How does Shiatsu Work?

Zen shiatsu directly treats the meridian pathways within the body that channel Qi energy. We experience this energy in the form of movement, communication, respiration, digestion, thoughts, feelings and spirituality. Any blockage or stagnation of energy within the meridians can result in physical, psychological and emotional disease. Zen Shiatsu helps you balance your energy on all levels, while experiencing a profoundly relaxing and clinically therapeutic musculoskeletal treatment.

According to the Oriental view, the Qi  (our life force and essence) flowing in each of the meridians has different qualities and functions. Health and wellbeing can be positively affected by working with these different energies. The Shiatsu practitioner is able to tune-in and resonate his/her own energy field and to offer, at a sub-conscious level, some possibilities for change - both physical and emotional.

The Western scientific approach acknowledges that Shiatsu will tend to sedate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and promote the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is associated with the 'fight or flight' response. In our society, this is activated far too much of the time by all the various stresses to which we are subject. The PNS relates to what we might broadly describe as the nourishing and healing functions (digestion, deepened breathing, blood circulation, etc). These are suppressed when the SNS is more highly activated.

Traditional Healing Art

Shiatus is based on thousands of years of Eastern philosophy and methods of healing, interpreting the body and any "dis-easy" holistically. When part of the body is energy-deficient, and not pulling its weight, other areas of the body must overexert to pick up the slack. The treatment goal of shiatsu is to energize these deficiencies, thus allowing the symptoms of overactivity to melt away.

A Zen Shiatsu treatment is as deep or as gentle as a receiver requires. The practitioner contacts the receiver’s energy level at an appropriate depth and with great sensitivity. Zen Shiatsu practitioners use both hands. One hand is used to listen, and sound out the responses of the receiver. When the other hand reaches an appropriate depth, an energetic connection passes between the hands of the giver. The receiver’s body tells the giver when the pressure is right. An energetic circuit is created between the hands of the giver, catalyzing change and movement in the body of the receiver.

Full-body stretches are also used to release areas of chronic stagnation and blockage. These stretches amplify and isolate the areas of stagnation, and receivers are encouraged to breathe deeply into their lines of tension. A rhythmic dance develops in the receiver’s body between expansive stretching and deep compression.

Zen Shiatsu is appropriate for all ages and body types. It is performed fully clothed, with the receiver usually lying on a futon on the floor. For receivers who have difficulty lying on the floor, the work is easily adapted to a chair. Treatments last one hour. Zen Shiatsu is very effective in conditions where emotional disturbance or stress is an underlying factor. While this could be said to include all ailments, the following are the conditions most widely regarded as stress-related:
 

What can I expect during a session?

The first session I will ask you to fill out a brief intake form.  This will help your practitioner get a better picture of your overall health.  She/he may spend some time discussing any goals or specific issues you would like to address in the session.  She/he may also have some questions regarding your medical history or the specific nature of any issues you may be experiencing.

During your shiatsu session you will wear soft, loose-fitting, clothing such as sweats or yoga clothes.   The practitioner will ask you to lie down on a futon, or cotton mat, that has been prepared for your arrival.  Depending on your specific situation, the practitioner will ask you to lie on your back, on your stomach, or in some cases on your side.   If it is uncomfortable for you to lie flat, pillows and bolsters may be used to support sensitive areas such as the knees or ankles.

Once you are comfortable, the practitioner will use diagnostic methods to determine the current state of the energy in your body.  Usually the practitioner will begin and end the session with hara (abdominal) diagnosis.    All of the twelve meridians pass through the abdomen providing an ideal place to assess the energy of the whole body.   Using both hands, the practitioner will gently touch the hara to get a sense of the meridians that are most kyo (deficient) and most jitsu (excessive).  With this information, the practitioner can provide a treatment that is best suited for your needs.

The practitioner may use palms, fingers, or thumbs to treat the meridans.  She/he will use leverage and her/his body weight rather than muscle strength to control the amount of pressure.  This is safer for both the receiver and the practitioner and allows for a range of pressure from very light to very deep based on the receiver's needs and preferences. The practitioner may check in with you to make sure that the amount of pressure feels right.  During the session, feel free to let the practitioner know if you would prefer more or less pressure.

A treatment will address the whole body, with extra emphasis on resolving your primary complaint.