Some of the Subjects and Systems I am trained in include-
Zen Shiatsu–
Developed by Shizuto Masunaga Zen Shiatsu is a highly intuitive form of Shiatsu. A treatment often begins with a gentle connection formed with the Hara (Abdomen/Energetic Organ regions), and synchronizing the practitioners breath with the client unifying the connection
The sensitive hands of the practitioner perceives the state of the Qi, muscle tone and level of Kyo and Jitsu within the Organs energetic regions. This then guides the treatment selection of areas of the body/mind, meridians and points to focus on to harmonise the balance of the organs as a whole.
Pressure is generally applied on the clients out breath, which is when the body naturally is more receptive to the energetic pressure. Often what is known as a mother hand is used when palpating. The mother hand gently sits near the region being worked on or along its associated meridian. This hand allows the bio feedback within the region/Meridian to be perceived thus guiding the working hand. The mother hand ensures pressure is highly energetic and sensitive, when deeper pressure is required, this allows deep pressure without crossing into an uncomfortable pain level.
Generally Kyo (weak/flaccid/deficient) Organs/meridians/tsubo (Acupoints) and associated muscle tissue regions are Nurtured first before dissipating Jitsu Areas, this allows the dissipated Jitsu area to fill the Kyo area balancing the interplay of the organs and there mental, physical and spiritual regions they control. A variety of assisted stretches to open up the meridians and joint articulations mobilisations to free up stagnant Qi and Muscle holding patterns is also used.
Classical (Namikoshi) Shiatsu-
Classical Shiatsu also known as Namakoshi Shiatsu after its founder Tokujiro Namakoshi, is the most common form of Shiatsu practiced in Japan today. It has a greater emphases on anatomy and physiology and trigger point release then Meridians and there energetic function, though it still reaches beyond the purely muscular and skeletal systems in its therapeutic reach.
Thumbs fingers and other parts of the hands form the majority of pressure techniques.
A deeper Acu-pressure is applied systematically to pressure points for different regions/injuries and imbalances. This often leads to very effective release of muscle tension, changing the minds pattern of holding tension and effectively aids rehabilitation of injuries and unbalanced muscle tone.
It is a very effective system for treating stubborn long term tension, and creating a therapeutic unraveling of how the mind holds itself in areas as well as accumulated tension from work/hobbies and other daily build ups of incorrect posture.
This form of pressure is much deeper and dissipating in nature, though I still rarely feel the therapeutic need to cross beyond the “That hurts but feels good” level, at such a deep level of pressure however it requires the proper training, skill and refinement of technique to ensure the fine line of healthy pressure is not crossed.
Barefoot Shiatsu (Ashiatsu)-
Barefoot Shiatsu utilizes the practitioners foot to apply pressure, it is a technique which takes time and correct training/guidance to develop. Barefoot pressure often leads to a deep release of large areas as the pressure is distributed over a larger surface area then when using hands knees elbows and forearms. Through training and experience the practitioners feet become receptive like hands to the feedback from the muscles, so even though deep pressure can be applied it is kept within the therapeutic and safe region which feels greatly releasing.
With mindfulness extended to the souls of the feet, body weight is shifted slowly and skillfully from the back foot to the working foot allowing the foots contours to mould into the clients muscular landmarks. Incorporating various hip and foot stance movements even the position of the arms of the practitioner effects the way in which pressure is applied through the foot. When more fine tuned pressure is needed the blade, heel the toe can target the pressure as required.
Barefoot pressure is also applied with the practitioner on the ground and both feet used at once to work for instance down the side of the clients body (Gall bladder meridian) and around the neck and shoulders.
Tui Na -Chinese Remedial Massage-
Tui Na is traditional Remedial Chinese massage the name translates as Push and Pull/lift its translation is reflective of Tui Na’s integration of the philosophy of Yin/Yang.
A variety of Tui Na techniques and applications were imparted during my training, complimenting the more sustained mindful pressure of Shiatsu. Tui Na is Generally more active in nature and dispersive techniques the main techniques are-
-Palpation (Mo) -Rejoining (Jie) -Opposing (Duan)
-Lifting (Ti) -Pressing (An) -Kneading (Mo)
-Holding (Na)
Tui Na adds techniques of muscle fibre flicking and rolling, pinching, squeezing, cross fibre release, tapping, gliding including incorporating different balms and oils to assist techniques
Tsubo (Acu) points and muscles for various remedial effects adds a great arsenal of tools especially for more stuck/excess body patterns.
Traditional Chinese/Oriental Medical Theory and Diagnosis-
In Traditional Chinese/Japanese medicine theory and observations, the entire body indicates the state of health and disease, its all a reflection of mind,body and spirit. There is no separation of the mind body and spirit-they all co-exist.
The nature of the pulse reflects the Organs/Meridians, as to does the colour shape and quality of the tongue. Colour of the face, posture of body, the temperature of the skin, strength of the voice, brightness of the eyes, regularity and amount of blood of menstruation and many other signs and symptoms all form part of Diagnosis and refine how and what to treat.
During the Diploma training a solid foundation in traditional Chinese and Oriental medicine was slowly taught. Depending on the nature of treatment sought this foundation can amplify the results greatly.
Each organ is either Yin or Yang in nature. It is coupled with a partner organ and together reflect the yin and yang nature of the element they represent. Each organ and element controls certain functions within the body including housing different aspects of the spirit, mind and emotional body.
Therefore different body holding patterns and other signs and symptoms can give an insight into different mental imbalances, by working the right points and Meridians and corresponding muscles etc the mind can be balanced also.
