Energy Work:
The Pathway to Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is a style of bodywork originating in Japan that encourages the flow of the life energy, or qi, through energy channels know as meridians. The technique of shiatsu massage administrates a combination of compressive strokes and stretching of the body along those pathways.
The techniques of shiatsu massage are based on the premise that the body is formed and nourished by patterns of energy currents that determine the state of health and vitality of the individual. When the energy pathways are flowing freely, all of the body’s systems are functioning properly, and continued growth and development are established. Weakening or blockage of the energy currents eventually leads to a breakdown of the body. Administering shiatsu massage balances the energy again for optimal health and well being of the recipient. By improving the flow of the vital life energies of the body, the release of soft tissue restrictions usually occurs much easier and is sustained for a longer period of time.
The goal of shiatsu massage is to enhance the flow of qi, or life force, through a complex series of channels, or meridians that run through the body. To accomplish this goal, the therapist must apply a series of compressive moves that trace the course of the channels. Many of the shiatsu massage moves involve compression moves done with the hands along the length of a limb, moving proximal to distal.
Effective shiatsu massage incorporates the therapist’s whole body, and not just the hands. The motion and weight of the body into the stroke supply the necessary compressive force. The contraction of the arm or hand muscles does not supply the force. The correct body motion for the shiatsu massage therapist begins with the feet being placed a little wider than hip-distance apart and separated from each other lengthwise by the distance of a comfortable walking stride. The knees are slightly flexed, with the pelvis at the initiator of movement. The beginning of the stroke, the body weight is about 70% on the back foot. As the stroke continues, the body weight shifts forward with the pace of the stroke, as well as the exhalation. At the completion of the stroke, the body weight shifts about 70% to the front foot. The shiatsu therapist’s spine stays long, and the shoulders, arms, and hands remain relaxed throughout the entire stroke. The hands slide further down the limb, and shifts their weight back to the back foot, and begin the compression sequence again. The shiatsu massage therapist continues this all the way to the wrist or ankle.
The main goal of the shiatsu massage technique or modality is to allow the body to open up so that energy can flow more effectively. An individual can think of energy as life force or merely as conscious awareness of the body’s internal activities. In either case, the opening moves establish a bond between the shiatsu massage therapist and the client that enhances the level of receptivity for both.