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What is
Shiatsu?
Definition
Shiatsu is an
autonomous natural healthcare system which originated in Japan, and is
influenced by Chinese and more recently Western knowledge. It
derives its theoretical and practical roots from the ancient traditions
of Far Eastern philosophies and healing and the holistic understanding
of life and health based upon them.
The aim of shiatsu is to stimulate and support the processes of natural
self healing, well-being and personal growth, and to maintain health,
through balancing the energetic system of a person. The method uses the
application of pressure, and of energetic and physical touch to the
body's energy channels and points to balance the circulation of the
body's energy (Ki or Chi).
As a self-regulating health care and health promotion system it
supports the development of a new holistic understanding of health in
Europe.
Philosophical
Background
Shiatsu derives
its theoretical and practical roots from the ancient traditions of Far
Eastern healing and philosophy. Today it is an autonomous treatment
method which originated in Japan, and is influenced by Chinese and
Western knowledge.
Aim
The aim of
shiatsu is to promote the processes of self healing and personal growth
through balancing the circulation of the body's energy: Ki or Chi.
The well being
of a person as a unity of body, mind and spirit depends on the harmonic
flow of this energy.
Principle
Shiatsu
treatment is a form of communication through touch, based on techniques
of energetic (ki) evaluation.
Form
The form of
shiatsu treatment is the application of sustained pressure with thumbs,
hands, elbows, knees and feet to meridians and tsubo and to other
energetic and physical structures.
The form also
includes rotations and stretches of limbs, joints and meridians. The
posture and awareness of the practitioner are grounded in the abdomen
(the Hara). Shiatsu is usually given on a soft mat on the floor.
Effect
Shiatsu enhances self awareness and sensitivity, and releases
tension. It also supports and nourishes life-force.
Application
Applied by a practitioner with appropriate training, shiatsu
promotes general well being and can be used as a preventative health
care method.
It can also assist people
through crisis, difficult life phases and processes of change. It can
treat people presenting with a wide variety of physical conditions.
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