Massage Lessons

Shiatsu Massage

Originated in Japan, Shiatsu therapy is based on Western anatomy and physiology. The systemization of the Shiatsu techniques started with the foundation of Japan Shiatsu College in 1940 by Tokujiro Namakushi. Shiatsu Massage had its first tryst with history when Tokujiro developed a simple technique of treating his mother suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Tokujiro's treatment by pressing the affected parts of his mother's body by his palms and hands, have gone on to lay a tremendous foundation for Shiatsu techniques. Simple techniques like this are a cornerstone of Shiatsu Massage which has gained popularity over the last 6 decades.

What are the derivatives of Shiatsu?

Shiatsu Massage has evolved over the years that have resulted in the origin of many derivatives of the Shiatsu technique. Almost all these styles have their roots in the Namikoshi Shiatsu and are known as Derivative Shiatsu.

Meridian Shiatsu established by Tadashi Izawa. This technique incorporates the Meridien theory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Tao Shiatsu established by a Buddhist priest by the name of Ryukyo Endo. Tao Shiatsu advocates focusing the mind and submitting supplications to Lord Buddha.
Tsubo Shiatsu established by Kiyoshi Ikenaga is a very popular Shiatsu style. This technique takes Shiatsu from an anatomical point of view and advocates the use of meridian points in Shiatsu therapy.

Other styles like Ohashiatsu, Quantum Shiatsu and Movement Shiatsu have evolved over the years. Essentially, the objective of all the Shiatsu styles is one with the only difference in approaches to the treatment.

How can one practice Shiatsu Massage therapies?

An individual needs to be licensed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to practice Shiatsu Massage Therapy. The international standardized Shiatsu license is also called as a Shiatsupractor. In many countries, the use of Shiatsupractor is a registerd trademark. In Japan, the educational standard approval for Shiatsupractors is almost the same as other massage standards. Shiatsupractors would need to study Shiatsu therapy as a part of their education for at least 3 years. This educational standard is recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare with the individual required to pass the national examination for him to be licensed to practice Shiatsu Massage.

The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) is a professional organization which seeks statewide standardization of Asian Bodywork Licensing Requirements. The AOBTA finds a mention in the Ilinois' and Washington DC's licensure laws.

There have been reports of some derivative Shiatsu style to be a risk factor in venous thrombosis when it is applied to the neck. These are unconfirmed as yet which means that for now, Shiatsu Massage can climb the popularity charts.