Simon Henderson - Integrated Health
2008
Shiatsu is an ancient healing art that has developed out of the traditional chinese practice of Anma over hundreds of years. After migrating to Japan the biggest developments occurred and eventually Zen Shiatsu was developed.
Shiatsu is based on a treatment of the meridians and points in the body, through which the vital life force, or Chi, flows. When there is stress to the body, underlying weakness or external extremes, the body becomes imbalanced and if not allowed to return to harmony, illness occurs.
The intention of a Shiatsu treatment is to release the excesses and tonify the deficiencies in the body in order to bring about a balancing of the inner energy of the body. So in a way all the Shiatsu practitioner does is support the body to allow the healing to occur.
Zen Shiatsu has a particular focus on stillness, which in turn brings about a deep stillness in the receiver of the Shiatsu. In our busy lives we so rarely find this kind of deep peace and release.
Zone Therapy is another development out of Masanaga’s Zen Shiatsu
Japanese Meridian therapy, Zones, ZEN stillness, deep releases, pain inflammation, etc
Shiatsu
Different treatments are more suitable for different conditions and symptoms, so I’ve summarise each type of treatment so you will better know which would be more suitable for you. With the exception of Moxibustion and Chair Massage, which require specific materials or equipment, all treatments can be incorporated seamlessly into a Shiatsu session.
