Shiatsu Dictionary

SHIATSU

Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental healing.

Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. With the client reclining, the practitioner applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow, or knee to specific zones on the skin located along the energy meridians.

The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and disorder.

(See also: SHIATSU , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

MACROBIOTIC SHIATSU

This is a combination of macrobiotic diet, philosophy, and shiatsu. Macrobiotic shiatsu makes use of the classical Oriental meridians. The feet are utilized considerably in the application of this method.

(See also: MACROBIOTIC SHIATSU , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

TANTSU TANTRIC SHIATSU

Tantsu Tantric Shiatsu is a unique form of bodywork on land. It was invented by Harold Dull who also created Watsu, or water shiatsu. Tantsu brings Watsu’s in-water nurturing and power back onto land.

In a Tantsu session, the giver cradles the receiver with their whole body. No oil is used; the receiver lies fully clothed on the floor, while the giver kneels or stands beside the person.

Like shiatsu, Tantsu is based on point work and powerful stretches to release chi (life force) along the body’s meridians and in the energy centers, or chakras. Tantsu focuses on connecting the chakras and freeing the natural movement of energy along the spine.

 Learning to give a Tantsu session involves the giver in a process that leads to a deeper connection with others and with one’s own centers and flows of energy. (Definition taken from Dull’s book, Bodywork Tantra: On Land and in Water, Harbin Springs Publishing, 1987.)

(See also: TANTSU TANTRIC SHIATSU , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Shiatsu: Japanese acupressure massage technique, in which pressure is applied to specific points of the body to stimulate or release the 'meridians' (paths of the body) through which energy flows.

(See also: Shiatsu , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shiatsu

Shiatsu arose from the original Chinese massage, Amma. There are significant differences in this Japanese form, however. Shiatsu practitioners focus on the pressure points along meridians with the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, or feet. There are various forms of Shiatsu. Some practitioners manipulate the meridians with two hands, or with burning herbs (moxibustion).

(See also: Shiatsu , Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

shiatsu

(Japanese) "Finger pressure", Acupressure massage

(See also: Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul)

Shiatsu:

A Japanese system of health treatment based on applying pressure to meridian points around the body, particularly the soles of the feet.

(See also: Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul)

TAIKYO SHIATSU

Taikyo shiatsu is a style using ancient Taoist yin/yang and taijiquan principles combined with the gentle stretching of Zen shiatsu. From the Eastern perspective, this shiatsu focuses on stretching and palming the meridians, opening channels to induce flow of stagnated energies, and supplying circulation (oxygenated blood) to the organs.

The application of the Taoist principles enables the therapist to generate and utilize optimum energy to perform the shiatsu efficiently. From the Western perspective, stretching increases bone, sinews, and muscle flexibility, and enhances mobility.

A unique “wave” technique - visualizing an ocean wave forming (potential), reaching the highest crest, falling (kinetic), and expanding (distribution) the energy - is used in this technique. The following Taikyo essentials achieve optimum shiatsu efficiency and transmission as well as distribution of energy. Spirit: state of being; intent: volition or plan of action; calm: state of mental stillness to perceive; posture: proper body positioning for optimum operational efficiency; presence: the sum of the previous above essentials; intuition: ability to perceive; breathing: qigong mode; and simplicity: unpretentiousness.

“Reeling the silk” is a technique that enables manipulation by gripping with a wrist motion, producing pressure without using the fingers. This technique enables efficient massaging of the “18 joints” of the body. Qigong breathing from the Hara, or dantian, is one of the important keys to generate efficient energy output.

Taikyo shiatsu emphasizes philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, essentials, breathing, taijiquan postural efficiency, and the above mentioned techniques.

(See also: TAIKYO SHIATSU , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Shiatsu: The Japanese form of massage combines the application of pressure on specific points with massage. Traditional practitioners may have the patient rest on a pad on the floor for the performance of certain stretches (see also Watsu).

(See also: Shiatsu , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

SHIATSU

Means, “finger pressure,” and is known for its particular technique of massage. Originating in Japan, many centuries ago, it is a form of acupressure, and uses varying rhythms and degrees of pressure to balance the life-energy that flows through specific pathways (meridians) in the body.

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Ki-Shiatsu/Oriental Bodywork (Ki-Shiatsu, Ki-Shiatsu/Oriental Bodywork Therapy, shiatsu oriental bodywork): Healing art encompassing manual and breathing techniques that balance-nurture the whole person.

(See also: Ki-Shiatsu/Oriental Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Jin Shin Jyutsu (jin shin jitsu): Subject of The Touch of Healing: Energizing Body, Mind, and Spirit with the Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu (Bantam Books, 1997).

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro Murai in Japan. It uses only 26 pressure points, termed energy locks. According to its theory, fatigue, tension, or illness can trap energy in these safety energy locks.

The design of Jin Shin Jyutsu is to harmonize the flow of energy through the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu involves either:

(a)           prolonged, gentle, manual pressing of these points; or

(b)           movements of the practitioner's hands over such areas without contact. The practitioner's hands function like booster cables. Jin shin jyutsu literally means the creator's art through knowing and compassionate man.

(See also: Jin Shin Jyutsu , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Shiatsu: This deep massage technique releases tension and improves circulation and muscle tone. In Japanese the word “shiatsu” means, “finger pressure.” Practitioners apply firm pressure to the body’s accupoints and maintain the pressure for a few seconds. Shiatsu is often used to treat chronic pain and stress.

(See also: Shiatsu , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese system similar to Acupuncture without the needles.

The practitioner may use elbows, feet, knees and fingers to transfer the "QI" or vital energy to balance the whole body of the patient.

(See also: Shiatsu , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Quantum Shiatsu: Variation of Zen Shiatsu developed by Pauline Sasaki of the United States.

(See also: Quantum Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

barefoot shiatsu massage: Variation of shiatsu practiced by Viola M. Timbers, R.N., B.A., of New York City. It features pressing on meridians with hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

(See also: Barefoot shiatsu massage , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

shiatsu (acupressure, schiatsu, shiatsu massage therapy, shiatsu therapy, shiatzu): Healing art whose major types are acupressure, shiatsu massage, and Zen Shiatsu. Its theory posits ki (vital energy), meridians (energy pathways), and tsubos: vital points or holes on the body that are susceptible to healthful stimulation. Shiatsu is the abbreviation of a Japanese word that literally means finger-pressure treatment (shi means finger, or fingers, and atsu means pressure). Practitioners may be called shiatsuists.

(See also: Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Barefoot Shiatsu

Macrobiotic massage developed by Shizuko Yamamoto as a response to the Western condition requiring a more rigorous style of treatment

(See also: Barefoot Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul)

Acupressure , Chih Ya, Shiatsu, Shiatzu, Zhi Ya ,  :

A type of massage in which finger pressure on specific body sites is used to promote healing, relieve fatigue, etc. Although the anatomical locations are the same as the ACUPUNCTURE POINTS used in ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (hence acu-), no needle or other acupuncture technique is employed in acupressure. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed). Shiatsu is a modern outgrowth that focuses more on prevention than healing.

(See also: Acupressure , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Motherhand Shiatsu: A non-clinical form of shiatsu taught by M. Fuenmayor. One of its distinctions is that the giver and the receiver are equally clothed during sessions.

(See also: Motherhand Shiatsu , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)