shiatsu - History of Shiatsu, Definition of Shiatsu, Essence of Shiatsu, Shiatsu Standardization, Indications and Contraindications
A form of massage in which pressure is applied to acupuncture points and meridians using the fingers, thumbs, and sometimes elbows, knees, hands, and feet. The diagnosis of energy imbalance or blockage is made according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, but with an emphasis on abdominal diagnosis to select the points and meridians for treatment. The massage is designed to release blockages and balance the flow of energy, and healing energy may also be transmitted from the practitioner to the patient during a shiatsu treatment.
History of Shiatsu
Shiatsu, as well as Teate, originated in Japan. However, it was undoubtedly Tokujiro Namikoshi who founded the Japan Shiatsu College in 1940 and established and systematized Shiatsu Therapy. The Japan Shiatsu College has produced many graduates who participate actively worldwide and who have devised their own Shiatsu styles. For example, Tadashi Izawa established Meridian Shiatsu, incorporating Meridian Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine into his Shiatsu therapy. Shizuto Masunaga’s book, called Zen Shiatsu in English, popularized Zen (or Masunaga) Shiatsu in North America and Europe. Kiyoshi Ikenaga, in his book Tsubo Shiatsu, elucidates from an anatomical and physiological point of view, how meridian points (or Tsubo) are useful in Shiatsu Therapy. 1919 Namikoshi found the term Shiatsu and decided to use it to describe his therapy. 1925 Namakoshi opened his first clinic for Shiatsu Therapy. 1940 Namakoshi opened the first school of Shiatsu Therapy in Tokyo.(Now this school is known as the Japan Shiatsu College) 1953 Namakoshi and his sons introduce Shiatsu Therapy to the USA, Dr. B.J. 1955 Shiatsu Therapy first recognized by Japanese government but only in conjunction with amma and massage. 1957 Shiatsu Therapy officially recognized by Japan as a separate and distinct therapy. 1970 Masunaga's students teaching in America and Britain, most notably Pauline Sasaki and Wataru Ohashi 1979 Shiatsu Society in UK formed
Definition of Shiatsu
"Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses."
Japanese medical department of the Ministry of Welfare (Current Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) in December 1957
Essence of Shiatsu
The characteristic of Shiatsu is to practice using only the fingers, palms and especially the thumbs, but the essence of Shiatsu is “Diagnosis and Therapy combined.”
“Diagnosis and Therapy combined” is the ability of the practitioner to use his sensory organs (palms, fingers and thumbs) to detect irregularities, such as stiffness of the surface of the body, and to promptly correct or heal these problems. The defining difference between Shiatsu therapy and modern and Kampo medicine (also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and moxibustion) is this “Diagnosis and Therapy combined”; In Shiatsu Therapy, practitioners promote the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power that people already possess.
Shiatsu Standardization
Shiatsu originated in Japan and has migrated to many corners of the Earth.
In the US, one professional organization for Asian Bodywork Therapy (including Shiatsu) is the AOBTA (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia).
"Shiatsupractor" is the name given to a recently proposed international standardized Shiatsu license.
Indications and Contraindications
Shiatsu is an Alternative and/or Preventive Medicine. The following are some examples of conditions which will be improved and/or prevented by receiving Shiatsu Therapy.
Indications
Nervous system disorder E.g.: neuralgia, paralysis, convulsions, stroke recovery, polio, insomnia
Dyskinesia E.g.: rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aches, muscular atrophy, myositis, tendonitis, adhesion ablation, joint deformation, recovery of broken bones, dislocations and sprains
Digestive system disorder E.g.: gastroptosis, chronic gastritis, gastro-intestine atony, chronic enteritis, chronic constipation
Circulatory system disorder E.g.: heart neurosis, hyperemia, congestion, anemia
Urinary organ & reproductive organ disorder E.g.: paralysis, bladder convulsions, cystitis, mammary gland disorder
Metabolism disorder E.g.: gout, beriberi
Fatigue recovery & Rehabilitation E.g.: depending on the condition,
It may be necessary to follow a Medical Doctor's diagnosis and/or advice for the treatments.
Contraindications
Acute disorder E.g.: acute disease with fever、acute communicable disease
Malignant tumour E.g.: cancer, sarcoma
Acute poisoning E.g.: snake poison, insect poison
Acute inflammation E.g.: peritonitis, appendicitis
Bleeding disease E.g.: hemoptysis, bloody vomit, right after cerebral hemorrage
Trauma E.g.: wounds, broken bones, right after dislocation
Serious internal organ disease E.g.: chronic valvular disease, nephritis
Vessel disease E.g.: aneurysm, serious arteriosclerosis
Ulcer E.g.: gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer
Tuberculosis E.g.: pulmonary tuberculosis, back bone carie
Venereal disease, suppuration disease E.g.: syphilis, gonorrhea
From the Shiatsu Guidelines issued by the Oriental Medical School Association under the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan
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