Shiatsu is a form of alternative medicine that involves pressure of the palm, stretching and other combinations of massage techniques. Translated from Japanese to English, Shiatsu means "finger pressure" (shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure), and practitioners use it as a way to help with issues and illness that include muscle pain, nausea, stress depression and anxiety. Shiatsu is practiced using a futon with clients in their regular clothing.

History of Shiatsu
Practitioners of Shiatsu are divided into two schools. The first uses western theories of physiology and anatomy while the second uses principles that guided by Traditional Chinese Medicine.

During 1000 AD, a number of Chinese therapies such as Acupuncture and Anma were introduced to Japan. These therapies that used the hands were called "Teate". They had an air of mystery and mysticality surrounding them and were practiced by the women and the blind. The first reference to a technique called Shitasu is found in a book written in 1915 by author Tempaku Tamai and was called Shiatsu Ryoho.

The popularity of Shiatsu grew steadily throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In 1940, the Japan Shiatsu College was founded by Tokujiro Namikoshi. This move streamlined the teaching of shiatsu that is based on Western anatomical theory. Tokujiro Namikoshi is often thought of as one of the main developers of shiatsu. It is believed that he discovered ways to treat illness by pressing with the palms and thumbs while he took care of his mother who had rheumatoid arthritis.

Over time, other schools of Shiatsu and Shiatsu techniques developed in Japan:

The Iokai Center of Shiatsu, which teaches the form based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zen Shiatsu), was opened by a former student of the Japan Shiatsu College, Shizuto Masunaga.

Meridian Shiatsu, which incorporates the Meridian Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was developed by Tadashi Izawa.

The book Tsubo Shiatsu by author Kiyoshi Ikenaga explains further the Meridian Theory from an anatomical and physiological perspective.

Movement Shiatsu, developed by David Ventura and Bill Palmer, combines exercises with traditional shiatsu techniques to create this method, which is said to treat a number of chronic medical conditions.

Yoseido shiatsu is a technique that focuses on the imaginary meridians and stretching them was developed by Yuichi Kawada's.

Tansu is a shiatsu style that is based on Indian Tantric practices.

Shiatsu milestones

• 1912 - Tokujiro Namikoshi treated his mother's arthritis using pressure of his hands and palms. He originally named the technique Appaku. It was changed later to Shiatsu.
• 1919 - The Shiatsu Method was published by Tempaku Tamai. (This is believed to be the first use of the term).
• 1925 - First Shiatsu clinic opened by Tokujiro Namikoshi.
• 1940 - Tokujiro Namikoshi opens Japan Shiatsu College and establishes what is now known as the Japan Shiatsu Association.
• 1945 - Shiatsu is banned after World War II prisoners reported being stuck with needles and burned when they were sick.
• 1950 - First qualified Shiatsu practitioner (Toshiko Phipps) reaches the United States.
• 1953 - Palmer College of Chiropractic in the US invites Namikoshi and his son to introduce Shiatsu in the US.
• 1956 - Actress Marilyn Monroe treated by Namikoshi when she becomes ill while visiting Japan.
• 1957 - Japan officially recognizes Shaitsu as its own form of therapy.
• 1964 - Ministry of Health and Welfare officially defines Shiatsu.
• 2005 - Namikoshi Shiatsu Europe forms to unify and spread the practice of Shiatsu throughout Europe.
• 2009 - International Congress of Shiatsu held in Madrid by the International Association of Shiatsu.

Benefits of Shiatsu
There are no conclusive studies that show that Shiatsu has any medical benefits. Clients of the practice and the practitioners themselves however report that in addition to inducing relaxation, it does help with a number of illnesses including:

• Stress
• Depression
• Neck and shoulder and Back pain
• Headaches/Migraines
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Tiredness
• Arthritis

Diagnosis and Treatment using Shiatsu
Shiatsu practitioners are believed to use their palms and thumbs to "feel" for abnormalities in the flow of energy throughout the body. This shows itself in stiffness or soft spots in the skin. Other methods of diagnosis include practitioners looking for signs of illness in physical appearance and body odors. Pulse is taken, breathing patterns are examined. Routines that use pressure and massage techniques are then used to correct these imbalances and restore harmony to the body, treating the illness.

A session of Shiatsu involves slow deep pressure along the areas in the body or "meridians" that are detected to be empty or have a low flow of energy. This is followed by a series of stretching techniques and faster application of pressure to encourage the movement of trapped energy into the areas that are lacking. After a session, clients are left for a few moments to rest while their bodies adjust to the new flow of energy.

Shiatsu - The Hawaiian Experience
Shiatsu became popular in Hawaii during the 1980s. A number of clinics and spas opened on the islands for locals and visitors to experience the healing benefits of Shiatsu. Spas and clinics incorporate the picturesque landscape of the islands to promote an environment of healing. Shiatsu practitioners offer treatments in the open or in spacious private rooms with large windows showing the beauty of the islands so that clients are able to better enjoy their Shiatsu treatment.

Hawaiian practitioners also combine Shiatsu with other massage and eastern techniques to compliment treatments. Clients can enjoy acupuncture, acupressure and deep tissue massage in addition to their Shiatsu. Clients report feeling a deep sense of relaxation after a session of Shiatsu. A few even feel the release of emotion and memories.

The entire Shiatsu experience is designed to induce relaxation and calm in clients. Even though there are no studies that prove Shiatsu will help with chronic illnesses, it will certainly help to reduce stress which is a major contributor to a number of illnesses. It is an experience that visitors to the Hawaiian islands should be sure to enjoy.

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