Shiatsu is a physical therapy that supports and strengthens the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself.  It works on the whole person - not just with the physical body, but also with the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of being.

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Shiatsu originated in Japan from traditional Chinese medicine, with influences from more recent Western therapies.  Although Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese, the spirit of Shiatsu is one of communication through touch, comfortable pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body’s physical structure and balance its energy flow (Ki in Japanese).  Ki is the life force which sustains every activity on the body, mind and Spirit.  Shiatsu which is responsive to the recipient's needs cannot be achieved by technical skill and intellectual study alone.  To be effective, it requires sensitivity in order to feel and positively influence the quality of vitality within the recipient.

 

Shiatsu has a number of different styles, philosophical approaches and theoretical bases and practitioners around the world are still evolving new approaches to treatment. Some concentrate on acupressure (acupuncture) points, while others emphasis more general work on the body or along the pathways of energy to influence the Ki that flows in them (Meridians). Other styles high­light diagnostic systems, such as the Five Element system or the macrobiotic approach. However all are based on traditional Chinese medicine.

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My form of Shiatsu combines Seiki and Five Element Theory.

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Seiki .. Within Japanese Shiatsu, Sei-ki is the third strand which developed from the original lineage of Namikoshi, through Masunaga to Kishi Akinobu (1949-2012). With roots in Shinto, Sei-ki returns to the heart, echoing the traditional arts in emphasising inner work and resonance as guides. As such, Sei-ki cannot be defined in reference to physical techniques. With minimal outer form, practitioners seek to recognise and appreciate the original person. To achieve this, training requires the student to engage in a spirit of research, working constantly to clarify vision as integral to practise; 'to ‘touch’, so we may breathe again. (Source: Alice Whielden)

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Five Element Shiatsu .. Five Element Shiatsu uses the paradigm of the Five Elements or Five Phase theory and the four pillars of examination to identify patterns of disharmony in the client’s body-mind-spirit and to balance those patterns through an appropriate treatment. The intention of the Five Element Shiatsu style is to address all aspects of the client, and considerations of the client's physical symptoms, lifestyle, emotional, and psychological factors are all considered important. Assessment of the client is through detailed verbal history along with abdominal and back palpation. Five Element Shiatsu is effective in both acute and chronic problems and its real strength is working on constitutional issues .(Source: Andrew Parfitt: www.shiatsu.co.uk)

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