Three Rivers Shiatsu
What is Shiatsu?
The word shiatsu comes from two Japanese words - "shi" (finger) and "atsu" (pressure). In addition to the direct stimulation of acupuncture points along the energy pathways of the body, gentle stretching techniques are applied over a wider area of the body to integrate the point work and encourage the flow of Qi (energy), blood, and lymph throughout the body.
Shiatsu is guided by a detailed map of energetic pathways (the acupuncture meridians) throughout the body that reflex to the body's processes, including musculoskeletal, digestive, and emotional functions. By assessing energy in these pathways, shiatsu relieves health problems naturally, balances the body, helps relieve blockages, and guides it to heal itself.
How is Shiatsu different from Massage?
One way shiatsu differs from Western massage is its foundation in an extensive health assessment. Each shiatsu session begins with a thoughtful, personalized health assessment to individualize the treatment. In accordance with traditional Chinese medicine theory, there are four pillars of evaluation: observation, palpation, asking, and listening. Sleep patterns, diet, digestion, cravings, and emotions can reveal telling clues to a patient's overall health and the pathways of blocked energy that may be causing their symptoms.
A trained shiatsu practitioner will also evaluate a client's tongue and pulse. Shiatsu therapists, as well as any practitioner trained in Chinese medicine, “read” the tongue as a way of assessing the internal organs. The size, shape, color and coating on a client's tongue helps the therapist to properly assess a client's condition. Different qualities of the pulse, such as force, rate, rhythm, and volume, also help in this determination.
Treatment is traditionally given on a low, wide table or on a futon rolled out onto the floor. The client remains fully clothed and wears loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate stretching. A little powder, not oil, is used on hands, feet, and other skin-exposed areas. Clients leave feeling energized yet deeply relaxed.
Because shiatsu is a type of bodywork and is also rooted in a powerful medicine, it bridges the gap between the spa experience and the doctor's office. It doesn't replace either, but can be as a dynamic supplement to both.
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