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Shiatsu - Is a Japanese body therapy based on the principle of traditional chinese medicine. Shiatsu is the cousin of acupressure and is very similar in the theory of acupuncture; but where acupuncture uses needles, Shiatsu uses finger, palm kneading and pressure. Shiatsu therapy is distinctly a Japanese contribution to holistic health care and has evolved out of 3,500 years of oriental medical wisdom. Shiatsu therapy has been fully incorporated into the modern public health care system of Japan, and has been regulated as a distinct therapy by the Japanese Ministry of Health since 1964. Shiatsu is a complete system of bodywork which includes examination, assessment and treatment based on an ancient system of healing. This includes checking quality of pulse, looking at the tongue, assessing the overall constitution of the client and asking several health related questions regarding how the body is working and feeling. Over centuries, Chinese health practitioners have developed a system based on the premise that good health is dependent on the balanced flow of vitality in the body, particularly focusing on the energy flowing through a specific system of channels or meridians. This Chinese hands-on technique was further developed in Japan and influenced by that culture's practice of massage. Shiatsu evolved in this tradition to integrate a variety of techniques including pressure, kneading, stretching and exercise.
Today there are a number of variations of Shiatsu; some focus on applying pressure to individual acupuncture points, and others focus on working the meridian lines. All styles of Shiatsu are effective in restoring the proper flow of "Qi" through the body by releasing blockages of energy in the meridians while boosting the flow of healing nutrients and energy in the body. Shiatsu also contributes to calming the sympathetic nervous system and improving the function of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph system, endocrine glands and internal organs. This restoration of good circulation to tissue helps support the immune system and stimulates the body's natural inclination to heal itself.
Benefits of Shiatsu [PDF]
Ampuku - Ampuku is a Japanese word for abdominal massage. In Shiatsu, the abdomen is considered the center of life force energy and the source from which all energy pathways radiate into the body flow. A "hara" (stomach) assessment is an important part of a complete Shiatsu treatment. In keeping with the philosophy of treating the root cause of imbalances in the body, Ampuku addresses this directly. Some people enjoy having the abdomen included in their session and find that they feel their body work was more complete, while others would rather skip this part of their treatment. Please feel free to let the therapist know what you prefer.
Cupping - cups are round vessels 1" to 3" in diameter that are applied to the body. These cups stay on the skin with the help of a vacuum suction created by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump. An area of low pressure is created by the cup which causes blood to gather near the surface of the body. Circulation is dramatically increased around and below the surface of the skin where the cups are applied.
Traditionally, cupping has been used to improve blood circulation in the underlying tissues and to stimulate the internal organs. As a result, cupping is indicated for a wide range of digestive, respiratory or gynecological problems where stagnation of "Qi" energy or blood is indicated and in areas of old and acute trauma. During a cupping treatment, the patient experiences a mild pulling sensation which calms the sympathetic nerves and allows a deep relaxation to move through the whole body. After the session is done there will be marks on the body that look like bruises. This indicates places where blood as accumulated near the skin and are painless.
Moxibustion - Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb "Mugwort" is burned near the surface of the skin or on acupuncture needles in order to trigger natural healing responses in the body. In Japan, scientists have found that the infrared radiation from burning Mugwort is very similar to the natural infrared radiation in the human body. The result is that the heat from Moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, giving a warming effect which lasts for several days after the treatment. This kind of stimulation at specific points on the body can dramatically boost the immune system, and trigger other profound effects including a reduction in blood coagulation time and an increase in adrenal activity.