Shiatsu, derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), originally originated in Japan. But, TCM also had significant influence in China and Korea. In Japan, Shiatsu started as"Kokyu-nippo" or finger acupuncture, but soon came to be called Shiatsu by westerners. In both states, the hands and fingers of the patient were pressed hard with the thumbs and fingers of the masseur or masseuse. This therapy was performed with the use of oils, usually on the palms of their hands and soles of the feet.

The History of Shiatsu. Shiatsu, unlike other kinds of deep tissue massage, didn't originate from China or Japan. It started in ancient China. In Japan, Shiatsu started as"Kokyu-nippo" or finger pressure treatment, but soon came to be known as Shiatsu in western circles.

A traditional Chinese medicine called the"vernal point system" is believed to have been the most important influence for Shiatsu. The"vernal points" are known as the"nail tips" or"finger tips." These points are supposed to correspond to the"solar plexus nerve," a very important sense organ. Many believe that the sensation of touch can be treated by this technique, but this is still a debatable topic.


Dr. Masunaga Sensei was a Japanese educator and naturalist. He's credited as the creator of JAPAN (Joint Appraisal and Research Centre for Massage). Dr. Masunaga Sensei became the first documented teacher of shiatsu in Japan. He developed his own form of shiatsu treatment called"mitsuzan." This treatment uses finger pressure and not the finger tips suggested by western doctors.

Western medicine has two schools of thought about shiatsu: one school of thought is that pain results from blocked energy along meridians. Another school of thought believes that qi or chi is the issue. When energy is "blocked" along meridians, it causes pain. Western medicine's second school of thought believes that the qi is the problem. When qi is "blocked" along meridians, it causes pain. Shiatsu therapists think that the answer to both congestion and pain is in the Qi.

Many Shiatsu therapists are also trained to speak Chinese, so that they could help those with English as their second language. In the United States, the term Shiatsu is sometimes used interchangeably with Acupressure and Acupuncture, which are forms of Chinese medicine. Many Shiatsu therapists begin their training in acupuncture school, but many do not. In Canada, Acupuncture is frequently used instead of Shiatsu. Many Shiatsu therapists do not even know how to provide a massage, since most are trained in traditional Chinese medicine, and only indirectly learn about Chinese meridians and qi.

If you would like to find a Shiatsu therapist near you, I suggest checking your local listings. You may also check the world wide web, where you will usually have the ability to find a respectable online therapist. Many Shiatsu schools are highly respected within their local community and are very popular among their peers. A good way to find out about a specific school, and learn what others think about them, would be to take a look at forums on the internet. Shiatsu therapists frequently have blogs and discussion boards devoted to discussing their practice, techniques, and knowledge about Shiatsu.

The mission of this shiatsu treatment ministry is to unify the whole body, mind, and spirit of a person. A Shiatsu practitioner works with people from all walks of life and has no limits. To be a Shiatsu practitioner, you must work with a documented master for a minimum of five decades. After five decades of training, you will get a full-fledged shiatsu practitioner. Read more about the ministries of shiatsu treatment, and become a part of the healing process today!