Shiatsu, a Japanese form of massage, takes its name from the Japanese words for “finger” and “pressure.” Despite the name, however, the palms and thumbs can be used in Shiatsu massage as well as the fingers. Although diverse massage techniques have been practiced in Japan for many centuries, the first attempt to create a systemized form of Shiatsu came in 1940, when Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000) opened the first Shiatsu school, which is still in operation today.
Tokujiro Namikoshi claimed to have first discovered Shiatsu as a boy while trying to comfort his mother, who suffered from arthritis. His method incorporated Western concepts about human anatomy and health. Some forms of Shiatsu are also inspired by the Chinese concept of “meridians,” pathways through which blood and energy flow through the body. The purpose is to unblock the meridians and allow a free flow of energy. One example of Meridian Shiatsu is called “Zen Shiatsu.” It developed in the mid-1970s and calls for using the fists, elbows, and knees in addition to the hands.
Other varieties of Shiatsu exist, but the defining characteristic of all forms is the application of pressure to areas of the body which have been decided upon beforehand by an assessment of the patient.
Shiatsu is held in highest official regard in Japan, where it has been recognized as a distinct form of therapy since the 1950s. In Europe, the United States, and elsewhere, Shiatsu is a recognized form of therapy requiring official certification to practice. It has been met with both criticism and acceptance. There is no hard evidence that Shiatsu massage is effective at treating any diseases, and in Europe, it is illegal for practitioners of Shiatsu to claim that their work can “heal” or “cure.” On the other hand, research has indicated that undergoing Shiatsu leaves people more relaxed and less stressful, and helps lessen the symptoms of a variety of ailments, particularly those of the muscles and joints.
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Learn how to do a Japanese shiatsu massage of the buttocks to relieve stress and tension with expert massage therapy tips in this free health video clip. Expert: Richard Neil Bio: Richard Neil is a licensed, certified massage therapist. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan
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Need help with a good business name for a massage therapy practice!?I'm approaching graduation to become a certified massage therapist and currently i'm designing a mandatory project representing what my own business could (in my case, will) be. To give you a quick background into what I plan to offer: Specializing in oriental bodywork and medicine, I will offer Thai Yoga Massage (northern style), Zen Shiatsu, Reflexology, Reiki, and Restoration Therapy. For now i'm a sole proprietor, so the name has to be for me and me alone. Eventually I may expand into a spa type atmosphere with my own man-made hot springs and Japanese style inn (ryokan), but I could always change the name later right? By the way, that's many years down the road! For now all I will offer is the massage and eventually after more education more about medicinal herbs, etc. Now that's giving you a summary of what I do and might offer at the very least. There is a couple ideas that have inspired me, such as http://www.tenthousandwaves.com japanese style spa in Santa Fe, NM. BEAUTIFUL, and very close to the type of atmosphere i'd offer. Another example is the "Eight Branches" School of Asian Bodywork ( http://www.eightbranches.org/global/pages/Home/index.html ). What i've noticed about these names? They don't have what I call "filler" words like "of" or "the", it isn't boring such as "Jesse's Massage, LMT", but it's simple and uses words that flow easily. "Ten Thousand Waves" makes me think of a rolling ocean, which for some people is therapeutic. "Eight Branches" signifies simplicity about something common in nature, and yet it feels as if it fits, and for some it can signify peace. It doesn't need to be complex, but it should relate to what I offer in some form. I tried fitting "Zen" in the name, but there is already many businesses with that name. And i'm not sure if I should have it as a name in another language, or just english. Hope you've got some good ideas!
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Ronnie Tanner -
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You could think of a name that is exotic and at the same time meaningful, how about "Laxo" it's the Latin word for Relax, to relieve; release, set free, liberate. Or you could include the word "Otium" that means free time, leisure, ease, peace, repose in Latin. I'm not a professor of Latin, I work in Advertising but I guess you could give it a touch of mysticism using a Latin word in the name.
Hope it helps.
気
for example
chi energy = 気のエネルギー
In Japanese it is actually pronounced "ki"