Zen Shiatsu....
Zen Shiatsu is an Oriental therapeutic form of massage based on the acupressure system of points and meridians (channels where the energy flows). An acupressure point is a point on the surface of the body with a high level of conductivity of electro-magnetic energy, The energy flows through channels called meridians and spreads throughout the body right down to the last cell. This energy nourishes the internal organs, glands, muscles, nerves and vital centers of the body. A highly detailed body map developed over many centuries show hundreds of skin surface points practitioners believe are linked to internal organs, nerves and muscle performance.
We call the power that regulates and maintains life Chi or Ki. Its a very delicate material which one can also describe as vitality. Every human has it and can use it. In Asia, its is a common occurrence to see everyone from the young to the old consciously moving their ki energy by doing such practices as Tai Chi, QiGong, acupuncture, meridian stretches and the like. In the young it promotes intelligence, adults use it to combat stress and fatigue and the elderly do it to enjoy a happy and healthy old age.
Ki energy is everywhere and is a process of constant change. We find it in nature, in the cosmos, in the earth, the food we eat and in our organism.
The Japanese word Shiatsu is composed of 'shi' (meaning finger) and 'atsu' (meaning pressure). This traditional art of finger pressure releases muscle tension, toxicity, and the vital life energy (ki) responsible for nourishing all aspects of the body and mind.
The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare describe Shiatsu as "a therapeutic form of manipulation administered by the thumbs, fingers and palms without the use of any instruments, mechanical or otherwise, to apply pressure to the human skin, correct internal malfunctions and promote and maintain health."
Shiatsu, or finger pressure, evolved in Japan from Anma (a style from China). While its deepest roots lie in an instinctive application of pressure to relieve areas of bodily pain, the theoretical base of Shiatsu is classical Chinese medicine using the system of points and meridians.
The style of Zen Shiatsu reflects the cultural background of Japan during its time of creation which was permeated by Zen Buddhism. Shizuto Masunaga created and developed this style throughout his thirty year career until he died in 1981. It is known as Zen Shiatsu or Meridian Shiatsu using stationary pressure to the points without rubbing, kneading or tapping.
The basic principle of Oriental healing is that each individual possesses his or her own innate healing power...a power that arises from the balanced flow of the body's ki/chi energy in harmony with the movement of universal ki/chi energy.
Conversely, disease arises when this flow of ki/chi energy becomes distorted. For example, ki/chi can accelerate, slow down, weaken or stagnate. The Chinese developed the concept of vital energy and this energy is even finer than electrical energy. It is the fundamental energy of the universe and enters the human body through the breath and through the intake of food. Food and air then combine to form life energy of every living being.
Vital energy is seen by practitioners of Oriental medicine to have a definite predictable route throughout the body. It flows along pathways that traverse the body in a fixed pattern somewhat like the network of a complex railway system. The energy travels along the network in pathways divided into major routes called meridians. These meridians were named for the organ or function served by each section of the pathway. On these routes there are numerous tiny points where the energy comes to the surface of the body. These points are called acupressure or acupuncture points and are the same for both disciplines.
These points respond to any change in the flow of vital energy. They appear to act somewhat like resistors in an electrical current by adjusting the speed and power of the flow. The response is a kind of fluid elasticity which tightens or slackens as necessary. It is through these meridians and acupressure points that the vital energy reaches the organs. If the organ or gland, nourished by a particular flow, is not functioning properly, points along the meridian will be painful or stiff. By reestablishing the energy flow along this organ's pathway, the organ or gland will be revitalized and health restored. The meridians can also be thrown off balance by the tensions and stresses of modern life. When this happens, the flows of vital energy become blocked, too intense, or too weak resulting in the development of disorders in the function of the body.
In normal health, we experience our being as a feeling of oneness, the oneness we do not necessarily realize until we lose it. For example, eating something we disagree with or having a toothache can take us away from that feeling of oneness with ourselves. We keep having our focus going inward instead of outward and when we dwell on something that is bothering us or when we do not feel healthy we can lose that feeling of being one with the universe and with ourselves.
Zen relates to the experience of oneness. The giver's mind moves to the hands to feel for a response from the receiver at the point of pressure and the receiver's mind is drawn to that point. The minds of the receiver and the giver become one at the point of pressure. Zen is to achieve total human enlightenment through ones self. This awareness of self can also be achieved through others. The focus is what allows this awareness to come through. Meditation is not a highly developed form of idleness, it is the continual paying of attention and concentration with our every breath. Zen Shiatsu is of the same quality. To pay attention to every point and read the body as it presents itself to the practitioner upon each move. Zen Shiatsu is a simple form of massage. However, it is an abstract simplicity that allows the intuition to come through. In Zen we say it is better to have one flower than a whole room of bouquets. The same with martial arts, they refine one movement. Since this style is less 'busy', one can feel and sense things on an intuiitve level only because one does not have to reside in their minds wondering what to do next. The style of Zen Shiatsu has a beginning, middle and an end that was cleverly designed by Masunaga himself to accomplish a total body balancing of the flow of energy.
Zen is also relating to life and compassion we should develop by just living life. Every human is basically wanting the same thing...balance and harmony. Sympathy sees and says I'm sorry, whereas compassion feels and whispers, "I'll help.
With this style of bodywork we lean from our center, the hara, to do the moves with efficiency of our body weight and this allows us to use our pure energy coming from our center instead of using our muscles. The style is rhythmic and slow which helps to elongate the muscles and release the built up energy that needs to circulate again. The rhythm also helps to promote relaxation. Each move last from three to eight seconds. Zen Shiatsu is called the most yin of all the Shiatsu styles. It is gentle and graceful like a rhythmic rocking dance using certain stretches to open a whole meridian channel and manipulation to release certain areas that are stuck, stagnant or blocked. Working with the breath also oxygenates the body and adds to this energy therapy and the results it gives one.
The movement of rhythmic rocking allows the practitioner to play with the circular energy and use the least amount of effort to achieve maximum results. When the practitioner uses their body they conserve their own energy and avoid becoming exhausted. This also prevents the development of chronic stress syndromes in arms, hand and shoulders. Instead of using their muscles, the rhythmic rocking motion maximizes their own energy by allowing it to circulate down the spine. The energy is then centered on the second chakra (the hara which is three fingers width below the belly button) and flows into their arms and palms. When they do this motion successfully they actually borrow energy from the earth and at the end of the session they do not feel tired themselves.
In Zen Shiatsu, the concept of yin and yang also comes into play. The energy distortions that are found during a session help the practitioner to distinguish the rate of speed and amount of pressure needed to balance the body's flow of energy. Thousands of years before the scientists discovered atoms, electrons and electricity, the Chinese developed a concept of the entire universe as being in balance between negative (yin) and positive (yang) energy forces. Yin and Yang represent the negative and positive dualism existing within all things, from protons and electrons of the atoms to seasonal changes and all of the opposite forces in nature. This duality is fundamental in both ancient Chinese and modern scientific thought. Even medical science has long recognized that the human body is pulsing with tiny electrical currents and normalizing this flow of electricity promotes healing.
It is not necessary to accept Chinese philosophic concepts in order to learn or receive acupressure. We can use formulas they have worked out over the centuries for relieving pain and disabilities in various parts of the body. The human body was seen by the ancient Chinese to be a microcosm of the universe requiring balance of the yin and yang energy to function properly.
From an Eastern point of view, this ki energy that constitutes the essence of the universe is comprised of two opposing qualities known as yin and yang. All living things are governed by these opposing forces and it is close interaction and harmony between these two forces that constitutes a healthy body. We call the yin force 'kyo' and the yang force 'jitsu'. Kyo is a condition of depleted energy (hypo) and basically there is no tone to hold its one around those areas whereas jitsu is a condition of excess energy (hyper) which results in this jitsu energy causing painful areas of the body it takes hold of. It is easier to find jitsu areas and sedate them then it is to find kyo areas and strengthen them. We deal with kyo through 'tonification' of the body and we deal with jitsu with the Shiatsu sedating techniques. When energy flows throughout the meridians in an unbalanced or stagnated way then sickness results. Even an acupuncturist employs the same principle in selecting the type of metal to use...one needle minus (yin) and the other metal is positive (yang). In Zen Shiatsu we use two hand manipulation with one hand being supportive and the other playing the active role. The supportive hand provides penetrating support needed to prepare the body for treatment. Without this force, manipulation with the hand in motion (yang) will remain superficial and often painful. The interaction between kyo and jitsu forces, utilizing two hand manipulation, is the only way toward effectively using this method to balance the body's energy flow.
The idea of the potential for change or transformation from yin to yang and yang to yin is fundamental. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body and organs are predominantly either yin or yang. The front side of the body is basically yin carrying the upward flow of yin energy. The back has more yang channels which carry the heavenly downward flow along the back and the backs of the limbs. Even if water is yin it is not immutable and can be turned into steam which is yang. The tiny seed in each side of the yin/yang symbol represents the idea of vital energy and that both aspects are present only in different proportions in all things. Any condition can thus be changed or transformed.
Zen Shiatsu stimulates the body's natural curative powers. This application of direct pressure releases excessive lactic acid and carbon dioxide that contribute to cause muscular problems. Shiatsu techniques are designed to stimulate a series of points and awaken the healing energy in the meridian system. When these meridian channels are pen the blood vessels, lymph, nerves and endocrine glands are nourished. Also this allows the ki to circulate freely.
Zen refers to the spiritual aspect of working on another's body using the practitioners whole body to enhance the healing process. Zen Shiatsu is the evolution of all varieties of Shiatsu. Its moving with the body in a total state of focused awareness and concentration, along with the breath, all the while using these wonderful and gentle techniques to promote healing and balance. Whether the practitioner uses his or her finger, palms, thumbs, forearms, loose fists, elbows, or knees to administer the techniques, each one gives the receiver the sense of it 'hurting in a good way'. This energy therapy can be of value to all ages and all kinds of conditions to restore the body's balanced flow of energy and good health. Shiatsu emphasizes correction and maintenance of bone structure, joints, tendons. muscles and meridian lines whose malfunctioning distort the body's energy and autonomic nervous system causing disease. It is simple, effective and safe. And feels great!
We call the power that regulates and maintains life Chi or Ki. Its a very delicate material which one can also describe as vitality. Every human has it and can use it. In Asia, its is a common occurrence to see everyone from the young to the old consciously moving their ki energy by doing such practices as Tai Chi, QiGong, acupuncture, meridian stretches and the like. In the young it promotes intelligence, adults use it to combat stress and fatigue and the elderly do it to enjoy a happy and healthy old age.
Ki energy is everywhere and is a process of constant change. We find it in nature, in the cosmos, in the earth, the food we eat and in our organism.
The Japanese word Shiatsu is composed of 'shi' (meaning finger) and 'atsu' (meaning pressure). This traditional art of finger pressure releases muscle tension, toxicity, and the vital life energy (ki) responsible for nourishing all aspects of the body and mind.
The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare describe Shiatsu as "a therapeutic form of manipulation administered by the thumbs, fingers and palms without the use of any instruments, mechanical or otherwise, to apply pressure to the human skin, correct internal malfunctions and promote and maintain health."
Shiatsu, or finger pressure, evolved in Japan from Anma (a style from China). While its deepest roots lie in an instinctive application of pressure to relieve areas of bodily pain, the theoretical base of Shiatsu is classical Chinese medicine using the system of points and meridians.
The style of Zen Shiatsu reflects the cultural background of Japan during its time of creation which was permeated by Zen Buddhism. Shizuto Masunaga created and developed this style throughout his thirty year career until he died in 1981. It is known as Zen Shiatsu or Meridian Shiatsu using stationary pressure to the points without rubbing, kneading or tapping.
The basic principle of Oriental healing is that each individual possesses his or her own innate healing power...a power that arises from the balanced flow of the body's ki/chi energy in harmony with the movement of universal ki/chi energy.
Conversely, disease arises when this flow of ki/chi energy becomes distorted. For example, ki/chi can accelerate, slow down, weaken or stagnate. The Chinese developed the concept of vital energy and this energy is even finer than electrical energy. It is the fundamental energy of the universe and enters the human body through the breath and through the intake of food. Food and air then combine to form life energy of every living being.
Vital energy is seen by practitioners of Oriental medicine to have a definite predictable route throughout the body. It flows along pathways that traverse the body in a fixed pattern somewhat like the network of a complex railway system. The energy travels along the network in pathways divided into major routes called meridians. These meridians were named for the organ or function served by each section of the pathway. On these routes there are numerous tiny points where the energy comes to the surface of the body. These points are called acupressure or acupuncture points and are the same for both disciplines.
These points respond to any change in the flow of vital energy. They appear to act somewhat like resistors in an electrical current by adjusting the speed and power of the flow. The response is a kind of fluid elasticity which tightens or slackens as necessary. It is through these meridians and acupressure points that the vital energy reaches the organs. If the organ or gland, nourished by a particular flow, is not functioning properly, points along the meridian will be painful or stiff. By reestablishing the energy flow along this organ's pathway, the organ or gland will be revitalized and health restored. The meridians can also be thrown off balance by the tensions and stresses of modern life. When this happens, the flows of vital energy become blocked, too intense, or too weak resulting in the development of disorders in the function of the body.
In normal health, we experience our being as a feeling of oneness, the oneness we do not necessarily realize until we lose it. For example, eating something we disagree with or having a toothache can take us away from that feeling of oneness with ourselves. We keep having our focus going inward instead of outward and when we dwell on something that is bothering us or when we do not feel healthy we can lose that feeling of being one with the universe and with ourselves.
Zen relates to the experience of oneness. The giver's mind moves to the hands to feel for a response from the receiver at the point of pressure and the receiver's mind is drawn to that point. The minds of the receiver and the giver become one at the point of pressure. Zen is to achieve total human enlightenment through ones self. This awareness of self can also be achieved through others. The focus is what allows this awareness to come through. Meditation is not a highly developed form of idleness, it is the continual paying of attention and concentration with our every breath. Zen Shiatsu is of the same quality. To pay attention to every point and read the body as it presents itself to the practitioner upon each move. Zen Shiatsu is a simple form of massage. However, it is an abstract simplicity that allows the intuition to come through. In Zen we say it is better to have one flower than a whole room of bouquets. The same with martial arts, they refine one movement. Since this style is less 'busy', one can feel and sense things on an intuiitve level only because one does not have to reside in their minds wondering what to do next. The style of Zen Shiatsu has a beginning, middle and an end that was cleverly designed by Masunaga himself to accomplish a total body balancing of the flow of energy.
Zen is also relating to life and compassion we should develop by just living life. Every human is basically wanting the same thing...balance and harmony. Sympathy sees and says I'm sorry, whereas compassion feels and whispers, "I'll help.
With this style of bodywork we lean from our center, the hara, to do the moves with efficiency of our body weight and this allows us to use our pure energy coming from our center instead of using our muscles. The style is rhythmic and slow which helps to elongate the muscles and release the built up energy that needs to circulate again. The rhythm also helps to promote relaxation. Each move last from three to eight seconds. Zen Shiatsu is called the most yin of all the Shiatsu styles. It is gentle and graceful like a rhythmic rocking dance using certain stretches to open a whole meridian channel and manipulation to release certain areas that are stuck, stagnant or blocked. Working with the breath also oxygenates the body and adds to this energy therapy and the results it gives one.
The movement of rhythmic rocking allows the practitioner to play with the circular energy and use the least amount of effort to achieve maximum results. When the practitioner uses their body they conserve their own energy and avoid becoming exhausted. This also prevents the development of chronic stress syndromes in arms, hand and shoulders. Instead of using their muscles, the rhythmic rocking motion maximizes their own energy by allowing it to circulate down the spine. The energy is then centered on the second chakra (the hara which is three fingers width below the belly button) and flows into their arms and palms. When they do this motion successfully they actually borrow energy from the earth and at the end of the session they do not feel tired themselves.
In Zen Shiatsu, the concept of yin and yang also comes into play. The energy distortions that are found during a session help the practitioner to distinguish the rate of speed and amount of pressure needed to balance the body's flow of energy. Thousands of years before the scientists discovered atoms, electrons and electricity, the Chinese developed a concept of the entire universe as being in balance between negative (yin) and positive (yang) energy forces. Yin and Yang represent the negative and positive dualism existing within all things, from protons and electrons of the atoms to seasonal changes and all of the opposite forces in nature. This duality is fundamental in both ancient Chinese and modern scientific thought. Even medical science has long recognized that the human body is pulsing with tiny electrical currents and normalizing this flow of electricity promotes healing.
It is not necessary to accept Chinese philosophic concepts in order to learn or receive acupressure. We can use formulas they have worked out over the centuries for relieving pain and disabilities in various parts of the body. The human body was seen by the ancient Chinese to be a microcosm of the universe requiring balance of the yin and yang energy to function properly.
From an Eastern point of view, this ki energy that constitutes the essence of the universe is comprised of two opposing qualities known as yin and yang. All living things are governed by these opposing forces and it is close interaction and harmony between these two forces that constitutes a healthy body. We call the yin force 'kyo' and the yang force 'jitsu'. Kyo is a condition of depleted energy (hypo) and basically there is no tone to hold its one around those areas whereas jitsu is a condition of excess energy (hyper) which results in this jitsu energy causing painful areas of the body it takes hold of. It is easier to find jitsu areas and sedate them then it is to find kyo areas and strengthen them. We deal with kyo through 'tonification' of the body and we deal with jitsu with the Shiatsu sedating techniques. When energy flows throughout the meridians in an unbalanced or stagnated way then sickness results. Even an acupuncturist employs the same principle in selecting the type of metal to use...one needle minus (yin) and the other metal is positive (yang). In Zen Shiatsu we use two hand manipulation with one hand being supportive and the other playing the active role. The supportive hand provides penetrating support needed to prepare the body for treatment. Without this force, manipulation with the hand in motion (yang) will remain superficial and often painful. The interaction between kyo and jitsu forces, utilizing two hand manipulation, is the only way toward effectively using this method to balance the body's energy flow.
The idea of the potential for change or transformation from yin to yang and yang to yin is fundamental. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body and organs are predominantly either yin or yang. The front side of the body is basically yin carrying the upward flow of yin energy. The back has more yang channels which carry the heavenly downward flow along the back and the backs of the limbs. Even if water is yin it is not immutable and can be turned into steam which is yang. The tiny seed in each side of the yin/yang symbol represents the idea of vital energy and that both aspects are present only in different proportions in all things. Any condition can thus be changed or transformed.
Zen Shiatsu stimulates the body's natural curative powers. This application of direct pressure releases excessive lactic acid and carbon dioxide that contribute to cause muscular problems. Shiatsu techniques are designed to stimulate a series of points and awaken the healing energy in the meridian system. When these meridian channels are pen the blood vessels, lymph, nerves and endocrine glands are nourished. Also this allows the ki to circulate freely.
Zen refers to the spiritual aspect of working on another's body using the practitioners whole body to enhance the healing process. Zen Shiatsu is the evolution of all varieties of Shiatsu. Its moving with the body in a total state of focused awareness and concentration, along with the breath, all the while using these wonderful and gentle techniques to promote healing and balance. Whether the practitioner uses his or her finger, palms, thumbs, forearms, loose fists, elbows, or knees to administer the techniques, each one gives the receiver the sense of it 'hurting in a good way'. This energy therapy can be of value to all ages and all kinds of conditions to restore the body's balanced flow of energy and good health. Shiatsu emphasizes correction and maintenance of bone structure, joints, tendons. muscles and meridian lines whose malfunctioning distort the body's energy and autonomic nervous system causing disease. It is simple, effective and safe. And feels great!
