FAQ

Shiatsu and Shamans: A Journey Into Healing

Frequently Asked Questions

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Note: If you have a question you would like to see here, just email me.

1. How does Zen Shiatsu differ from Western massage?

2. Where can I find the definitions of the different types of Asian Bodywork?

3. How does Zen Shiatsu compare with acupuncture?

4. What kind of assessment or diagnosis do you do when you see a client?

5. How does Zen Shiatsu work?

6. Thank you for the information on your web site. I am living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and am seeking additional information, if you could help, please. Would you know of any therapist or practitioner in this area that I could contact for a healing shiatsu massage? My search here thus far has not lead me to a professionally trained person, but people who have a small amount of knowledge and experience and combine different techniques, calling it shiatsu. If you could advise me, it would be most appreciated.

7. I was checking out your site (very nice) and found that you had obesity as symptom of Lung. At first I thought it was a typo as I have not seen in written anywhere, but I have found in practice that most women with a weight problem have Lung Ki deficiency (but a Jitsu hara.) Can you explain the connection to me, and can you tell where you read it. The best I can come up with is removal of Phlegm by the Metal element, but I would like to hear your take on it.

Also, I am looking for a good book with the anatomy of Masunaga's meridians: If you know of one, let me know.

Thanks for putting knowledge about Shiatsu in to the world.

8. What is the Asian viewpoint of Illness?

Zen Shiatsu differs from Western styles of massage in several areas. Western massage tend to deal with the outer, physical body with techniques that emphasize physical movements such as stroking, rubbing, kneading, etc.. Western massage is "doing something to a person," while Zen Shiatsu creates an awareness in the receiver of a problem or neglected area. Zen Shiatsu also follows a well-developed system of Asian medicine which focuses on connecting with the receiver's ki by gentle sustained pressure on the meridians. The focused, Zen approach of Zen Shiatsu uses thumb, palm, elbow, and feet pressure in a manner that causes ki to balance throughout the meridians. Stretching is also an important part of Zen Shiatsu as it helps to increase ki flow through the joints. Zen Shiatsu treats not only the physical body, but also the psychological state of the receiver.

The founder of Zen Shiatsu, Shizuto Masunaga, also extended the traditional meridian system and developed back and hara (abdomen) diagnostic areas.

Barbra Esher, President of the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (AOBTA) states that, "Shiatsu, ashiatsu and acupressure are not 'massage techniques.' They are part of the field of Oriental Medicine which includes a complex way of assessing the body's energetic system based primarily on Chinese Medicine parameters relating to the balance and circulation of yin/yang, the Three Treasures (Shen, Qi, Jing); Five Essential Substances (Qi, Jing, Shen, Xue, Jin-ye); the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water); the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and the 12 meridians."

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The definitions of the different types of Asian bodywork can be found at the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association site.

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I'll just quote Pauline Sasaki on this question. Pauline, who is one of the most highly respected teachers and practitioners of Shiatsu in the West, has stated, "Shiatsu is a very comprehensive system that can stand on it's own." She favors the simplicity of Shiatsu over the complicated Traditional Chinese Medicine system and claims that Shiatsu, "results in a high degree of effectiveness that can match, if not exceed, that of acupuncture."

The level of relaxation brought about by shiatsu strengthens the body's natural healing power more than the point stimulation of acupuncture. Acupuncture also works a smaller number of points while shiatsu works the full length of the meridians.

Keep in mind that no system, Eastern or Western, works on all conditions all the time. That is why they should compliment each other.

Note: This level of assessment can only be done by a properly trained Zen Shiatsu therapist and not by someone who has completed a weekend course!

In Zen Shiatsu, diagnosis or assessment is done according to Asian medicine, not Western medicine. The first thing I do is have the client read and sign an consent form and fill out a history sheet. This lets me know that the client is aware of what will happen during a session. The history form is designed to provide information about the client's current and previous health history.

Assessment in Zen Shiatsu consists of:

Listening (bun shin)
Observing (bo shin)
Feeling (setsu shin)
Asking (mon shin)

Listening is not just hearing what the client has to say, but the way in which the client says it. Listening assessment of the client begins during the first phone call or initial contact by noting the tone of voice as described in the Five Element Theory. A whining, groaning tone of voice, for example, may indicate an imbalance in the Water Element or Kidney and Bladder meridians. Listening is also used while noting the client's body posture to determine if the client's voice is not only appropriate to the situation, but if it is congruent with the client's body language.

Observation includes looking at areas such as style of dress, hygiene, presentation, skin tone, posture and energy (ki) patterns. Looking at the ki patterns in particular helps me to notice any right-left or top-bottom imbalances. After observing all the above, I can begin to formulate my treatment plans.

Touch is the primary method of diagnosis in Zen Shiatsu. It is so important that, in earlier times, palpation of the entire body was consider an important part of training for physicians.

The first thing I do after going over the client paperwork is to palpate the abdomen (hara). Each of the twelve meridians we work with in Zen Shiatsu has corresponding diagnostic areas in the hara as well as on the back. By palpating these areas, I can assess the state of the ki flow through the meridians. Usually, the meridian which has the most deficient (kyo) energy state and the one with the most excessive (jitsu) are the two meridians that I choose to work on during that session. Occasionally, I may work a different meridian (s) based on my intuition.

During the session, continual assessment of the chosen meridians gives me an awareness of the state of energetic distortions throughout those meridians. Each meridian is either sedated or tonified depending on whether it is jitsu or kyo, respectively. Work on the face, head, neck, hands and feet involves touching many meridians.

There are also points on the back (Yu points) as well as points on the front of the body (Bo points) which indicate acute or chronic imbalances in the internal organs.

Asking is the fourth diagnostic tool in Zen Shiatsu. After reviewing the client history form, I focus on the presenting problem as well as possible causes of the problem.

The Yin Yang medical theory is also used as an overall guide to a person's ki condition. We all tend to have either a Yin or Yang constitution; however, if either the Yin or Yang is dominant, there is an imbalance which may lead to illness.

After the session I provide client teaching, if indicated, in order to prevent further problems. My client education considers both Western and Eastern modalities.

This is a brief overview of the diagnostic process used in Zen Shiatsu. It is based on a system of Asian medicine and ki principles which have stood the test of time, is very comprehensive in nature, and is unmatched by any Western bodywork system.

According to Eastern Thought:

In Zen Shiatsu, imbalances or disturbances in the flow of Ki, or energy, can be felt in the meridians or in other diagnostic areas of the body, such as the abdomen and back. Other areas on the body may also become tender or painful; these are known as Ahshi or "ouch" points. After determining which meridians have excessive or deficit energy flow, the Zen Shiatsu therapist will use pressure to allow the Ki flow to balance, resulting in a more healthful condition.

According to Western Thought:

Nerve Reflex Actions - the internal organs are linked to the skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscles via the nervous system. As a result, altered functioning of the internal organs can be felt on the skin. The reverse is also true: by stimulating points on the skin, the functioning of the internal organs is enhanced.
Pain is often caused by chronic and inappropriate tension in the muscles, usually from poor posture or movements, or emotional stress. The central nervous system receives messages about the length of muscle fibers and the load carried by them. Many times we continue to "carry the tension" even after the original problem is no longer there. Stretching and range of motion exercises help the body readjust to a correct position.
Pressure on tender points works in two ways; (1) pressure displaces the concentrated fluids in contracted muscles and helps clear away toxins which may have been causing the pain, and (2) the lymphatic system and circulation will be activated, allowing for fresh oxygenated blood to flow into the area.
Pressure on muscle fibers results in signals being sent to the central nervous system that there is excess load on the muscle. As a result, a signal is sent back to the muscle telling it to relax.
The comforting, supportive, and pleasurable touch of Zen Shiatsu also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in overall relaxation, calmness, and a feeling of tranquility.
Zen Shiatsu also stimulates the body to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

I don't know of anyone in your area who is professionally trained. If any readers know, please email me. Unfortunately this is a problem we have in many cities, with massage therapists taking a weekend seminar and then adding "Shiatsu" on their business cards. Their clients then experience a poor example of shiatsu.

I think there are two main connections with obesity and the LU/LI meridians. One is lower vitality preventing proper processing of food and probably the main component is a psychological one (anxiety, depression, low self worth) which results in a pathological relationship with food. I don't think Metal types normally have obesity problems, not as much as Earth types anyway. Re a book on Masunaga's meridians, Shiatsu Theory and Practice by Carola Beresford-Cooke is a good one because it compares TCM with Zen Shiatsu (meridians also). Shiatsu: The Complete Guide by Chris Jarmey & Gabriel Mojay is also a good book. Hope this has been some help.

The Chinese believe that a disruption in the flow of energy creates all states of illness. The causes of this state of disharmony are usually divided into internal, external, and others. The internal causes are emotional, while the external causes of disease are due to climatic factors. Other factors include constitution, fatigue/overexertion, excessive sexual activity, diet, trauma, epidemics, parasites and poisons, and wrong treatment.

The external causes of disease are Wind, Cold, Summer-Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire. Normally, the body can protect itself against these exterior pathogenic factors. Weather only becomes a problem when the body’s defenses are weak in relation to the climate. For example, a poorly dressed camper who runs into a cold front may suffer a Wind-Cold invasion and experience symptoms such as shivering, sneezing, cough, and a runny nose.

Emotional factors such as anger, joy, worry, pensiveness, sadness, fear, and shock comprise the internal causes of disease. In Oriental medicine, the body and mind are considered inseparable and emotions can not only cause disharmony, but be caused by it. Each broad category of emotions has an effect on a particular organ and Qi. Anger, for example, affects the Liver and makes Liver Qi rise.

Some causes of diseases are preventable; others are not. One can do little about one’s constitution since it is dependent on the parents’ health and the mother’s health during pregnancy. However, a healthy and balanced lifestyle, along with qi development exercises can help improve a person’s constitution within limits. Other factors such as diet, exposure to adverse climate, over-exertion, and excessive sexual activity can be easily modified in order to improve ones’ health status.

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Keep in mind that no system, Eastern or Western, works on all conditions all the time. That is why they should compliment each other.