Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that is based on thousands of years of Eastern philosophy and methods of healing. In Shiatsu we treat the meridians pathways within the body that channel qi energy … our life essence. We experience this energy in the form of movement, communication, respiration, digestion, thoughts, feelings and spirituality. Any blockage or stagnation of energy within the meridians can result in physical, psychological and emotional disease. Zen Shiatsu helps you balance your energy on all levels, while experiencing a profoundly relaxing and clinically therapeutic musculoskeletal treatment.
When part of the body is energy-deficient, and not pulling its weight, other areas of the body must overexert to pick up the slack. The treatment goal of shiatsu is to energize these deficiencies, thus allowing the symptoms of overactivity to melt away.
A Zen Shiatsu treatment can range from very gentle to quite deep. Leverage and body weight rather than muscle strength are used to control the amount of pressure. This is safer for both the receiver and the practitioner and allows for a range of pressure from very light to very deep based on the receiver's needs and preferences. I may check in with you to make sure that the amount of pressure feels right. During the session, feel free to let me know if you would prefer more or less pressure.
Full-body stretches are also used to release areas of chronic stagnation and blockage. These stretches amplify and isolate the areas of stagnation, and receivers are encouraged to breathe deeply into their lines of tension. A rhythmic dance develops in the receiver’s body between expansive stretching and deep compression.
What can I expect during a session?
When you arrive for your initial session, I will ask you to fill out a brief intake form. This will help me get a better picture of your overall health. I will spend some time discussing your goals for the session, and will ask some questions regarding your medical history or the specific nature of any issues you may be experiencing.
During your shiatsu session you will wear soft, loose-fitting, clothing such as sweats or yoga clothes. Shiatsu is performed on a futon, or cotton mat, that has been prepared for your arrival. Depending on your specific situation, you will lie on your back, on your stomach, or in some cases on your side. If it is uncomfortable for you to lie flat, pillows and bolsters may be used to support sensitive areas such as the knees or ankles.
Sessions usually begin and end the session with hara (abdominal) assessment. All of the twelve meridians pass through the abdomen providing an ideal place to assess the energy of the whole body. Using both hands, I will gently touch the hara to get a sense of the meridians that are most kyo (deficient) and most jitsu (excessive). With this information, I can provide a treatment that is best suited for your needs.
A treatment will address the whole body, with extra emphasis on resolving your primary complaint.
How is Zen Shiatsu different from massage therapy?
Zen Shiatsu
- Typically performed on a futon on the floor, receiver wearing soft clothing
- Treats the acupoint and meridian system, providing the same benefits as acupuncture
- Moves the receiver through stretches with the same benefits as yoga poses
- Applied for relaxation, musculoskeletal therapeutic aims, or to benefit internal conditions or emotional rebalancing in the same way as acupuncture.
Massage Therapy
- Performed on a massage table, received disrobed with draping, utilizing oils
- Treats muscle and connective tissue using gliding and kneading strokes
- Applied for general relaxation or for musculoskeletal therapeutic aims