Meridian Shiatsu
Encyclopedia
Meridian Shiatsu is a derivative form of the Japanese
therapy Shiatsu
. It uses the Meridian
theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
that was introduced into Japan from China
. Meridian Shiatsu contrasts with Tsubo Shiatsu where the tsubos or acupuncture point
s are determined from an anatomical
and physiological
perspective. However, the clinical results of Tsubo Shiatsu and Meridian Shiatsu are comparable because the location of meridian points and Tsubos are identical or very close despite the underlying theories differing.
In 1964, a book called "Anpuku and Shiatsu Therapy", edited by the Vice-Principal of the Japan Shiatsu College, Tadashi Izawa
, introduced Meridian Shiatsu, comparing Anma
, which uses meridian theory, with Shiatsu therapy for the first time. Other styles of Shiatsu incorporating meridian theory were developed by Iwajiro Sato, the author of "Shiatsu Therapy and Syoatsu Therapy" and Shizuto Masunaga
, the founder of Zen Shiatsu
. All proponents of Shiatsu using Meridian theory follow Tadashi Izawa’s original tenets.
Meridian Shiatsu practitioners use their entire bodies in a graceful art form to catalyze change in the patient. "Diagnosis and Therapy Combined" is a common mantra
of this practice.
Setsu Shin in Japanese means "touching diagnosis" and also "cutting diagnosis" (cutting as with a knife). Meridian Shiatsu practitioners claim to cut through the outer layers to touch the "living essence" within. Simply by laying hands
on a recipient, meridian shiatsu practitioners seek to effect profound transformation. Touching the innermost being of a receiver equates to treatment. As the inner experience of an individual is acknowledged by their kinsmen, the internal paradoxes are reconciled and healing is possible.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
therapy Shiatsu
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Japanese for "finger pressure;" it is a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques. There is no scientific evidence proving that shiatsu can treat any disease, but shiatsu practitioners promote it as a way to help people...
. It uses the Meridian
Meridian (Chinese medicine)
The meridian is a path through which the life-energy known as "qi" is believed to flow, in traditional Chinese medicine. There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.- Main concepts :...
theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
that was introduced into Japan from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. Meridian Shiatsu contrasts with Tsubo Shiatsu where the tsubos or acupuncture point
Acupuncture point
Acupuncture points are locations on the body that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and laser acupuncture treatment. Several hundred acupuncture points are considered to be located along meridians...
s are determined from an anatomical
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
and physiological
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
perspective. However, the clinical results of Tsubo Shiatsu and Meridian Shiatsu are comparable because the location of meridian points and Tsubos are identical or very close despite the underlying theories differing.
In 1964, a book called "Anpuku and Shiatsu Therapy", edited by the Vice-Principal of the Japan Shiatsu College, Tadashi Izawa
Tadashi Izawa
Tadashi Izawa was a Japanese Shiatsu practitioner who introduced the derivative form Meridian Shiatsu.After graduating from Kobe Second High School in 1916, he went to Korea to study at a school for Instructors...
, introduced Meridian Shiatsu, comparing Anma
Anma
Anma refers to practitioners of the Japanese massage of the same name, which has its origins in China. Anma was often practiced in communal business groups in feudal Japan. They were made popular by the famous popular culture character known as Zatoichi, quite possibly the best known and most...
, which uses meridian theory, with Shiatsu therapy for the first time. Other styles of Shiatsu incorporating meridian theory were developed by Iwajiro Sato, the author of "Shiatsu Therapy and Syoatsu Therapy" and Shizuto Masunaga
Shizuto Masunaga
was a Japanese Shiatsu practitioner and author of books on Shiatsu.He was born in 1925 in Kure, Hiroshima and graduated in Psychology from Kyoto University. In 1959, he graduated from the and went on to teach Psychology at the college. He is the author of Shiatsu which became Zen Shiatsu when...
, the founder of Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is a derivative form of the Japanese therapy Shiatsu, and is particularly popular in the United Kingdom and United States. It was developed by Shizuto Masunaga, a graduate of the who published a book entitled Shiatsu in 1974. This was translated into English in 1977 and retitled Zen...
. All proponents of Shiatsu using Meridian theory follow Tadashi Izawa’s original tenets.
Meridian Shiatsu practitioners use their entire bodies in a graceful art form to catalyze change in the patient. "Diagnosis and Therapy Combined" is a common mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
of this practice.
Setsu Shin in Japanese means "touching diagnosis" and also "cutting diagnosis" (cutting as with a knife). Meridian Shiatsu practitioners claim to cut through the outer layers to touch the "living essence" within. Simply by laying hands
Laying on of hands
The laying on of hands is a religious ritual that accompanies certain religious practices, which are found throughout the world in varying forms....
on a recipient, meridian shiatsu practitioners seek to effect profound transformation. Touching the innermost being of a receiver equates to treatment. As the inner experience of an individual is acknowledged by their kinsmen, the internal paradoxes are reconciled and healing is possible.
External links
- Download maps of the Shu points, Mu points, Circadian clock, every Meridian (PDF files, downloadable under Creative Commons Licence : Paternity-Non Commercial use only-No derivative works)
- American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia