What is Shiatsu Massage?

Shiatsu massage originated in Japan and translates directly as "shi", meaning finger, and "atsu", meaning pressure. The earliest text citing the use of Shiatsu for healing was in 1915. There are two main schools of Shiatsu, the Namikoshi school which is shiatsu therapy based on Western anatomy and physiology, and the Masanuga school or 'Zen Shiatsu' based on the roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was lucky enough to study from a great master, Nobuyuki Takeuchi, who created his own form of Yin Shiatsu.

For two and a half years, I studied a traditional apprenticeship training program under Master Takeuchi, and in the last year had the wonderful opportunity to work full-time in the Akahigedo Clinic. Master Takeuchi was an inspiration to watch, as he could create such a deep sense of connection with his patients. His dedication to the healing of others is unparalleled, with early morning cold water meditations and Qi Gong, similar to Tai Chi, and long hours of treatment. He not only worked with his patients physical ailments, but in keeping with the roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master Takeuchi would touch people's hearts and emotions, helping them to heal as a whole person.

I was blessed with an amazing teacher as well, Dr. Akihiko Wakabayashi, who truly took me under wing and passed on to me Master Takeuchi's way. He was at the time the Senior Therapist in the clinic, and dedicated hours to teaching me Master Takeuchi's Yin Shiatsu; the years spent studying the Shiatsu techniques, theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zen philosophy are well-imprinted on my memory. And I have never forgotten the deep sense of peace and inner healing I received, and witnessed in the patients at the clinic. This for me was the seed of my desire to do healing work, to follow in the footsteps of Master Takeuchi and Dr. Wakabayashi, and to truly make a difference in the lives of my patients.

In Tradititonal Chinese Medicine it is believed that there are twelve channels or meridians of energy running throughout the body and limbs, and that these channels of energy run to and from the internal organs. If there is a blockage of energy along the channel, say due to a blow or accident, than the Qi ('chee') becomes blocked causing pain. If the blockage remains stuck for a prolonged period of time, it may translate through the channel to problems in other areas of the body or the internal organs. Similarly, if there are disharmonies in the interal organ energies, this may translate to pain or discomfort, or unwanted symptoms in the body. Both acupuncture (which I am currently studying) and Shiatsu use techniques which are intended to stimulate the flow of Blood and Qi in the body, therefore releasing the area of blockage (whether it resides in the superficial channel, or in the internal organ), and restoring the body to it's natural state. Shiatsu moves the Qi and Blood through the application of gentle finger and elbow and forearm pressure to various points along the Channels of energy. It is deeply relaxing and at the same time will release tension in tight muscles and tendons.

Master Takeuchi's Yin Shiatsu(TM)is rooted firmly in the traditions of Chinese Medicine, and aims to treat the true 'root' of the illness, rather than just the painful symptom. Master Takuechi created a Triangle Relationship Theory, whereby paired channels from the leg & arm can be used to treat the internal organ disharmony, and also the painful area on the limb, without actually applying pressure to the painful area directly. For example a paired meridian on the back of the right knee may be used to treat the inside of the left elbow. All in all, the purpose of Yin Shiatsu is to get to the "Yin" or deep, inner cause of the pain, and stimulate the body's internal energy to release blockages and access deep healing.

Yin Shiatsu is deeply relaxing, methodical, addresses the root of physical and emotional disharmonies. The depth of pressure is made appropriate to each patient, and a variety of techniques may be used to coax sore muscles and tired minds to release. Shiastu is a dry form of massage and may be done with the patient completely clothed, or may be combined with other massage and treatment techniques, depending on the needs of the client. Yin Shiatsu treats you as a whole person, body, mind and spirit.