In Japanese "Shi" means finger "atsu" means pressure.

Shiatsu is characterized by a soothing and gentle deep pressure that is applied to various anatomic points on the body by the thumbs, fingers, palms and to about 700 effective points of the body that correspond to the muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, lymph vessels and glands of the endocrine system.

The type, degree and duration of pressure is then adjusted to meet the special needs of each area of the body and each individual.

 

Pressure on the cells helps to move toxins that have become stagnant with disease, lack of use, or trauma. This produces a rejuvenation effect at tIle cellular level, enhancing cell function, increasing cellular metabolism, and lengthening the life of each individual cell while extending the time tissues can exist in a state of health.

Digital compression on soft tissues helps to initiate a super compensatory (the return to homeostasis of an overwhelmed biological system) immune system response. The inflammatory response allows the body to clean up residual cellular debris and for tissues to return to normal functioning.

Connective tissue when manipulated by compression loosens the molecular bonds of basic components of the cell (ground substance) turning it from a gel state to a more fluid state. This is called The Thixotropic Effect. This makes it possible for Shiatsu to free up and rebalance myo-fascial structures that cover the entire body like a blanket.

Digital compression works to lengthen and relax muscles and tendons.

When the body is injured, this memory is stored in the medulla oblongata, the oldest and most basic part of the brain that contains an ongoing program that determines the resting length of every muscle fiber in the body. With injury, sometimes joint imbalance related to muscle and fascia strains cause pain and discomfort long after the actual trauma heals. By mechanically lengthening muscle fibers through compression, and maintaining that stretch long enough for the feedback system to be complete and reprogram it's feedback loop (usually 3 to 5 seconds) the brain will reset the involved muscle resting length pattern. This same process pertains to tendons in the body.

Shiatsu compressions help to realign muscle tone, eliminate restrictions in joint movements that produce results of a longer duration than other treatments. At times permanent relief comes after only one treatment depending on the severity of the problem.

The Repetitive press and release techniques of Shiatsu generate minute localized electrical charges in the tissues that raises the energy levels within the tissues. When the body is in a more fluid state, manual intervention allows the body to be freed of adhesions and contractures that are the cause of so much pain and restriction.

Shiatsu works with the components of the body as one inseparable whole. One part affects another. Properly applied compression corrects inter-cellular fluid congestion and rebalances fascial electrodynamics by releasing the appropriate electrostatic charges necessary to neutralize the imbalance.

Although deep tissues are not directly palpable, they can be freed of restriction and returned to normal range of motion by indirect manipulation. By freeing the larger muscles of their need to compensate for an otherwise weakened area, this brings relief of pain through the restoration of structural balance.

There are three reflexes that Shiatsu stimulates: Cutaneovisceral Reflex occurs just by touching the skin in various areas. This reflex follows the nerves to deeper organs and tissues and works to heal and bring balance to those directly inaccessible parts as well. The Ocularcardiac reflex stimulates the vagus nerve to contribute to a deep sense of relaxation. The carotid sinus reflex triggers barroreceptors in the neck that stimulate the brain to lower blood pressure and results in a relaxation response.

The circulatory system returns deoxygenated blood via the veins and returns nutrient-depleted and waste loaded fluid via the lymphatic system. Both of these systems are passive, muscle operated pumping systems. Fluids are prevented from backing up by a one-way valve system that flows to the heart. Compressive techniques are effective in stimulating these fluids to return circulation to the heart. By stimulating fluid return toward the-heart, compression creates space in the lymph system for the body to dump excess fluids and creates optimum cellular nutrition and the re-establishment of appropriate ionic balance.

The gentle movement of Shiatsu creates movement at every section of the spinal axis (column) facilitating the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) that serves the same nutrient-bearing function and waste removal functions for the brain and spinal cord.

Over the course of time, through lack of exercise, improper breathing and diet, restrictive clothing, and accumulated stress, our organs build up-increasing residues of sludge-like waste that interferes with their normal functioning.

Compression forces out stagnant or toxic materials, bringing a rebound of fresh arterial blood-stimulating a return toward normal function through detoxification.

• Reduces stress and fatigue that accumulate in the body

• Relieves muscle stiffness and tension

• Increases the circulation of body fluids (blood and lymph)

• Regulates the autonomic nervous system (the involuntary responses)

• Stimulates the function of internal organs

• Reduces blood pressure

• Stimulates and regulates digestion

• Regulates hormonal secretions

• "Stirs up" connective tissue making it more fluid and conductive for the body to release toxins

• Stimulates skin

• Increases vitality, stamina and energy

• Boosts the immune system

• Helps to prevent illness and injury

Shiatsu is administered while wearing loose, non-restrictive clothing or a sheet is used. Do not eat anything heavy 2 hours prior to treatment.

There are no age limits as to who can benefit from Shiatsu

My Thanks & Gratitude to the following for the education & information provided on this website:

Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo - Toronto, Ontario www.kensensaito.com

Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy - North Vancouver, BC www.oyayubi.com

Japan Shiatsu College - Tokyo, Japan www.shiatsu.ac.jp/english

Namikoshi Shiatsu Academy - Melbourne, Australia www.namikoshi-shiatsu.com.au