Shiatsu Explained

Defined by 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." Shiatsu is literally translated as "finger pressure."

Unlike Western massage techniques, Shiatsu does not focus on the circulation of blood and lymph or soft tissue manipulation. The focus of Shiatsu is the circulation of Ki (Chinese Qi, Vedic Prana). Ki is loosely translated as "energy." It is the vital life force that moves, warms and protects us from outside influences on the human body. The ancient Chinese scientist/philosophers developed their entire medical science around this understanding of energy and matter. The origin of Shiatsu, shared with acupuncture, is traced back to the Yellow Emperor's Dynasty in Central China 3000 years ago. Zen Shiatsu was developed in Japan by Shizuto Masunaga in the 1970's. Masunaga, who was first trained as a psychologist, pursued his own theories after years of Shiatsu practice. Masunaga created a unique synthesis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and his extensive clinical research and turned the form into Zen Shiatsu. It was named such because his style of Shiatsu possesses a quality of meditation. The word, "Zen", is translated as meditation. The treatment is described as a meditative dance between the practitioner and the receiver.

The treatment is pleasant and calming in Zen Shiatsu compared to other forms of Shiatsu, where painfully strong pressure is applied. The treatment starts with Hara (abdominal area) assessment by palpating the area to sense the energy imbalance. There are 12 energy pockets in Hara that are connected to internal organs and run through the body from head to toe. The most hypoactive organ network will be tonified. The therapist uses both hands simultaneously with continuous steady pressure in order to turn off sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and promote parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) function. Zen Shiatsu involves much gentle stretching of joints and muscles. The treatment is done on a futon on the floor with loose clothing on. A table is available for individuals with mobility impairment.

For more information, contact: (520) 577-2960

Nobi Pyle, M.A.
Nationally Certified Asian Bodywork Therapist
Email Nobi Pyle