zen shiatsu integrated
In Japanese
'Shi' is 'finger', 'Atsu' is 'pressure';
Shiatsu means 'finger pressure'.
Shiatsu uses fingers, but also
palms, elbows, knees, and feet
to treat the physical body.
The physical is enhanced by
deep energy work,
the essential life force of the body.
Zen Shiatsu is a gentle yet highly effective traditional Japanese body work technique that follows the philosophical ideas and teachings of Shizuto Masunaga Sensei. It is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the core concept of Qi (energy). The goal is to improve health and to balance disharmony by stimulating the natural healing power of the body. The primary form of communication with the receiver is physical contact.
Zen Shiatsu Technique incorporates physical bodywork on anatomical body structures and subtle energy work on meridians (energy lines). 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.
For details and content of Zen Shiatsu study programs
go to the Zen Shiatsu Levels page.
In a Zen Shiatsu Integrated Treatment natural therapeutic methods are combined with a holistic approach to give a treatment that accesses body and mind in one complete and comprehensive session.
The Shiatsu practitioner follows the working principle of integration, using physical bodywork of leaning, pressure, 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.
In the Zen Shiatsu Integrated Courses, students learn all the necessary skills to work in an integrated manner, as well as acquiring knowledge and tools for cultivating their personal health and well-being. A balanced and healthy person is an important foundation for an effective and skillful practitioner. For this reason, Integrated Zen Shiatsu means not only integration of healing techniques, but also integration on the level of the individual practitioner who is attentive to his/her balance of the body and mind, and strives to maintain this balance on a daily basis. Such personal cultivation allows the giving of efficient and beneficial treatments without tiring or injuring the practitioner. Some of the tools which can be applied are the practices of general, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi chuan, qi gong, do-in and meditation.
Learning Zen Shiatsu is not only for some one who wants to become a professional practitioner. Any one can learn Shiatsu simply to improve personal health and develop more awareness of the body and its energetic processes. Learning shiatsu will also enable you to participate actively in the support of health and well-being of friends and family.Any one can learn Shiatsu simply to improve personal health and develop more awareness of the body and its energetic processes. Learning shiatsu will also enable you to participate actively in the support of health and well-being of friends and family.
It is not necessary to have previous experience in bodywork, massage or energy work to be able to participate in the courses. Any person with a sense of curiosity and a sincere interest to learn and explore a new field of practice is welcome to apply and do a course. You may begin with a wish to learn for personal interest and benefit, and end up taking further steps towards a more specialized and professional study program that is aimed at benefiting others as well. The course you decide to take and the degree of expertise you achieve depend on your intentions and aspirations. Whether the aim is to become a Zen Shiatsu therapist, or just to learn how to treat yourself, family and friends, all are good reasons to learn this healing art and skill.
The number of participants in each course is relatively small, so that each student receives individual attention, correction and feedback. Practical experience is gained through work with course partners under the supervision of the teacher and qualified assistants. In every course, in addition to Zen Shiatsu practice, students acquire skills and tools for personal practice and self-therapy. Confidence and expertise are gained through theoretical knowledge and practical experience which support the path to become a professional and experienced practitioner.
The courses also focus on developing in the students self-awareness and a wholesome attitude towards personal health, through practice sessions of Qi Gong, Do-In, Yoga and Meditation. The well-being of the body and the mind are as important as therapeutic professionalism. Classes are usually taught in peaceful, serene and natural surrounding in an intensive course format, and together with the supportive and nourishing group dynamic, this can serve as a period of retreat, introspection, and personal growth.
Shiatsu no kokoro The heart of Shiatsu
Haha no kokoro, Is like a mother’s heart,
Oseba inochino Pressing the human body
Inochi (seimi) no izumi waku. Stimulates the source of life.
(Tokujiro Namikoshi)