Shiatsu is a Far Eastern, holistic healing method that is also gaining more and more followers in Europe. The special pressure massage technique is applied according to the overriding principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM. The application with Shiatsu is similar to other healing methods from the Far East, for example acupuncture or acupressure, not uniform, but is subject to certain modifications.
What is shiatsu?
The special pressure massage technique is applied according to the overriding principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to the meridian system of TCM, the pressure points to be treated are distributed over the entire surface of the skin. According to the meridian system of TCM, the pressure points to be treated are distributed over the entire surface of the skin, including the abdomen and also the extremities. Which pressure points are treated, for how long, with which pressure intensity and with which technique depends in each case on the type and intensity of the complaints with which a patient visits a Shiatsu therapist. According to the teachings of TCM, every illness, without exception, is the result of a disturbed flow of the life energy chi along the meridians as energetic pathways. Through the pressure point massage of Shiatsu, the disturbed life energy can be specifically influenced and errors can be corrected. However, it is still not scientifically proven whether the meridian system and thus the individual pressure points, which in many cases correspond to the acupuncture points, actually exist. However, Shiatsu has certainly helped many people to become pain-free again, to be more mobile or to alleviate other symptoms. Since Shiatsu sees itself as a holistic method, which always has the unity and harmony of body, mind and spirit of a patient in mind, the range of indications is correspondingly broad.
Function, effect and goals
Shiatsu is not a massage in the classical sense, but always works according to the Chinese meridian theory. Through the positive influence on life energy, Shiatsu stimulates the flow of energy and thus contributes to mental and physical balance. Shiatsu is also expressly suitable for prevention. If Shiatsu is used for preventive purposes, it is at this moment a form of bodywork in the field of general health promotion. Many of the pressure points can also be treated on one’s own, i.e. without the need for a therapist. This is because the activation of Shiatsu pressure point massage can be easily learned and used for self-treatment to a certain extent even by medical laymen. According to the old Japanese tradition, the treatment is performed on a floor mat, with the patient wearing soft, non-constricting clothing. Ideally, the shiatsu massage is carried out along the energy pathways of the body from head to toe with knees, elbows, thumbs and palms, while only the fingertips of the hand are used for self-treatment. Loosening mobilizations of individual joints as well as stretching exercises are also part of a Shiatsu session, which usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of Shiatsu therapy due to a lack of scientific evidence-based proof of effectiveness. Shiatsu therapists licensed in Germany are either specially trained physiotherapists, alternative practitioners or doctors. Important is the so called mindful listening during a Shiatsu treatment, by this is meant a kind of touch communication without verbal exchange. A verbal conversation or address can sensitively disturb the success of the Shiatsu treatment. As a gentle, yet profound and versatile method of bodywork, Shiatsu has very different effects that can last long after a treatment. Modern lifestyles with stress, tension, lack of exercise and poor nutrition often lead to energy blockages that can manifest themselves in a wide variety of mental and physical illnesses. Shiatsu can help to increase one’s own life energy, to reduce stress and to come to rest, to promote inner relaxation or to better master relationship and life crises. In a deeper sense, Shiatsu is meant to promote better self-discovery and exploration, to stimulate self-healing powers and to enjoy greater well-being. Shiatsu is practiced with mindfulness, openness, respect for the person being treated and also a great deal of sensitivity.It also serves as prophylaxis in many respects and also for sustainable support of medical recovery processes. Even severe pain syndromes of the musculoskeletal system can be alleviated or even cured in the long term.
Risks, side effects and dangers
In principle, Shiatsu is suitable for people of all ages, even babies and pregnant women can be successfully treated with the gentle pressure point massage. The real art is that the Shiatsu therapist precisely adjusts to the current individual energetic state of a patient, this requires not only anatomical-physiological background knowledge, but also the necessary experience. Human touch, stretching and massage always have profound effects on well-being and body sensation. Sensitive persons may experience such an uncontrolled emotional outburst with crying and trembling during a Shiatsu massage. In this case the treatment should be stopped at first. If Shiatsu is applied professionally, then harmful side effects are usually not to be expected. However, patients suffering from severe mental illnesses should not undergo Shiatsu treatment. This is because the risk of violent emotional outbursts is high, especially in traumatized individuals. Therefore, a comprehensive medical history should be taken before each session. Likewise, patients should always consider a Shiatsu treatment as an accompanying measure for general health promotion, so that serious illnesses are not overlooked. Patients with extensive inflammatory reactions on skin and mucous membranes should also not be treated with this method. Pressure point massage should always be performed only on intact, unbroken skin.