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The oriental origins of shiatsu ("shi" is Japanese for finger and "atsu" is pressure) can be traced back several thousand years to the beginnings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the first written texts of which appeared at around 2000 BCE. Interestingly, there is some evidence that TCM itself has its own roots in Ayeurvedic texts which were written in India some 2000 years prior to this. However, proof of this is shrouded in the mists and legends of time and the precursive oral traditions. TCM migrated to Japan about 1500 years ago, and underwent various evolutionary changes, as it has done ever since. TCM has a three-pronged approach to the maintenance of health and wellbeing: the use of herbs, treatment with acupuncture, and physical touch, the latter encompassing a wide variety of therapeutic forms, such as anma, tui na and of course shiatsu.
Taoism, Confuscianism and Buddhism are seen as three of the great belief systems which have formed and informed Oriental, Asian - and now global - life for many millennia, and underpin much of TCM theory. Most people are familiar with the black and white symbol of the Tao (T'ai Chi or symbol of the Supreme Ultimate) representing Yin and Yang which is a fundamental principle of TCM. It represents the two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Nothing is completely Yin or completely Yang - everything is a mixture of the two. The T’ai Chi symbol contains two smaller circles: a circle of Yin inside the Yang, and a circle of Yang inside the Yin. These reinforce the circular and inclusive nature of all things. Each is held in balance by the other so that if one increases, the other diminishes. However, imbalances can occur: should one become excessive, the other will become deficient, and vice versa. This is the context in which illness and disease can manifest in the body.
The beginnings of modern shiatsu are credited to Tokujiro Namikoshi sensei (1905 - 2000). He combined the ancient TCM traditions and massage techniques with western research into anatomy and physiology to create the form of therapy we know today, and which led to its official recognition as a therapeutic medium in Japan in 1955.
As with all other therapies, there are various styles of shiatsu, from those that focus specifically on acupuncture point work, to those that focus on joint manipulation and stretches. Zen shiatsu was developed in the 1950s by Shizuto Masunaga sensei (1925-1981), a student of Namikoshi-sensei and one time Professor of Psychology at Tokyo University.
Zen is a form of Buddhism. It is notoriously difficult to define what Zen actually is, but it would be fair to say that its fundamental purpose is to achieve enlightenment through the discovery of one's true nature or essence. There is considerable emphasis on meditation and meditative processes to bring the mind and body to a place of stillness so that this nature can be revealed. Many aspects of Japanese culture have been influenced by Zen: aikido, judo and other martial arts; gardening and architecture; the tea ceremony, calligraphy, haiku poetry - and shiatsu. (The relationship between Taoism and Buddhism is complex, as they have ineradicably influenced each other while often competing for influence. Very Yin/Yang.)
In Zen shiatsu, emphasis is placed on balancing the energy of the body through the meridians or energy lines, focussing on those that are depleted (kyo) rather than those that are excessive (jitsu).The aim is to bring the body back to a Zen-like point of stillness and calm, from which place healing, integration and growth can take place. Takeo Suzuki sensei, a student of Masunaga sensei and currently practicing in Japan, has taken this even further with his exploration of additional meridians and zones, all of which can be used by the practitioner to bring balance and calm to the body. It is this broader form of Zen shiatsu which is offered at In a Crystal Garden.
From a Western perspective, shiatsu has a direct and enervating effect on the autonomic nervous system, reducing overactivity caused by stress and dis-ease and increasing resistance to both. In addition, it helps improve the circulation of the blood and lymph, strengthens overall muscle tone, improves optimal functioning of the internal organs, and has a positive effect on the immune system. Its role in prevention is as important as assisting with the recovery of existing problems.
Zen shiatsu is generally carried out on a futon on the floor, the Earth being considered an integral part of the therapy in providing grounding and support. The client is not expected to undress, but loose comfortable clothing is advised. The practitioner will take a verbal medical history and a TCM diagnosis from the abdomen and then commence treatment, which usually lasts for about 45 – 50 minutes. As with all therapeutic treatments, clients are advised to drink plenty of water afterwards, and to take it easy in the immediate post-treatment period. Local mild stiffness or headache not uncommon after a Zen Shiatsu session because of the release of toxins in previously tense muscles, but should resolve themselves soon afterwards.