process. The practitioner makes an initial Hara assesment’or diagnosis by reading the Hara through a series of abdominal palpations. These are the energy center’s of the 12 meridians and can help a therapist recognize what is going on within a person’s body. It is quite a profound process. The healing benefits are very effective and beneficial. By using the body’s own energy sources this in turn facilitates healing.
Many practitioner’s incorporate some aspect of western massage as well. Whether it be a facial massage or foot massage which is very common, it is a great way to incorporate western and eastern medicine’s into one healing modality.
Shiatsu can heal a wide range of physical ailments in a gentle and revitalizing way. It can be used on infant’s, toddler’s and children as well as senior citizens and everyone in between.
The power of touch is an amazing source of healing and can be used to heal a variety of physical and emotional problems from depression and anxiety to fertility and stomach ailments, and everything in between. Shiatsu is just another tool we have to facilitate healing through bodywork.
