About The Way of Shiatsu

Shiatsu refers generally to a Japanese pressure therapy used to relieve a variety of problems including back pain, neck and shoulder problems, stress, insomnia, digestive problems, and fatigue. It is based on traditional Chinese medicine techniques, particularly massage therapy that has been recommended since ancient times, with certain Japanese innovations. Zen Shiatsu is a form of bodywork administered by thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows, feet and knees. It depends for its success on a meditative activity of the practitioner, aimed especially at detecting the body responses to the treatment, which influences the subsequent treatment step by step. Pressure is applied to all parts of the body along specific pathways (meridians). These are essentially the same meridians that are used in traditional Chinese medicine for acupuncture, though modified and extended by Masunaga (so they are sometimes called Masunaga Meridians. It is understood that this technique stimulates the natural healing powers of the body, wherefore symptoms of disease lessen and vitality is regained.  

Classical Shiatsu is grounded in the work of Tokujiro Namakoshi.  It is distinct from other forms of Shiatsu, as use of TCM meridians and TCM meridian theory is not fundamental to Classical Shiatsu. However, an understanding of Western anatomy will support your study of Classical Shiatsu.

This style of Shiatsu predominantly uses fingers, thumbs and hands to palpate areas of the body, and to apply pressure to particular points and point sequences to assess and treat at the same time. It is a whole body approach to health and wellbeing and is derived from the main form of Shiatsu available in Japan today. 

Barefoot Shiatsu is a wonderful massage technique, where the energy flow of the whole body can find balance. The massage practitioner applies pressure and gliding techniques with the feet to stimulate the meridian flow, to release tension, and flush painful discomfort from tissues and muscles.

Applying compression and integrating the new gliding techniques with the feet allows depth as well as soothing and nourishment. Massaging with the feet while utilising balance and body weight allows deep firm pressure without strain and offers four tools instead of two hands. 

Sotai is a method of movement therapy that originated in Japan. It was developed to enable humans to adapt to their circumstances and environment by harmonising physical movement, mental activity, respiration and ingestion. Most specifically, Sotai exercise deals with the integration of breathing and natural movement. In Sotai, tiring and painful movements are avoided. Gentle movements are made in the most comfortable direction. Principles of natural movement are applied through mobility examination (Doshin) to determine the direction of least resistance. Flexing, extending, rotating and articulating the joints in question in all different directions allows the practitioner to take note of different sensations and restrictions in certain ranges of motion.

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture or reflexology. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points or ashi trigger points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices. 

Have you noticed more and more celebrities showing up to events with little round marks on their backs? These come from cupping therapy. But what is it?

Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is thought to improve the flow of energy in the body and facilitate healing. 

Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.

In gua sha, a technician scrapes your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. They make these strokes with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. The technician applies massage oil to your skin, and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downward motion.

Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique. Your technician may apply mild pressure, and gradually increase intensity to determine how much force you can handle. 

One of the primary reasons that individuals seek acupuncture therapy is a pain. Acupuncture, like many Asian therapy practices, has proven to be a successful and popular therapy in the Western world. 

However, there are many forms of this therapy, including needleless acupuncture. Although needleless, traditionally known as Teishin Needleless acupuncture is not as well known, it has been used in China and many Asian countries, long before acupuncture was used with needles. Therefore, if you have been researching acupuncture, but you are anxious about needles, then visiting  The Way of Shiatsu which offers Teishin Needleless Acupuncture in Melbourne is probably the best alternative. 

TAIKYOKU - ROOT -  BALANCE TREATMENT 

Takeski (Ken) Sawada (1877 - 1938) was born to one of the last samurai. Sawada stands out in recent history as one of the most skilled and famous practitioners of acupuncture and moxibustion. After studying the martial arts he became aware that many vital points were acupuncture points, so he taught himself acupuncture by reading the classics. He never obtained a license to practice acupuncture thus he treated people with moxibustion. Sawada's approach to treatment has been widely emulated by Japanese acupuncturists. Takeshi Sawada, who inspired a whole generation of practitioners with his uniquely brilliant and powerful treatments. Sawada developed a treatment method called Taikyoku In Japanese. Sawada obtained very good results and had high success rate long before penicillin, or antibiotics were available. He considered disease an imbalance of the blood circulation and by stimulating and improving circulation using the Taikyoku treatment to strength the body's self-healing powers could potentially treat anything, and was exceptionally good for chronic diseases.

Have you ever thought there must be more to moxibustion than holding a moxa stick at a point?

There is! In Japan, one is trained and licensed in it separately to acupuncture, herbs or bodywork. Having its own tradition and classics it is a stand-alone therapy useful for a wide variety of conditions. Japan has maintained and developed many lineages, traditions and styles with a variety of applications of this age-old medicine.

In Moxibustion Therapy there is a constitutional treatment and a branch or symptom control part, able to access the body at a deep blood level, support the immune system, regulate the nervous system and treat in a non-invasive way the whole body no matter how chronic or complex the disease and its symptoms are. 

In the clinic we use moxibustion where appropriate with most of our  patients. It is our experience that our patients find moxa treatments to be a comforting and relaxing experience. Some will often look forward to it as the favourite part of their session. We have a number of different types of moxa methods we use in our clinic. Below we explain the five most common types we use in the clinic.

CHINETSUKYU - CONE MOXA. 

This Japanese technique is used regularly at the clinic and involves forming small pyramids out of loose moxa and placing them on the skin and lighting them. The practitioner will then ask the patient to advise when the moxa pyramids become warm and then will remove them.

ONKYU - HEAT AND PRESSING. 

Thermie warmer is a device that delivers regulated heat and pressure, it can be used instead of needles or moxa on sensitive patients or locations. The original incense used with the thermie warmer has no preservatives and chemicals. The ingredients are kept a secret but the herbal combination is believed to have healing proprieties in addition to the benefits of the warmth and pressure.

ONTAKE - SHORT BAMBOO/WARM BAMBOO

Warm bamboo treatment is moxibustion technique, with the application of heat to acupuncture points and channels as well as two additional components: pressure and rhythm. A short piece of bamboo is filled with moxa wool. When the moxa is ignited, the bamboo gets hot and can be applied to the skin. 

IBUKI - PLATFORM MOXA

Platform moxa is made out of the highest quality Ibuki moxa to allow it to burn evenly. This allows a gradual increase in heat which will not cause discomfort to the skin. Each piece has a self-adhesive base that can be firmly stuck onto the skin. Chinetsukyu cones can also be placed on a salt or ginger platform allowing the moxa to burn longer and the heat to penetrate the body deeper. 

DEN NETSU KYU - ELECTRICAL MOXA DEVICES

The Way of Shiatsu is pleased to announce a new non-invasive treatment that will work to relieve pain, stress and anxiety all while increasing circulation and balancing your Qi energy. Jade Vitality far-infrared heating pads are comprised of Jade and Tourmaline gemstones that provide a safe, deep penetrating heat to relieve pain, increase circulation and restore movement. Jade Vitality Mat uses an advanced heating technology that does not produce any dangerous electromagnetic fields, so unlike other heating pads, you will not be exposed to any harmful electromagnetic radiation. You can enjoy the Jade Vitality Mat with confidence!

Far-Infrared (FIR) Heat is the safest form of energy that is directly transmitted into objects due to its specific wavelength. This FIR heat has global effects on the body such as decreasing inflammation, improving sleep and improving circulation.

Jade gemstones provide even, uniform heat and deep penetrating far-infrared energy to bring you relief. It also removes blockages in your Qi energy flow within the meridians. Tourmaline has the unique ability to generate high concentrations of negative ions when heated. Negative ions are invisible molecules in the air naturally produced by waterfalls, beaches and mountain tops. When inhaled, negative ions improve your mood, combat depression and boost your energy. It helps to clear blocked sinuses and improves allergy symptoms. It amplifies the effects of infrared heat to contribute to your overall health and well-being.