By Lee M. Thorpe, MA, ADTR, LMT, ABT |
Zen Shiatsu is an Asian bodywork that helps the human body find balance using our chi (energy) as a guide. Our health and wellness depends on smooth energy flow to maintain the balance of mind-body-spirit. When our bodies have tension or pain our chi flow is stagnant or congested, while somewhere else in our body there may be depletion or weakness. An extreme excess of stagnation can lead to illness or disease. Diseases arising internally are always manifestations of a preexisting imbalance between Yin and Yang. The primary treatment goal of a Zen Shiatsu session is to re-balance and harmonize the chi flow in order to relieve discomfort and pain.
The Zen Shiatsu Approach
Following a different approach than a western style massage, a Zen Shiatsu practitioner is aware of and interacts with the chi flow on established energy pathways defined as meridians. There are varying numbers of acupressure points on each of the 12 traditional meridians that the practitioner uses to affect the flow of chi. The practitioner’s theoretical background includes a knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including but not limited to, Yin and Yang theory; Five Element Theory; names and placement of the meridians; location and benefits of acupoints; a philosophical and poetic understanding of TCM; and the body mechanics of human movement; all of which help to encourage the best flow of chi.
A Zen Shiatsu Session
A Zen Shiatsu session is experienced on a futon on the floor. The client is wearing loose comfortable clothing and there is no use of oils or lotions. Before the session, the client is interviewed and fills out an intake form. Some of the questions may be unusual. What is your favorite color? What season do you like best? What season do you like least? What time do you wake up and go to sleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night? What time is your sleep disturbed? These questions are geared toward our nature, the nature within us as it relates to the nature outside of us. Once an understanding of the client is gained the client lies down on the futon face up and is asked to take some deep relaxing breaths, allowing their body to relax like a rag doll.
One goal of the session is for the client to let the practitioner do all the work. As the practitioner moves around the clients body in a crawling fashion, the client will experience the practitioner using compressions on major muscle groups and stretching limbs and joints with pushing and pulling. There may be holding or invigorating movement of acupressure points as well as the meridians.
Benefits
A Zen Shiatsu can benefit aliments such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, joint pain, headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders (such as diarrhea and constipation), fatigue, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, irritability, high blood pressure, and poor circulation. In addition, a Zen Shiatsu session can address issues that have a predominantly emotional base such as anger, joy, worry, sadness, shock, preoccupation, and fear.
In Conclusion
Every illness we face challenges us to rediscover the place of harmony within the whole. Zen Shiatsu is a unique and lovely way to build health, encouraging us to a higher connection to well-being.
References:
1. Bodywork Shiatsu, by Carl Dubitsky, Publisher: Inner Traditons International, Limited, May 1997
2. Wood Becomes Water-Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life, by Gail Reichstein, Publisher: Kodansha International, April 1998
For more info, contact Lee M. Thorpe, MA, ADTR, LMT, ABT, specializing Asian bodywork, at Circle of Life Spa: 775-832-2232.
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