Shiatsu Techniques

There is no standard procedure, or hard-and-fast routine, for a full Shiatsu treatment; rather, each practitioner and teacher has a somewhat individualized repertoire of techniques from which he or she will draw according to the requirements of each individual case. The sequence presented in Part One is a basic but comprehensive one, which incorporates commonly used elements of Shiatsu treatment. If you study Shiatsu further, this sequence will serve as a framework for other components and can be varied to suit particular circumstances. You will also naturally develop your own style as you gain experience.

Shiatsu uses pressure to affect the internal body energy or Ki, as described already, but the means used can be very diverse. The various methods include pressing, stretching, kneading, rubbing, shaking, pounding and rocking. Furthermore, there are a number of different ways that pressure can be brought to bear - with the thumbs, palms, fingers, elbows or feet. The methods in this book concentrate on thumb and palm pressure, but finger and foot pressure are also touched upon.

THE ABDOMEN TREATMENT

The most frequently used combination of these methods and tools, and the ones to become familiar with first, are:
• overall stretches
• pressure with the palms
• pressure-point work with the thumbs.

Use the upper part of the pad, rather than the actual tip. Always keep the thumb straight as you apply pressure; some people find the thumb joint is rather weak at first, but this should improve with practice.

When applying palm or thumb pressure, you will mainly be working with a method that uses the two hands in different ways - the 'working' hand leans in, moving along the required path, while the 'support' hand remains passively in one place applying moderate pressure.
All these techniques will be explained fully with step-by-step photography and detailed captions as you work your way through the treatment sequence in Part One.