Read more about the treatments:
Shiatsu therapy and Deep tissue massage
Deep Tissue Massage
This technique consists of deep pressure or friction with gradually increasing intensity, applied in all directions. The deep layers of the muscle tissues get stretched in all directions, which increases the flexibility and releases any tension and stiffness from injuries in muscles, tendons and ligaments, thus, the function is returned to normal. This technique is especially beneficial for releasing chronic muscular tension. . . .
Stiffness in the musculoskeletal system occurs due to inactivity, repetitive motion injury, wrong body posture, physical trauma on the body, disease, deformation caused by aging. Deep tissue massage has a rehabilitation effect on specific problems in the musculoskeletal system, caused by the above-mentioned reasons. As a result, the connective tissue becomes more flexible and elastic and feedback to the nervous system improves the movement patterns in the musculoskeletal system.
Connective tissue release in Massage treatment
Technique to increase elasticity and movement capacity of the fascia. Beneficial for releasing adherences, which occur as a result of inflammation from a muscle injury, overuse or connective tissue disease. Adherence can be seen between fascial layers, organs, and muscles. They cause stiff areas to occur, which prevent smooth movements of tissue and organs. Stiffness and distortion pull of the fascia changes the body posture and movements. . . . Myofascial release techniques re-establish the normal state of the fascial network. The fact that fascial network transmits mechanical information throughout the body and connects the different parts of the body, puts an accent on thinking of the body as a whole and not separate one body part from the rest. For example, if there are tension and pain in the hip muscles, there will be tension and pain in the adjacent body parts, such as lower back and thighs and so on. Connective tissue is partly commanded by the autonomous nervous system, therefore it is beneficial to have a calm and peaceful state of mind, in order to maintain an optimal state of the fascial network. To achieve this, it is essential that the whole experience of the therapy is calming, such as listening to calming music in a soothing environment.
Table of Contents
Shiatsu - roots in Japanese traditional medicine and Oriental philosophy
Shiatsu is rooted in Japanese traditional medicine and Oriental philosophy, which is different than Western medicine principles. It uses the philosophy of Yin and Yang and the flow of vital life force Ki/Qi(Ki- in japanese, Qi- in chinese), which is flowing through channels in the body called meridians. Another aspect of Oriental understanding is of 5 elements(fire, earth, metal, water, wood). Their relationship between each other represents the transformations of Ki. Disharmony in one phase (element) is passed on to the next one on the cycle.
Shiatsu was developed and distinguished as a therapy form in Japan in the twentieth century. Its origin comes from ancient Chinese techniques, Do-in and Anma, which are among the oldest forms of medical treatment in the Orient. Do-in is very similar to Yoga and anma similar to western massage. Japanese traditional medicine had influence from Chinese medicine, which was introduced to Japan around 1000 years ago.
Shiatsu - About the treatment
In the start of the treatment, we will have a short conversation about your condition. Then I will diagnose which meridians are out of balance and having in mind the information given from you, I will carry out a treatment. I will focus on the problem or pain area, but as well work with the deeper cause of the condition.
It is essential to understand that gaining health is a step-by-step process. The longer the body has been ignored and functioned abnormally, the longer it will take to balance itself. During the process of restoring health, the body may respond in different ways and level to the treatment. This process of recovery may not necessarily be entirely painless and symptom – free. Shiatsu is a tool of making the patient aware of themselves and their natural healing powers within. This includes as well the realisation of the patient’s responsibility in maintaining their own health. And if necessary taking steps for adjusting their life style, so it is suitable for their health.
Shiatsu - Holistic health
approach
The vision of Shiatsu is to balance the body and mind through working on meridian imbalances and also treat not only the symptom, but as well the deeper cause of the health condition. Aspects of Yin and Yang are taken into consideration when treating various health conditions. Yin is silent, motionless and receptive, while yang is surface and active. The symptoms that appear on the surface are yang while the root of the health condition, which is deep and is hidden, is yin. One way to illustrate properties of yin and yang in terms of health is to think about grass. Grass grows above earth and is yang, the roots below yin. No matter how many times the grass is cut, it grows back sooner or later unless the roots are pulled out. Similarly, only treating the yang part or the symptom of an illness is not a sustainable way of removing a health problem, since it keeps coming back. Therefore it is essential to treat the deeper cause of the condition and strengthen the whole body-mind system.
Shiatsu is practised with two hands. While one remains static and receptive (yin hand), the other one applies pressure along a meridian (yang hand). The idea is to create a current in between the Yin hand and Yang hand-flow of Ki . Ki can be interpreted as the electrical current between positive and negative charge or the magnetic field between positive and negative poles.
Meridian lines are defined as channels of living magnetic energy in the body. Meridians have been shown to possess higher electrical conductivity than surrounding tissue, therefore bioelectrical flow happens easier in these pathways. Under healthy conditions, the Ki energy flows freely through these meridians in a balanced state. According to Oriental thinking, when abnormal functioning of the internal organs or abnormal external stimulation occurs, energy stagnates in the meridians and produces sickness. Therefore in order to restore health, the energy must be released and normalised.
The condition of KI energy in the meridian lines is defined by kyo and jitsu. These concepts are very similar to yin and yang. Kyo is the state of depleted energy and hidden potentiality, while jitsu is the condition of excess energy. Shiatsu is working with total functional problems of the meridian lines, which can originate in the body or the mind.
Shiatsu Diagnosis
In order to restore the normal energy flow, the therapist will first diagnose where the stagnation is and stimulate the meridian involved. Shiatsu diagnosis is done through general observation, listening, questioning and touching. Among diagnose areas, used in the treatment, are Back and Japanese Hara diagnosis(hara means belly in japanese). According to japanese, Hara is the source of all Ki energy and all disease starts from this area. In deeper sense it is considered the primordial center of consciousness of the human field. It can be interpreted as the place, from where we feel our intuition is emanating. In this type of diagnosis the aim is not looking for a particular disease, but rather trying to understand the patient psychologically as well as physically.
Shizuto Masunaga and Wataru Ohashi, 1977, Zen Shiatsu – How to harmonize Yin and Yang for better health
Carola Beresford – Cooke, 2016, Shiatsu Theory and Practice
Bement M, Weyer A, Hartley S, Drewek B, Harkins A , Hunter S. 2011 Pain perception after isometric exercise in women with fibromyalgia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 92:89-95.
Chaitow L. Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique in treatment of pain and trigger points. Br J Ost.1994;13:17-21.
Chaitow L. Muscle energy techniques. 3rd ed. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh, UK; 2006.Fryer G. MET technique: research and efficacy. In: Chaitow L (Ed). MET techniques. 3rd ed. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone; 2006. Ch. 4. p.109-132.
Fryer G, Fossum C. 2009Therapeutic mechanisms underlying muscle energy approaches. In: Fernandez de las Penas C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Gerwin R (Eds). Physical therapy for tension type and cervicogenic headache: physical examination, muscle and joint management. Boston, MA, USA: Jones & Bartlett
Klingler W, Schleip R, Zorn A. 2004 European fascia research project report. Melbourne, Vic, Australia: 5th World Congress Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Lederman E. 1997 Fundamentals of manual therapy. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone; p34.
McPartland J. 2008 The endocannabinoid system: an osteopathic perspective. J Am Ost Assoc. 108(10):586-600.
Mitchell Sr. FL. 1948 The balanced pelvis and its relationship to reflexes. American Academy of Applied Osteopathy Yearbook p146-151
Nagrale AV, Glynn P, Joshi A , Ramteke G. 2010 The efficacy of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on upper trapezius trigger points in subjects with non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Manual Manip Therapy. 18(1):38-44.
Parmar S et al 2011 Effect of isolytic contraction and passive manual stretching on pain and knee range of motion after hip surgery. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal 29:25-30
Ruddy TJ. Ruddy 1961 Osteopathic rhythmic resistive duction technique. Academy of Applied Osteopathy Yearbook; p 58-68.
Retrieved from: http://leonchaitow.com/2012/04/21/update-on-muscle-energy-technique/
Gunna Højgaard (2015). Fascielære; Leon Chaitow. Muscle Energy Techniques, Churchill Livingstone, samt hans kursusmateriale
Hillerød juni 2013 (Danske Fysioterapeuter)
”Anatomy Trains” af T. Myers
Massage terapi materiale, Gunna Højgaard, At work massageterapeut uddannelse
Henning Langberg og Annelise Langberg Madsen (2008). Massøruddannelse bog (fra At work). København, Krop og fysik; Oluf Nielsen og Anni Springborg(2010).‘Anatomi og fysiologi’(2 udgave). København, Munksgaard Danmark