|
By Lisa Seaman, LAc
It's simple,
safe, and effective. Older than recorded time, Shiatsu can be
the first step in self-healing. Based on the Oriental
concept of massage with pressure points, it's believed to improve
health by increasing energy and blood flow. Shiatsu has been
used with outstanding success for pain relief, stress, and
to strengthen internal functions. It isn't painful and there should
be no more discomfort than working out a sore muscle. Shiatsu
should not be used in place of medical assistance, but to enhance
your wellness.
- Use the top of your index finger or thumb; keep nails short.
- Press or massage each point for 10 seconds.
- Try this routine first thing in the morning, then again just before bed. You can even do it during a heated sales meeting, a sticky parent/teacher conference, or in the dentist's chair.
- Sensitivity in any area means you have blockages in the natural flow of energy; continued daily massage on these pressure points will help restore vitality.
1.
Ashi San Ri - Stomach 36, Relieves stomach upsets and digestive
disturbances.
In a sitting position with feet flat, slip your left hand into
the 45-degree angle of your right leg, thumb under the bend. Place
finger around the front of your knee joint and make an imaginary
line from the middle finger to a spot directly on the outside of
your calf, about four or five inches from the top of your leg.
Massage or apply pressure, then repeat. 2.
San Yin Ko - Spleen 6, Relieves menstrual pain and for infections.
Cross your right ankle over your left thigh. Find the top of your
ankle bone and measure four fingers up toward the knee joint.
At the fourth finger is your San Yin Ko. Apply pressure or massage,
then repeat on left ankle.
3. Go Koka - Large Intestine 4, Relieves headaches, reduces fevers,
minimizes toothaches, increases the effectiveness of elimination,
and improves circulation to the skin.
With thumb and right hand fingers flat, but closed, and in the
fleshy spot on top of your hand, massage the point where the thumb/index
finger crease ends.
4. Ten Chu - Bladder 10, Stops nosebleeds,
relaxes eyes, reduces tension, relieves cold, congestion and
improves your total
well-being.
On the back of your neck, locate the strong muscles at the base
of the skull on each side of the spine. The indentations on each
side of the muscles are called Ten Chu. Massage the spots with
thumbs. It makes it feel easier if you spread your fingers toward
your ears and hold your head.
5. Ken Sei - Gallbladder 21, Used
to relax the shoulder areas.
On the shoulder muscles, place your fingers about three finger
widths from the base of your neck, halfway between neck base
and end of shoulder. Apply pressure or massage this point.
6.
Hya Kue - Du 20, Use for migraines, hemorrhoids, improved mental
clarity.
On the top of your head is the Hya Kue. To find it quickly,
place the palm of your right hand one finger width above your
eyebrows.
Extend your hand, allowing fingers to rest on your head. Where
the middle finger reaches is the Hya Kue. Press or massage as
before.
7. Dan Chu
- Ren 17, Relieves symptoms
of asthma, improve respiration, and calms emotions. Place your
thumb on your sternum
(that's the middle of your chest, about level with nipples). Press
or massage.
For more information a good reference is:
Zen Shiatsu: How to Harmonize Yin and Yang for Better Health
By Shizuto Masunaga with Wataru Ohashi
To find a Shiatsu practitioner:
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies
of Asia (AOBTA®),
www.aobta.org
Ohashiatsu, Touch for Peace, www.ohashiatsu.org
Healing touch for mind, body, and spirit…
Call 312.399.7477
or
emailinfo@zenforyou.com
back to top
|
