Our experience of health and vitality in this stress filled world rests on how we learn to adapt to the many pressures and demands of our lives. Success in creating a balance within ourselves is essential to the experience of a healthy and happy life. An ongoing imbalance will eventually result in symptoms of ill health. Unless we recognize and acknowledge our need for balance, these symptoms will being to seem 'normal' from day to day and eventually become chronic problems. Dis-ease is the end result.
Shiatsu theory explains that all conditions are caused by and result in a stagnation of energy or Ki flow. Due to this lack of movement, the body will begin to communicate the need for change through physical, emotional, and/or mental symptoms-- dis-ease. The intention of Shiatsu is to provide support and to promote or enhance movement in the body while encouraging a shift towards balance.Although Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure", thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, forearms, and knees are employed. Using many different techniques, Shiatsu applies pressure (stimulates) to blocked meridian lines or energy channels, dispersing congested energy. As these pressure techniques stimulate, sedate and encourage the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, a support hand gathers energy (tonifies) to replenish the depleted areas. As these areas are filled, the body's natural movement toward health is facilitated, the energy flow is enhanced, and the restoration of balance is assisted.
Massage stimulates blood circulation emphasizing the release of stagnated blood in the skin and muscle. Therefore, tension and stiffness resulting from circulatory congestion is released.
Shiatsu addresses the autonomic nervous system by sedating the sympathetic division and stimulating the parasympathetic aspect of the nervous system. By applying continuous steady pressure we control or sedate the reaction of the sympathetic nervous system, the fight or flight response to stress. We also tonify or stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This brings a calming effect on the organs, thereby enhancing digestion and replenishment of Ki. When the parasympathetic system responds negatively, you will feel resistance against the pressure you are exerting, a jitsu or sympathetic response. By applying steady or continuous pressure, pain will gradually subside as the parasympathetic response of relaxation takes over. When the body opens it provides spaciousness and allows for the free flow of energy and movement.
A meridian is a pathway of energy or Ki that runs through the body. Each meridian is named after the major organ that it runs through, such as the spleen or the heart, and is paired with another meridian. Each meridian pair consists of one yin meridian and one yang meridian. The meridian pairs are as follows:
Yin Yang Lung Large Intestine Spleen Stomach Heart Small Intestine Kidney Bladder Pericardium Triple Heater Liver Gallbladder
Yin, or Zo organs store essence, are dense, and are used for assimilation, whereas Yang, or Fu organs move things around, are hollow, and digest.**Care of Table Shiatsu © 1997 Bethany Okerman
•Susan O'Brien • •
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