"All you have to
do is press" says Tokujiro Namikoshi, said to be the founder of modern
shiatsu.
In my shiatsu practice
I use pressure to alleviate any number of physical ailments, mental agitations
and emotional upsets. It's nice to know that touch can translate into healing
when done with awareness, intention and compassion. Specifically this
touch is pressure given with thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms, heels and even
knees along your body's energy channels, meridians. These meridians are,
hopefully, free flowing energy rivers and this is seen when one has vitality,
confidence and clarity in life. Blockages in the meridian flow causes all
sorts of problems ranging from breathing difficulties, digestion issues,
headaches, back aches, body tension, pain and fatigue. As the blockages
persist the physical symptoms seem to be the benchmark, what is now considered
normal and a person's outlook on life is affected by this endured pain.
Zen shiatsu is a way people can free themselves from annoying disruptions
and dramatic dis-eases of the bodymind.
What is Zen Shiatsu?
Not all shiatsu was created equally. Zen is a sect of Buddhism
aimed at enlightenment as a person discovers their basic nature through
meditation, which trains the mind.
There are some basic
principles of Zen shiatsu like:
1. Relax. When
the practitioner is calm and focused for the session, this relaxed vibe
translates to a client more at ease. Right off the bat the healing
aspects of the treatment have begun even without touch... just with a little
attention to your state of mind, this sets the tone for the rest of the
session.
2. Penetrate versus
push pressure. The muscle gives way to the penetrating force given by the
practitioner. The force is directed gradually and there's a point felt,
when sensitive enough, when you sense the force has gone deep enough, reaching
the meridian, rather than forcing the pressure through with strength.
Forcing the pressure through only results in a more guarded client/receiver.
You can't force the force! Pressure given with ease is like a
conversation without words between client and practitioner. "Here is
some pressure, is that okay? Can I ease in a bit more? Yeah, okay I seem
to have met some resistance, is it still okay to move deeper? No, okay. I will
hold it right there and see how the tension or weak area changes."
Holding the thumb or palm pressure until it has time to penetrate to the
depths of the meridian requires patience but is worth it so the treatment heals
beyond a superficial level.
3. Two-handed
connectedness is important in Zen Shiatsu. A stationary
"mother" hand and an active "son" hand are placed on the
body. The mother stays immobile and senses changes as the actively moving
hand finds areas on the meridian to decongest or tonify. "2 hands
becoming 1" is a way for the practitioner to sense their connection to the
receiver's body. If when both hands are placed along a meridian line,
eventually there is only "oneness" felt... not a sensation of 2
distinct points being pressed, but a connection subtle enough to feel as
if only one point exists and even that sometimes disappears into a sensation of
just being therapeutically held, with healing as the goal.
4. Meridian
continuity versus specific point protocol. The purpose of shiatsu is to
treat the person as a whole, not just address symptoms. The entire
meridian is seen to be important not just specific points. Treating the
meridian will help create a free flow of ki/energy throughout the bodymind.
Obstructions, pain, tensions, emotional stuckness all can be eased
through meridian work.
Zen Shiatsu is a way
to replenish yourself and to feel clear, competent and alive.
Contact Fig at The Vital Compass: 971-373-8378 or info@thevitalcompass.com for more information or to make your Shiatsu appointment.
