There are several ways, several methods of doing Shiatsu. Zen Shiatsu is not just one of them. It stands out for having its own theoretical basis, developed especially for its practice. It is a contemporary technique, based on an ancient science. His “attitude” towards the client is current, in line with modern therapies and bodywork, which respect the intelligence of each body and the signals it sends.
Zen Shiatsu devised by Shizuto Masunaga is not an orthodox technique. Its roots are in the past, its head in the future. Zen Shiatsu never harms the body. It is a method that works the body in a deep but gentle way, proving to be completely unnecessary pain for the Shiatsu technique to have maximum effect.
Masunaga tells us, “At this point there are many misconceptions about Shiatsu that I would like to clear up. First, it is not true that Shiatsu to be effective requires strong pressure applied with thumbs and fingers. Nor is it true that diseases can be cured by mere pressure on certain points on the body… If you have ever had a child walking on your back, you will know the meaning of natural pressure. Children are innocent and do not exert an unnecessary amount of pressure. Hence, when you use your palm, ulna, or knee, be sure to use a natural amount of pressure.’”
What does Masunaga’s system have to do with Zen? It’s a matter of perspective. The fundamental purpose of Zen Buddhism is to reach the state of enlightenment through self-knowledge. Zen uses meditation, but it is not meditation. In Zen the answers cannot be rationalized, but learned through meditation. Zen means “opening the mind to the presence of the heavenly sign”, or “the meditation that leads to the glimpse”.
Likewise, Shiatsu uses finger pressure, but its meaning transcends these pressures. In Masunaga’s own words: “Both in Zen and Shiatsu we deal with factors that cannot be explained rationally, but which need to be felt by the living body.'” The principle he emphasizes is that in Shiatsu, as in Zen, it is important to establish an “eco” of life. Feel the “response” given by the client’s body when we press a certain area or point. “If you place your hand on a point and follow the meridian line with your fingers, you can feel the “echo” of life…
With the correct practice of Shiatsu, the flow of energy in the practitioner, in the client, and between both is intensified. This creates an altered level of consciousness. The possibilities of Shiatsu on the spiritual and emotional level are many. Zen Shiatsu works with these possibilities.
Indications:
o The basic idea is to restore organic functioning, not to treat symptoms.
o It balances the body’s energy system, and creates a feeling of energy and well-being, “weakening” the symptoms present.
o Decreased tension (physical and mental).
o Excellent aid in the treatment of various imbalances and diseases.
o It is a great therapy for headaches, physical and mental exhaustion, feeling of lack of energy, muscle and postural pain, digestive problems, motive states, insomnia, physical or psychological discomfort without a definite cause, and a number of other small ones. disturbances.