What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese word literally meaning thumb and finger pressure. This technique is done by pressing with anatomical points spread throughout the body. These points are effective in treating the organs such as the muscular system, nervous system, lymphatic and endocrine system, immune system, and the respiratory system in order to regulate the circulation of blood and all bodily fluids.
Shiatsu works for people of all ages as it can sooth an infant and cease the pain of aging. It stimulates the body to use its own forces at its best, enhancing the body's natural healing ability and prevent or cure illness. Shiatsu triggers the release of hormones and body chemicals necessary to heal and allow the body and mind to perform at their peak potential. This gives it and extra ordinary range of operation as it sends its message to reach the different parts of the body through the larges sensory organ we have, which is the skin.
Nothing is forced in a shiatsu session. The pressure is gentle and comfortable and the therapist has to give the right amount of pressure at the right place as too much pressure is not comfortable, too soft pressure does not work. Regular Shiatsu treatment increases circulation, reduces stress and brings to light minor ailments that can be treated before serious problems occur. They help reduce pain and discomfort if there are any health problems that are acute or chronic as well as helping detect bodily irregularities and prevent the accumulation of fatigue elements and the occurrence of illness.
Shiatsu is administered while clothed or covered with a sheet lying on a soft mattress on the floor, table, or specially designed Shiatsu chair. A session includes treatment of the entire body, usually one hour in length as it can be more or less. Shorter treatments can be arranged to focus on immediate and main concerns.

HISTORY OF SHIATSU

Shiatsu developed by Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000) in Japan. When he was seven years old, his family moved from a warm place to another place where the weather was cold and harsh. His mother developed Rheumatoid Arthritis from hard physical work and the change from a warm to a cold and damp climate. There was no doctor or medicine available in that little town due to isolation. Tokujiro, who was only seven years of age tried to ease his mother's pain by rubbing and pressing on areas where she had developed pain using 80% rubbing and 20% pressing. He discovered that she felt better when he pressed on her body with his thumb rather than stroking or rubbing therefore reversing the technique to 80% pressing and 20% rubbing. Eventually, his mother's arthritis was cured by his treatment. Later, from his anatomy, physiology study, and practise he subsequently developed a scientific anatomical and physiological theory which explained his treatment. The relationship between the adrenal glands and rheumatoid arthritis, it was like giving his mother "natural cortisone shots."

1926 - First Shiatsu clinic open in Saporo, Japan
1933 - Opened Shiatsu clinic in Tokyo, Japan
1953 - Invited to introduce Shiatsu at the Palmer Chiropractic School in Iowa, U.S.A.
1940 - Opened the Japan Shiatsu College in Japan
1955 - Japan Shiatsu College was officially licensed by the Ministry of Health and Shiatsu Authorized
1964 - Ministry of Health in Japan realized that Japanese Shiatsu and Western Massage did not belong to traditional Chinese medicine and were more recognized than other modalities.
At this time, Shiatsu is becoming known worldwide and is practised in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.

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