Acupressure
This precursor of acupuncture seeks to balance the body’s energy through pressure applied to specific acupoints determined either by pulse diagnosis or by identifying specific trigger points. Using the thumb and fingertips, it works to release tension and increase circulation, strengthen weaknesses and relieve or prevent certain ailments.

Barefoot Shiatsu
Originating with Buddhist monks in China, then Thailand and Japan, this ancient modality utilizes the feet in addition to the hands to rub and press the acupoints with very deep, soothing strokes. By applying different strokes and degrees of pressure along the muscles of the back, the intervertebral disc space is opened, in effect, elongating the spine.

Five Element Shiatsu
Utilizing the four methods of diagnosis (observing, listening, questioning and touching), this practice identifies a pattern of disharmony and devises a healing plan to recreate balance. The radial pulse is often used for assessment, and palpation of the back and/or abdomen serves to confirm the diagnosis. The patient’s symptoms and signs (such as hot and cold elements) as well as the paradigm of the five elements are other factors utilized in establishing a treatment approach.

Jin Shin Do® BodyMind Acupressure
Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, this method combines deep yet gentle finger pressure on acupoints with body focusing techniques. Based on the “Strange Flows” means of balancing the body energy, it involves the use of points and exercises that help release emotional and physical tensions, allowing the individual to transform rather than repress painful feelings. It is a synthesis of various theories and practices including traditional Japanese acupressure theory, Taoist philosophy, breathing and Qigong exercises.

Jin Shin Jyutsu®
This modality, practiced for thousands of years, came to Japan via Tibet and China. It was an oral tradition until the early 1900’s when Jiro Murai developed it into what he called Jin Shin Jyutsu, “the art of the compassionate spirit.” Mary Burmeister brought it to America in the 1950s. Proponents of Jin Shin Jyutsu bring the body into balance through harmonizing and restoring energy flow along energy pathways within the body. When one or more of the paths become blocked, the resulting stagnation can disrupt the local area and eventually create disharmony in the complete path of energy flow. Holding specific points along these pathways in specific combinations can help to bring balance to mind, body, and spirit. Following the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, it utilizes gentle but penetrating touch in order to support rather than push the natural flow of the body’s energy.

Macrobiotic Shiatsu
Shizuko Yamamoto is the founder of this school, which derives from George Ohsawa’s theory that everyone is an integral part of nature. It includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle and heightened awareness of what constitutes good health. Diagnosis is made through visual, verbal and touch techniques, and the Five Transformations. Hand and barefoot techniques and stretches are used to facilitate energy flow and strengthen the mind-body connection. Specific dietary guidelines, medicinal plant foods, breathing techniques and natural remedies help correct imbalances. Corrective exercise, postural rebalancing, palm healing, and Qigong may also be incorporated.

Namikoshi Shiatsu
Tokujiro Namikoshi is credited with making Shiatsu a household name. His system, based on western anatomy, physiology and pathology, is taught at the school he opened in Tokyo in 1940 which is now Japan’s Shiatsu College. Namikoshi Shiatsu was recognized as its own modality in 1964 and is a required study for all students seeking licensure as Shiatsu practitioners in Japan.

Ohashiatsu
In the early 1970s, Waturi Ohashi, a protégé of Masanuga (see Zen Shiatsu) came to the United States to teach. Incorporating touch, exercise, meditation and Eastern healing philosophy, he developed this form of shiatsu. His specific modality emphasizes the harmony between recipient and giver as both attain physical, psychological and spiritual balance. Its aim is to help improve and maintain posture, movement and well being.

Shiatsu Amma Therapy
Combining two of the most popular bodywork techniques in Japan, this practice integrates the energetic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine with contemporary pressure therapy based on the neuro-musculo-skeletal system.

Tuina
This technique combines muscular stretching following the energy channels of the body and stimulation of various pressure points combined with structural realignment. Herbal medicines and therapeutic exercise are often part of the regimen.

Watsu Shiatsu
Harold Dull originated this modality in 1980 combining the meridian stretches and acupressure of Zen Shiatsu with yoga and ballet-like postures, all of which are performed in warm, chest-high water. It’s goal is to free the spine and increase the flow of chi by performing techniques that relax the muscles, unlock joints and release the body from gravity.

Zen Shiatsu
Zen is the Japanese word for meditation. Shiatsu means finger pressure. In Zen Shiatsu, the practitioner meditates or focuses on the receiver and coordinates his movements with the breath. Developed by Shizuto Masunaga, it is characterized by the theory of Kyo-Jitsu (similar to yin and yang) and its utilization of hara or abdominal and back diagnosis. Expanding upon the traditional location of acupuncture meridians, it uses these lines, rather than the acupoints along them, for treatment. The unique pattern of each individual is used to develop a treatment plan. Energy blockages are stimulated, sedated and unblocked by means of gentle, pain-free pressure. Flexibility and balance are enhanced through gentle stretching and joint rotations.

Content last modified on Mar 18, 2003