Today we want to talk about the development, belief, and benefits of the Shiatsu.
Shiatsu (meaning “finger pressure”) is traditional Japanese bodywork that uses the thumb, fingers and the palm of therapist’s hands to apply pressure to correct the imbalances of the body, reduce stress, and to maintain and promote one’s health.
The word “Shiatsu” has been used over 2000 years ago, but it has become recognized as a “therapeutic treatment” in 1964 by the Ministry of Health of the Japanese National Government. Tokujiro Namikoshi, who is credited in developing modern Shiatsu, was a seven year old boy when he started to develop his practice. He wanted to help his mother who suffered from rheumatism, and started rubbing and applying pressure which led to a complete cure. (He focused on the middle back since he felt the cold and tightness the most, which, unknowingly, was stimulating the adrenal glands to secrete cortisone, which is used to cure rheumatism!) From there, he studied under an expert and become licensed in “Anma” (ancient Chinese bodywork) and “Massage” (Western bodywork). And with more study of anatomy, he finally developed a scientific theory which explains the affect of “Shiatsu.”
From his practice, Tokujiro knew that the human body had all the chemicals needed to heal itself. Under stress, the body is put into a state of imbalance, which fails to produce the right kind and amount of chemicals. Shiatsu can reduce the effects of stress and stimulate a person’s inner healing power so the body can work to heal itself. Tokujiro’s famous quote “The heart of Shiatsu is a mother’s love” explains the importance of the caring, healing attitude of practitioner when performing Shiatsu.
One of his famous episodes is when he treated Marilyn Monroe for serious illness when she visited Japan on her honeymoon. She failed to respond to any Western Medical Treatment and as a last resort Tokujiro was called in. He treats her every day for a week, after which she had a remarkable recovery.
Benefits that can be achieved by Shiatsu include:
- ・Restore and maintain the body’s energy, especially helpful to those suffering from fatigue and overall weakness
- ・Improves circulation
- ・Reduces stress and tension as well as anxiety and depression
- ・Relief from headaches and migraines
- ・Promotes healing from sprains and similar injuries
- ・Helps bring relief to arthritis sufferers
- ・Reduces problems with stiff neck and shoulders as well as backaches (including sciatica)
- ・Coughs, colds, and other sinus and respiratory problems
- ・Helps those dealing with insomnia
- ・Aids in treatment of such various things as digestive disorders, bowel trouble, morning sickness, and menstrual problems
Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy and is performed fully clothed. Depending on what your body desires, it can be both stimulating and relaxing. Come experience the art of touch!
Koichiro Nakanishi, LMT at Stream Point Wellness
Click Here to Schedule a Shiatsu Session with Koichiro
