NOTE:
The above pictures will have links to articles that
you can download detailing shiatsu and the application for various
conditions. As of July 20th, 2005 there is one article available
online for download which is Stress and Shiatsu, Series 1:1. Click
on it to direct
you to the PDF for downloading
WHAT DOES SHIATSU MEAN?
The “shi” of shiatsu means “finger” and the “atsu” means “
pressure” in Japan.
THE PURPOSE OF SHIATSU
The purpose of shiatsu is to relax the nervous system, and improve
one’s health by stimulating the body’s natural powers
of recuperation. It is particularly effective in removing the fatigue
and anxiety caused by the daily stresses and tensions of life.
THE APPLICATION OF SHIATSU
How is Shiatsu applied?
Shiatsu is administered to a client lying on a soft mat on the floor,
special therapy table or chair. Loose-fitting clothing is worn during
the treatment such as shorts, a t-shirt, or light track pants. The
length of the treatment varies in time, depending on the nature of
the problem, but usually takes one hour. Pressure is applied to the
whole body except when there is a specific pathological condition,
in which case the treatment is localized.
What kind of pressure is used?
Shiatsu is a gentle, soothing pressure applied to specific anatomical
points on the body using the thumbs, fingers and palms. There are
700 pressure points in the body. If you have an area in the
body which is stressed, you might experience some “feel good” pain
during the treatment. However, the focus of shiatsu is to encourage
the body to heal.
What specific conditions does Shiatsu help?
People who suffer from pathological conditions such as whiplash, migraine
headaches, lumbago, repetitive stress/strain injuries (i.e. Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, etc.), find an increase in mobility and
return of strength to the affected areas. Also, shiastu alleviates
menopause, premenstrual stress, depression and numerous other conditions.
APPLICATION SPECIFICS
The originator of shiatsu, Tokujiro Namikoshi never teaches anything
but the use of thumbs, fingers and palms because shiatsu utilizes
pressure from the hands only. Hands, especially the fingertips, ball
of the
thumb, and the thenar part of the palm, contain
sensory receptors which are highly developed so the practitioner
can better detect the patient’s condition. Shiatsu is characterized
by gentle soothing pressure. It is not the amount of force that assists
the therapeutic value. The art of
shiatsu is the application of the appropriate amount of pressure
on the correct point. Using other parts of the body is especially
dangerous
to certain patients such as the elderly who may have osteoporosis,
or to babies, children or patients with delicate pathological conditions.
When is Shiatsu NOT applied?
Shiatsu is not applied when these conditions are present:
1. Contagious illnesses.
2. Pleurisy, peritonitis, appendicitis, pyelitis, pancreatitis, peptic
ulcers, duodenal ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, leukemia,
twisting of the bowels, intestinal obstruction, cancer.
3. High fever immediately after surgery, extreme physical
debility, infectious skin ailments.
ATTIRE:
Wear loose clothing like shorts and a t-shirt, light track pants for men or tights
for ladies.
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