Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of body-work originating in Japan. This holistic approach to body manipulation and pressure points assists the body to relax while allowing the natural energy to flow.
The word Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure.” It is based on Five Element Theory (metal, earth, fire, water, & wood). The elements are associated with organ pairs in the body and the organs coincide with energy channels, or meridians, that run to the extremities. Along the meridians are pressure points, similar to the ones used in Acupuncture. The five elements provide the practitioner with system for reading the body. For each element there is a pair of organs and for each organ pair there a list of associations such as tastes, foods, smells, colors and other connections to the body in nature and nature in the body. (Please follow the link to Five Element Theory for a more detailed description and chart.)
The Shiatsu Practitioner uses thumb/finger pressure on the points along the meridians or energy channels that flow through the body to help the body rebalance Ki, the natural healing energy of the body. In addition, the practitioner uses stretches and other body manipulation techniques to further guide the body toward a more balanced state.
Shiatsu is practiced on a futon on the floor wearing soft comfortable clothing.
The practitioner or “giver” will generally ask the receiver questions about his/her current state. Anything the receiver wants to share is acceptable. The “giver” may ask questions about how the body is functioning, what the person had to eat that day or where the person may be feeling stress or discomfort. All of these aspects are taken into consideration as the giver and receiver move into the session.
The session begins with a hara reading. The hara is the center of the body where the energy of heaven and earth come together. It is also where the internal organs are located. The giver places his/her hands on the receiver’s abdomen and feels, or ‘listens’, for the areas that are imbalanced.
From the hara the giver moves into the session working on a combination of meridians unique to that person at that moment in his or her life. No two sessions will ever be the same.
