Shiatsu Styles

Shiatsu has several different styles, and most Shiatsu Schools teach more than one to their students. As a result, many practitioners use a blend of treatment approaches to their practice of Shiatsu. Some of the main styles are:

BENEFITS OF SHIATSU:
relaxes mind and body
restores energy
balances energy
eases tension
eases stiffness
improves breathing
improves posture
improves circulation
enhances well being
heals

Namikoshi Shiatsu:

Also known as shiatsu massage, it places more emphasis on physical techniques developed from Anma; using pressing and rubbing to specific areas of the body to assist healing. It draws on Western knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle is usually given. This style tends to downplay the significance of Yin and Yang, Ki and the Meridian System.

Zen Shiatsu:

Developed from Namikoshi Shiatsu by Shizuto Masunaga, this style is probably the most popular form of Shiatsu. It blends Anma with the traditional Chinese medicine concepts of Yin and Yang, Ki and Meridian theory and uses these methods to affect the flow of Ki to restore balance to the body. Masunaga extended the traditional network of acupuncture meridians to cover the whole body and used Five Element Theory which is a further classification of the types of Ki. He also devised a method of palpating the abdomen to diagnose the quality of Ki in the meridians and a theory of energy balance known as Kyo-Jitsu. Treatment involves working the whole length of the imbalanced meridian using two hands, rather than using specific points only. Advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle advice may also be given.

Tsubo Therapy:

This style was developed by Katsusuke Serizawa and concentrates on the nature of the acupoints (tsubo in Japanese). It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian Theory, but looks for a scientific explanation of the meridian systems. Serizawa conducted research on the acupoints to demonstrate that the electrical resistance of the skin changes over a tsubo point. Treatment involves the stimulation of tsubo by means of massage, needles, electrical devices and moxa. This style is not as widespread in the West.