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NATURAL THERAPIES, NUTRITION, & WEIGHT LOSS

NATURAL THERAPY PORTAL - CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS - SHIATSU

Shiatsu Massage Course

Shiatsu

Introductory Course in Shiatsu Massage
In this introductory course you will learn the basic principles and techniques associated with this therapeutic healing art from Japan, based on traditional principles of Chinese medicine. Everyone possesses the skills required to give a simple Shiatsu treatment; complete beginners can quickly discover their own Shiatsu abilities. Rejuvenate the mind and body while learning routines on how to give a Shiatsu massage to friends and family.

What is shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a system based on the body's energy meridians.  Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed.

Shiatsu is a unique, non-invasive therapy designed to stimulate the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Literally translated, the Japanese word shiatsu means "finger pressure." Shiatsu therapy involves the systematic application of manual pressure to the body in order to assess and treat a variety of conditions. Shiatsu treatments have a regulatory influence on the autonomic nervous system, thereby improving organ function and reducing muscle tension.

Shiatsu therapy is a distinctly Japanese contribution to holistic healthcare and has evolved out of 3,500 years of oriental medical wisdom. It is founded upon the same principles as acupuncture, although no needles are used. It also incorporates the modern Western sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Shiatsu therapy has been fully incorporated into the modern public healthcare system of Japan, and has been regulated as a distinct therapy by the Japanese Ministry of Health since 1964.

Shiatsu therapy is effective in the management of many acute and chronic conditions including:
· headaches/migraines
· back pain
· neck and shoulder pain
· sciatica
· whiplash
· carpal tunnel syndrome
· thoracic outlet syndrome
· repetitive strain injuries
· muscle tension and spasm
· insomnia
· constipation
· digestive problems
· menstrual problems
· chronic fatigue syndrome
· fibromyalgia
· arthritis
· asthma
· anxiety and depression
· sports injuries

Systemic conditions that can benefit from Shiatsu are:

• Nerve system illness (neuralgia, paralysis, spasm, etc.)
• Somatic illness (muscle and bone): muscle pain, muscle atrophy, joint degeneration, etc.
• Digestive illness (chronic gastritis, chronic intestinal inflammation, constipation, etc.)
• Respiratory illness (asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.)
• Circulation illness (heart neurosis, hyperemia, stagnation of blood, anemia, edema, blood pressure problem, etc.)
• Urinary and reproductive illness (bladder paralysis, bladder infection, lactation, PMS, dysmenorrhea, etc.)
  Metabolism
• Other (fatigue recovery, after a long bed rest, depression, etc.)

Contraindications:
Shiatsu will not help or can aggravate these conditions:

• Acute illness (acute fever, flu, insulin shock, etc.)
• Malignant tumor
• Acute poisoning (food, snake, etc.)
• Acute inflammation (peritonitis, appendicitis, severe arthritis, etc.)
• Bleeding illness (hematomesis, stroke, etc.)
• External injury (open wounds, scar, fracture, etc)
• Advanced internal organ disease (nephritis, kidney failure, respiratory failure, very unstable blood pressure, etc.)

People of all ages, including infants and children, experience lasting, beneficial results from therapeutic shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu therapy is an important part of a preventative or rehabilitative health care program.

After treatment, most people experience relief from their discomforts–relief from pain, increased flexibility, calmer mood, and clearer mind. Many people find that deep, restful sleep comes more easily for several nights. A small percentage of people may feel tired or headachy for a few hours, or may temporarily experience minor localized muscle stiffness. This is a normal reaction to the treatment as the body readjusts and rebalances and will pass within 1 to 3 days.

Links:

• Shiatsuprators' Association of Cananda
• Internet Health Library
• Shiatsu Infocenter in Holisticonline.com
• Positive Health - Complementary Medicine Magazine _ Shiatsu/yoga
• Positive Health - Complementary Medicine Magazine _ Shiatsu/Nutrition