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Ancient Theory, Modern Practice

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The characters ‘Shi’ + ‘Atsu’ in Japanese language, together, literally translated, mean finger pressure.

The simple name, however belies the true nature of Shiatsu as an intelligent, sophisticated, approach to healing dis-ease of the body and mind.

Shiatsu has been called Japanese osteopathy, or ‘acupuncture without the needles’.  Shiatsu is just as effective, but not as invasive.

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Carola Beresford-Cooke, author of Shiatsu Theory & Practice

describes shiatsu in this way:

‘Shiatsu’s great strength is that it is a uniquely flexible therapy, capable of being applied with the depth of Rolfing or the subtlety of Cranial Osteopathy: It embraces the mobilization moves of Thai massage or Chiropractic, the resistance and release techniques of Kinesiology, and the magnetic principles of Polarity therapy’.

So, the depth and range of shiatsu techniques make it interesting.

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•  Shiatsu is a highly effective and adaptable form of massage, requiring no removal of clothing or use of oils.

•  As a therapy, it combines knowledge of Western anatomy and physiology, with the holistic approach of ancient Chinese medicine.

•  Shiatsu employs gentle pressure, passive stretches and joint mobilization, to release the effects of built-up stress in the body and mind.

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“By restoring internal harmony, Shiatsu can establish a foundation for health.”

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•Shiatsu is amazing!

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Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.

…a balm for the dis-eases of body and mind.

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“It is my joy and great privilege to bring this effective treatment to our highly stressful modern world.”

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••MUSIC – ON/OFF

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The major focus of shiatsu is on improving health by restoring internal balance, rather than focusing on the symptoms of disease alone.

Having said that, shiatsu is effective in treating a wide range of health complaints.

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The meaning of ‘dis-ease’ is ‘not at-ease.’

In other words, we can look to stress as being at the root of a great many health problems.

You may be literally ‘out of touch’ with yourself!

Shiatsu can lead to a profound state of relaxation, allowing you to re-connect with your core being, clearing the way for healing and an all around healthier you.

In Japan people seek out a licensed shiatsu therapist for health reasons, rather than pleasure, and it is considered a form of medical treatment.
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare, in 1957, defined shiatsu as follows:

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“Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of the hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health.  It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses.”

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Shiatsu relaxes the physical body and calms the nervous system, and in this balanced state, internal repair resources can function effectively to restore body and mind.

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The following short video gives a good sense of the profoundly relaxing and restorative nature of shiatsu.

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The following clip is the first part of an authoritative documentary on the use of shiatsu in hospitals in Europe, based on data from thirty thousand treatments –

( 30,000 treatments ! ) over a fifteen year period.

(for part 2 see  ” Evidence”  in the Header menu above).

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Modern research confirms Shiatsu to be an effective form of treatment.

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• Back pain & postural issues

• Whiplash injuries & neck stiffness

• Headaches & migraines

• Stress, Anxiety, Depression,

• Insomnia, Chronic Fatigue

• Sports/work injuries, (chronic & acute):

• – R.S.I., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

• Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow…

• Arthritis, joint pain & reduced mobility

• Fibromyalgia

• Women’s health issues:

• - PMS, Endometriosis / Fibroids, Peri-Menopausal symptoms

• Digestive problems

• Neurological  issues:

• - Tri-Geminal and other forms of Neuralgia,

• - Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease …

• Respiratory complaints:

• - Asthma, Bronchitis; Speeds recovery from colds & flu

• Detoxification & overcoming addiction

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See: PubMed Research Database (Search “Shiatsu”, “Shiatsu Therapy” and “Acupressure”)

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Shiatsu is an ideal modality

to maintain and/or restore

full vitality and health.

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© Copyright Robin Grant 2009