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A Japanese technique similar to Acupressure, using finger
and thumb pressure on precise body points to encourage the
proper flow of Chi, the vital force or energy, to circulate
through the body. A Japanese bodywork technique, Shiatsu
uses pressure to stimulate points on acupuncture meridians.
Practice of shiatsu is usually accompanied by study of Chinese
five-element theory and meridians, and it involves a way
of looking at the body that is completely different from
the "muscles, bones and blood" view of Western
science, focusing instead on the flow of life energy through
meridians. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms and fingers
to apply pressure to specific points. The touch is generally
more forceful than massage. Rather than use a massage table,
shiatsu practitioners may have the patient rest on a pad
on the floor. This allows practitioners to use their own
body to brace the patient during certain stretches.
Ohashiatsu a
variation of Shiatsu developed by an American born Japanese
practitioner named Ohashi. Ohashiatsu is a system of physical
techniques, exercise, and meditation used to relieve tension
and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The
practitioner first assesses a person's state by feeling
the hara (the area below the navel). Then, using continuous
and flowing movements, the practitioner presses and stretches
the body's energy channels, working in unison with the person's
breathing.
Benefits/Contraindication
Results are very
positive. Animals are extremely responsive to this type
of bodywork and results are very positive. Sessions may
last for an hour or in some cases an hour and ½.
They understand the language of touch and are usually willing
shiatsu recipients. Working with your animals for their
better health can create a closer partnership between you.
Shiatsu has the same contraindications of massage and most
bodywork modalities including relieving muscle soreness
and spasms, keeps joints well-lubricated and muscles strong
and supple, enhances mental clarity, focus and performance,
relieves some behavior problems associated with fear and
anxiety, removing toxins and increases blood supply and
energy flow, speeds recovery from illness and surgery, helps
recovery from medication, boosts the immune system, helps
relieve arthritis and other chronic conditions, reduces
pain by releasing endorphins and swelling by releasing natural
cortisone, aids in digestive, respiratory and skin disorders,
gives an overall sense of well being, useful in first aid
and trauma to reduce shock, bleeding and pain, helps enhance
good behavior patterns.
Training/Licensing
Some Shiatsu
programs may be substituted for massage therapist programs
and qualify practitioners for licensing or registration
as massage therapists for humans.
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