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What is Shiatsu?
History of Anma Shiatsu Massage
Katsusuke Serizawa studied physical therapy and Oriental Medicine in addition
to Shiatsu. For many years he studied and documented the physical existence of
the pressure points (tsubo points) using electrometric measuring instruments. He
published many research studies and in 1961 was awarded a Doctor of Medicine
degree from Tokyo University. Serizawa's research expanded the therapeutic and
scientific foundation of Oriental Bodywork. He founded an approach to Oriental
bodywork called Tsubo Therapy. DoAnn Kaneko, was major influence on
Shiatsu in the U.S., and synthesized the work of Serizawa and Namikoshi with the
techniques of Koho Anma. Kaneko's Long and Short Forms of Shiatsu Anma blend
ancient and modern techniques and theory.
What is Anma Shiatsu?
Shiatsu focuses on the use of 'shi'=finger 'atsu'=pressure . Amna is a method
of massage. Anma uses techniques of kneading, pressing, grasping, pulling,
tapping and stretching to move energy in the body , promote balance and restore
health.
Applying different types of pressure has different types of effects. Weak or
medium stimulation promotes function of nerve and muscles. It's used to arouse
or excite the nerves. This is helpful when someone complains of fatigue or is in
a weakened condition.
Strong or strongest stimulation reduces tight conditions. Strong stimulation
restricts nerve function and strongest stimulation stops nerve function. This is
beneficial for tight muscles, muscle twitches and spasms.
How does it work?
Shiatsu brings about balance to the energy of the internal organs and the
energy meridians that run through out the body. This chart shows how the energy
of the organs and organ channel affect the body representing mental, emotional,
and energetic functioning according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Shiatsu may also produce sedative and analgesic effects. The sedative powers
of acupressure were investigated in a study published in the Journals of
Gerontology in 1999, which involved over 80 elderly people who suffered from
sleeping difficulties. Compared to the people in the control groups, the 28
participants who received acupressure were able to sleep better. They slept for
longer periods of time and were less likely to wake up during the night. The
researchers concluded that acupressure may improve the quality of sleep in older
adults. The use of acupressure in postoperative pain was investigated in a study
published in the Clinical Journal Of Pain in 1996. In this study, which involved
40 knee surgery patients, one group received acupressure (15 acupoints were
stimulated) while the control group received sham acupressure. Within an hour of
treatment, members of the acupressure group reported less pain than those in the
control group. The pain-relieving effects associated with acupressure lasted for
24 hours.
Shiatsu may benefit stroke victims. The results of at least one study (which
did not include a control group) suggest that Shiatsu may be useful during
stroke rehabilitation when combined with other treatments.
Some tools to assist you in activating pressure points
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