Solablu

'non-political systems'
Reflexology Shiatsu Thai yoga massage

Solablu

Shiatsu translates as 'finger pressure'. Pronounced Shei-atsu. U as in oo! Shiatsu is not a mixture of things it is a system with it's own place in the tree
of complementary medicine. Shiatsu has been likened to physiotherapy, in that exercises can be recommended.
Acupressure massage, the same points are utilised.
Counseling and recommendations. Shiatsu is for mind, body and spirit they are affected or effected by emotion, shock, even too much elation!
Some people who see Shiatsu at Seminars and festivals mention it is similar to Riki or gentle Thai massage. Only after 'receiving' Shiatsu do people begin to appreciate the depth of Shiatsu, the 'form' a practitioner 'gives'?
The results can be a deep calm yet energising. surprise, fun and laughter are not the only a side effects.
Shiatsu is an education that complements medical standards.
Shiatsu is recognised by main stream health care in Japan, Italy and on the verge of recognition in other countries. Thai massage is recognised in Thailand.
Shiatsu is in some ways similar to acupressure and Thai Yoga Massage, in the point and stretching work without the rhythmical rocking. The abdominal way can be like massage depending on the receiver, similar to 'Chi Nei Tsang' (Body organ massage) a Taoist practice and part of Ian's ongoing studies.

Zen Shiatsu

Up until the late 1970's Zen Shiatsu was unique to the Japanese. Island people like the U.K. we have to be intuitive and resourceful adapting, updating and selecting from the outside world practices that work for all.
Zen Shiatsu is a system helped and developed from the ancient theories and wisdom of the Tao, Traditional Chinese Medicine and initially I read, a Korean Buddhist Monk. Also 19Ct Dutch and other nations had influence on the methods we receive today. Add of course Budo (martial arts) principles which traveled safely to form Zen Shiatsu which began to evolve as late as the 1960's Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000) introduced his Style of Shiatsu a specifically Japanese method aimed at family health and general well being.
The word gradually spread to the west where the title and development of 'Zen Shiatsu' is more associated with
Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981).

As Japan is universally acknowledge for helping develop modify and realise ideas into the real world this 'Do' or 'Tao' (way) benefits us all.
Shiatsu literally means 'finger push' received on the meridian stream, known in the west as 'acupuncture points'.
Shiatsu is traditionally given and received on a futon.
If for some reason people cannot get on and off the floor Shiatsu can be received in a chair or on a massage couch never fear.

A Shiatsuka should make, a meditation before a Shiatsu treatment to respect our universal free energy.
Ideally the recipient should wear loose clothing. A treatment includes palm, finger, elbow, knee and foot pressure. Natural body weight is used to disperse or tonify the energy flowing around the body. Pressure can range from Riki style without touch just moving meditation Ki energy (an advanced method to give and receive).
To gentle deep pressure which can be accentuated especially when activity of the receiver is focused on attaining a more physical delivery.
A receiver can receive with only gentle pressure 'less is more'.
Zen Shiatsu is 'not' - rubbing and pushing -.

Meridian Each internal body organ has a meridian (energy channel needled by acupuncture) which travels through the body i.e. kidney, liver, heart, spleen and lungs. These meridians are all connected working together and can be affected by many simple things, overwork, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of rest and calm. More recovery time may be needed for emotional traumas and more serious issues like alcohol, drugs, injury, pre and post medical operations, general illness. All are and contribute to blockages or stagnation causing imbalances in the meridians of the body organs affected.
If you block a river it will find a way around or over the block causing discomfort and or pressure will move the blockage which can be explosive and overpowering causing more damage.

Ampuku (make tummy happy) is a Shiatsu term for abdominal treatment on the bodies organs. When blockages occur in the organ's field of energy the emotions are exaggerated, compromising the organs natural function. This reflects in 'emotional moods', posture and performance. Allowing dis-ease instead of the balanced good virtue energy we can receive from 'balanced' emotions. Ampuku during Shiatsu helps the body organ and meridian to re-tune itself allowing fresh energy (Ki or Chi in Yoga called Paraná) to happily harmonize the organs. Similar to the ancient Chinese Tao and Thai 'Chi Nei Tsang', translated as 'body organ massage'.

Meridian blockages, are also the cause of serious habits and conditions which manifest themselves in many different ways before illness becomes apparent i.e. thought patterns, depression, sadness, worry, anxiety, tension, fear, anger, hate all cause fatigue. By toning or releasing the energy Shiatsu stimulates the circulation and flow of lymphatic fluid. In turn releasing blocks caused by toxin build up and deep seated tensions from the muscles, in turn stimulating the hormonal system, immune system (T-cells) releasing the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Sometimes nothing is wrong 'laugh at your serious monkey mind' playing tricks. Remember tricks are good for the skilled circus performer and can be very dangerous in the wrong environment and culture. 'Stressed' after all becomes 'Desserts' we still need the right amount of stress 'yummy desserts'. Clean water in the cells much is more fun.
Shiatsu encourages the body to rediscover it's own depth of 'nature power'.
As of the Taoist teachings a 5,500 year old philosophy or healing system .
The way of nature and the universe, or path of natural reality.
A mind body spirit practice.
A Rainbow doesn't change it's colours although they are constantly being refreshed. Shiatsu is constantly being refreshed and
developed using modern methods, scientific things are right until someone discovers something else. Our stress levels change quicker than ever before.
Shiatsu may turn the light on for you allowing changes and adaptation with the universe 'micro and macrocosm'. Asking for and allowing many benefits for health and well being. A wonderful way to take some time for yourself, connect with your body, relaxing, clearing tension and toxins from your system, generally boosting your immunity.
After a treatment, which lasts from forty five minutes initially to an hour or more. Once experienced, you may feel invigorated, yet deeply relaxed.
It depends on what kind of help you need.
You can still take your medication and still benefit from Shiatsu, many have.
How far you will go on the path to understand your own stress levels and lifestyle? You don't have to be ill to avoid illness try Shiatsu!
This is a good light guide.

Shizuto Masunaga, (1925-1981) was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the founder of Zen Shiatsu and the first person to establish a theoretical basis for Shiatsu therapy.
After graduating from the Psychology Department of the University of Kyoto. He began working in the field of Shiatsu. For ten years he was an instructor at the Japan Shiatsu Institute. He became among other things the chairman of the Iokai Association for Shiatsu Therapy. He developed his practical method of Shiatsu through many years clinical experience. His important contributions are widely recognised establishing him as the leading authority in the field.
He is also the author of numerous written works.

Shiatsu has been recognised by the Japanese Ministry of Health since 1955.
In 2007 the Italian Health Service officially recognized Shiatsu.