Theory part 3
This is the last part of the shiatsu theory and here we will into other difference found between the two bodywork systems – shiatsu and western massage.
Philosophy of Western Massage and Shiatsu
The third and probably the main difference comes from the philosophy behind Western Massage and Shiatsu.
Shiatsu differs from other modern western forms of body work because it is a holistic healing form of bodywork while the other western massages such as Swedish massage is based on conventional Western views of wellness and healing. Western massage work only with the human body, they don’t involve in domain of the mind of the patient as this is more related to psychology and psychiatry. While shiatsu has a different approach in terms of body and mind of the patient, it regulates the nervous systems and promotes natural healing by stimulating chemical response in the body. Western massage is based on the idea that muscle tension and improper alignment may cause or worsen physical, mental and internal imbalances. Shiatsu massage techniques attempt to reduce tension within the body to facilitate the free flow of blood and energy. This in turn makes the major systems of the body (immune, circulatory, nervous, etc.) increase the healing powers of self healing.
In Shiatsu, there are 838 basic shiatsu pressure points, or Atten in Japanese, located on the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, bones and endocrine glands. A shiatsu therapist will make a diagnosis of the patient’s body to find out the conditioning of the patient and depending on this the therapist will apply proper types of pressure. The relaxed muscles will receive a deeper pressure but firm and steady. This triggers the release of hormones and body chemicals necessary to heal, to soothe and to make you mind and body perform optimally. This method of triggering the own healing system of the body does not produce side effects or toxins and is thus a totally healthy way of getting relief from ailments.
It casually happens that the whole-body charts are confused with chi or meridian charts used to determine the energy pathways used in Chinese medicine. Namikoshi’s style practitioners are using the anatomy and physiology knowledge to point the regions which needs to be massaged or treated rather than emphasizing on energy channels or meridians. During a shiatsu treatment the whole body is massaged and also stretching techniques are being used.
Derivative treatments
As shiatsu massage is becoming popular many try to derivate its own style of shiatsu. And the last difference between shiatsu and western massage is in derivatives that appeared from these two forms of bodywork. The shiatsu derivatives are those which have appeared after Namikoshi shiatsu and those are: Meridian Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu, Tao Shiatsu, Tsubo Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu and Quantum Shiatsu. None of these derivative styles are recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.
In western massage forms of bodywork are many different styles and techniques. Many of them can focus on singular areas of the body. For example: deep tissue massage, tendo-muscular massage, scalps massage, etc. However, there are three main big groups in western massage and they are – sports massage, well-being massage and erotic massage. Athletes use sports massage to ensure high performances and get the athlete in a fit shape. The well-being massage and erotic massage is very much alike using candle, music, incenses to create a relaxation ambience in a massage room, what is totally absent in sports massage. The well-being massage itself displays also a big range of derivatives forms like aromatherapy, reflexology or deep tissue massage.
Erotic massage has been a derivative of traditional massage for long time, but it has no relation with shiatsu massage. There is no erotic shiatsu therapy.
In conclusion, there is a common ground for Shiatsu and Western massage but they differ much in terms of philosophy, theory and practice. However, despite the differences these two forms of bodywork have they still aim for a balanced, healthy and happy individual.