Zen Shiatsu Massage
A Relaxing form of Japanese Massage
Zen shiatsu massage is an offshoot of traditional Japanese shiatsu. Unlike standard Japanese shiatsu, this form of bodywork is dependent on the therapist achieving a meditative state during the session.
The History
This form of shiatsu was created by Shizuto Masunaga in 1974. Masunaga was born into a long line of shiatsu therapists. He was a professor of psychology at Tokyo University. He also taught at the Japan Shiatsu School. During this time, he decided to pursue a career in bodywork.
In the 1970s, one of Masunaga's students, Wataru Ohashi, brought him to the States. Masunaga wrote a book called Shiatsu in 1974 in which he outlined the basic theory that he follows in during a session. In 1977, an English version of the book was published. It was translated by Wataru Ohashi. Ohashi came up with the name Zen Shiatsu when translating the book. Buy the book here.
The Benefits
This therapy can be used to treat a number of conditions, including but not limited to the following:
insomnia
back pain
headaches
digestive problems
menstrual problems
pre and post-natal difficulties
allergies
fatigue
fibromyalgia
diabetes
stress
depression
What to Expect
Zen shiatsu massage differs from traditional shiatsu in a few ways.
Abdominal palpation is used to diagnose the patient. At the beginning of the session, the therapist feels to see if the meridians are full or empty of chi. Palpations are done again at the end of the session to monitor the effects of the treatment.
Brief rhythmic contact is done by the therapist on points along the meridians. Therapists use fingers, fists, elbows, and knees to unblock the meridians.
The therapist moves the patient, who is asked to relax and stay completely passive during the therapy. The therapist will lift the patient's arms and head or even sit the patient up during the therapy. Some light stretches are also done on the patient.
A meditative state is attained by the therapist before starting the session. When the therapist is in this state she is intuned with the needs of her patient. Therapists practice mediation daily to heighten their awareness.
Like other therapies that branch off from Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Zen Shiatsu massage therapist tries to balance the energy in the body and unblock the meridians.
During a session you will lay on a mat on the floor in loose comfortable clothing. The therapy is very relaxing and helps to relieve stress. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies to treat the conditions listed on this page. It can also be used as a preventative therapy.
