Shiatsu oriental bodywork

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)

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)

ORIENTAL BODYWORK

Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (known as chi, ki, or prana) is at the heart of Oriental bodywork. Using physical pressure and manipulation, the healer evaluates and modulates this energy flow to attain a state of balance.

Popular modalities include shiatsu, based on Chinese medicine; amma, a combination of East and West healing traditions; Jin Shin Do, utilizing oriental acupuncture and acupressure along with Taoist principles; Thai massage, blending Hindu and Chinese energy systems theory with techniques similar to shiatsu; and tui na, based on Chinese medicine and the traditional Japanese massage of amma (as distinct from the more recently developed amma therapy).

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

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)

ASHIATSU ORIENTAL BAR THERAPY

Developed by Ruthie Hardee in 1995, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy combines elements of traditional Thai massage, Barefoot shiatsu and Keralite foot massage (Chavutti Thirummal).

Incorporating overhead wooden bar supports, the therapist uses body weight and gliding foot compression on strategic points along the muscles. When performed near the spine, this form of effleurage creates a “push, pull, pumping” effect on the intervertebral disc space and relieves irritations on the spinal nerve caused by inflammation and swelling.

Note: The application of this technique is not to be done on a floor mat or through clothing. This technique was designed for smaller, petite therapists who wish to specialize in deep work.

(See also: ASHIATSU ORIENTAL BAR THERAPY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Zen Tantra: Combination of shiatsu and other oriental techniques, developed by Shizuto Masunaga, the originator of Zen Shiatsu. Zen Tantra is an antecedent variation of Bodywork Tantra.

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