Zen Shiatsu, as formulated by its creator Shizuto Masunaga and his direct student Ohashi Sensei, is one of Japan's three legally recognized forms of manipulative therapy. Shiatsu draws extensively from the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and their belief in the movement of energy through specific pathways in the body called meridians or channels. Blockages in these pathways can result in both physical and emotional problems. The Shiatsu practitioner uses a variety of hand and body techniques. Techniques include passive stretching, pressure applied along meridians with palms, feet, arms, elbows, knees, thumbs and fingers, grasping and also kneading, and percussion or pummeling. Each session is unique because it is based on the condition of the receiver at the time of the treatment rather than a specific protocol. The session focuses on the meridian pathways but there is neuro-muscular stimulation. The result is improved energy flow, blood circulation, and flexibility. The Shiatsu is an important part of health maintenance because of its ability to feel imbalances in the energetic system and correct them before they become more serious. The ability of the Shiatsu massotherapist to listen the patient will help him to provide an individual and specific protocol to the receiver. And it will help him to guide the patient in order to connect again with his/her body and adapt his/her life hygiene.
