Zen Shiatsu is a gentle yet highly effective traditional Japanese body work technique that follows the philosophical ideas and teachings of Shizuto Masunaga Sensei. The goal is to improve health and to balance disharmony by stimulating the natural healing power of the body. In addition to being a deeply relaxing experience, Zen Shiatsu: - helps to relieve stress and tension as well as anxiety and depression; - it regulates the autonomic nervous system activity and stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, digestive and hormonal systems. - helps poor posture, joint problems, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis are treatable with Shiatsu - treats pain and illness, and contributes to a patient's overall health and wellbeing. ZEN SHIATSU TECHNIQUE Zen Shiatsu massage therapy is performed without oils through light and comfortable clothing by pressing, soothing, tapping, holding or stretching techniques on the various areas of the body’s surface. The Zen Shiatsu practitioner follows the working principle of integration, using physical bodywork of leaning in, pressure (finger, palm and elbow), stretches and manipulations together with subtle and focused energy methods. The application of these methods integrates theoretical knowledge and intuition, heightened sensitivity with mindful attentiveness, feeling the structures of the body while 'listening' to its currents and rhythms. This is a holistic therapy which affects physical, mental and emotional aspects of the receiver. For this it is said that Zen Shiatsu is a healing art, an experience that touches the body as well as the mind. The Zen Shiatsu Experience is grounded in the subtle practices of concentration and meditation. Key principles of the method are - awareness and sensitivity, empathy and compassion, focused mind and unconditional giving, unity and flow, listening and feeling, intuition and creativity, spontaneity and simplicity, trust and surrender,nourishment and support, breath and hara (tan tien). All these are qualities cultivated in the Zen Shiatsu Therapist, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the healing experience while giving a relaxing and pleasant bodywork session. It is a mutual interaction, a meeting of giving and receiving in a safe and trusting environment where real and lasting change can occur. Zen Shiatsu is a place where east meets west, where ancient medicinal traditions of the orient meet modern medical knowledge, gleaning the best of each and offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience for body and mind.
