Shiatsu Therapy - The Art Of Touch

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Shiatsu has been performed for centuries in the East and is often named a sort of massage. In point of fact, strictly speaking, it's not a category of massage at all, but a touch therapy used to re-distribute the flow of energy within the human body. A traditional massage serves to manipulate the sinews and muscles, and also stimulates the vital organs and other bodily systems by secondary effect. This variety of massage is well known to be wonderful for tired, aching muscles and is highly calming to experience. Yet, Shiatsu is a completely different process.

Basic Shiatsu theory reminds us that everything in existence contains energy - it's the material that all things are made of. This universal energy existing in the human body is known as 'ki' and passes through definite pathways, or meridians, meaning a channel. When the movement of energy is not balanced, then illness results. Energy can become stagnant and lie quiescent, in which case it's in a condition named 'kyo'. If there is a surplus of energy in one location, due to the fact that it isn't flowing sufficiently, it's known as 'jitsu'. These ideas broadly speaking relate to Yin and Yang, which are in turn depicted by the light and dark flowing motifs in the famous Yin/Yang symbol. A basic course in Shiatsu related techniques will further explain these principles.

The Shiatsu healer first of all identifies or diagnoses the flow of energy in the receiver's body, and tries to discover which areas of the body have too much energy, and which don't have enough. This is normally carried out by softly pressing the abdomen until an energetic link is felt between the hands. It is the practitioner's task to stimulate the energy and try to achieve balance in the vital flow, and therefore restore good health. This is achieved by direct force over the meridians with the fingers, thumbs, elbows, palms, knees or forearms.

The method was further improved during the 1970s when a Japanese psychologist, Masanuga, further outlined the precise paths of the flow of energy and likewise developed the standard method of diagnosis by giving the possibility of using the patient's back in the initial diagnostic. One session might last for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and is delivered with the receiver fully clothed. All parts of the body may be subject to the the pressure needed to re-distribute energy, and a session may also feature manipulation of the joints, and stretching the arms and legs. Some therapists employ their feet to apply pressure, for example, they could walk on the undersides of the client's feet or on their back. A session is often completed with a routine for the face, which is very relaxing for the client and also desirable for the therapy - the face has many links to internal organs.

About the Author:
Peter Bruce is a freelance journalist operating out of Toulouse in France. Subjects covered include Zen Shiatsu, a form of Japanese touch therpay. (References: Formation Bien Etre Toulouse and Shiatsu Toulouse)



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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