Shiatsu and Shamans: A Journey Into Healing

Zen Shiatsu

Keeping The World Naturally Healthy

Zen Shiatsu is a modernized form of the ancient Chinese art of acupressure or "acupuncture without needles." Zen is a Japanese word meaning "meditation" while shiatsu means "finger pressure."  In actual practice, the Zen Shiatsu practitioner also uses the palms, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet in order to apply pressure to the meridians. The meditation aspect comes into play by the practitioner's focus on the receiver, the "here and now," as well as coordinating movement with the breath. There is an absolute minimum of talking during the session. Zen Shiatsu is truly a "meditative form of healing."

Zen Shiatsu follows the teachings of the late Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981) of Japan, and combines traditional Eastern views with modern Western scientific understanding.  Masunaga, a professor of psychology at Tokyo University, used his knowledge of shiatsu, psychology, and Western physiology to create a comprehensive theory of healing. He also extended the classical acupuncture meridian system, as well as developing an extensive form of abdominal and back diagnosis.

Although no two sessions are exactly alike, a Zen Shiatsu session begins with a detailed health history followed by palpation of the abdomen (hara) and/or back to determine which meridians need to be worked. Gentle, pain-free pressure will be used to stimulate, sedate, and unblock the energy (ki) that flows through the body in a system of highway-like meridians. Pressure also stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, hormonal, neuromuscular, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, digestive, and autonomic nervous system, allowing for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Gentle stretching and joint rotations are also employed to assist in flexibility and physical and energetic balance as well as to better access the meridians.

Zen Shiatsu is usually given on a futon on the floor but may also be given on a chair, massage table, hospital bed, etc., and with the client lying, sitting, or standing. In Zen Shiatsu, the client may remain fully clothed and no oils are used. Loose comfortable clothing or exercise tights are recommended, preferably of natural fibers.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, "Shiatsu therapy is a form of manipulation administered by the thumbs, fingers, and palms, without the use of any instrument, mechanical or otherwise, to apply pressure to the human skin, correct internal malfunctioning, promote and maintain health, and treat specific disease."

See below for more information on Zen Shiatsu.

Frequently Asked Questions

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