The Popularization and
Dissemination of True Shiatsu
Kiyoshi Ikenaga, Shiatsumaster, SPR
The original form of Shiatsu arose out of "Teate".
Shiatsu, which is a unique hands-on therapy in Japan, was developed by the
founder, Tokujiro Namikoshi sensei, almost a century ago. Today, the
Japanese word “Shiatsu” has become familiar in English speaking countries
as well as in countries throughout the world where different languages are
spoken. The original meaning of, and a direct translation of, "Teate" is
"hands-on". Nowadays it is understood to mean "Treatment". This helps us
understand the fact that from ancient times in Japan, people, in their
everyday lives have found that pain and other unpleasant symptoms can be
relieved by placing their hands on the affected area.
Shiatsu Therapy has two distinct effects on the body. Firstly, applying
pressure to the shiatsu points with one's fingers and palms, has a
stimulating or adjusting effect on the body structures such as the
integumentary system (skin and soft tissues), the muscular, nervous,
skeletal, circulatory, endocrine, digestive systems and so on. It enhances
the body's "natural healing ability" (immune system) which people already
possesses, and prevents and treats illnesses. Secondly, we have the "Teate"
effect on the affected body part upon which the hands are placed.
Presently we know that small amounts of "chi", or energies such as a
"negative ions" and "magnetism" are radiated from the skin of human
beings. This has been proven scientifically. These energies, or "chi",
are especially concentrated in the palms of experienced Shiatsu
practitioners. We know the human body is controlled through
electrical impulses generated by the brain and nervous system. This
"chi", radiating from an experienced practitioner's palms, works on the
autonomic nerves to help normalize body functions and enhance the immune
system. Therefore, Shiatsu, which does not require any equipment and has
no side effects, is very effective in maintaining and improving health.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan acknowledged shiatsu in
Japanese law in the 1950's. As a result, it is accepted as one of the most
effective preventative alternative medicines in Japan. Today, upon
completion of a program of about 2200 hours at a school authorized by the
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan, practitioners are able to
obtain a license to practice Shiatsu after writing a government
examination, just as doctors and nurses do.
Unfortunately in Canada, Shiatsu is not regulated by any of the provincial
Ministries of Health. However, several years ago, Traditional Chinese
Medicine, such as acupuncture, came under regulation by the Ministry of
Health in BC. The Canadian Shiatsu Society of BC (CSSBC) is taking the
lead in BC and has been promoting the regulation of a high educational
standard for Shiatsu, similar to the one in Japan. The CSSBC's 2200-hour
educational standard for Shiatsupractors is already recognized as an index
for issuance of Business Licenses at the Municipal level, for instance,
the City of Vancouver.
As you are well aware, the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held here in
Vancouver. Shiatsu for health maintenance was given a positive reception
by the athletes and staff of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Nagano, as well
as at the Summer Olympics in Torino this year. Shiatsu made a positive
contribution to both events. The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy
expects to gain a foothold in the growing involvement of organizations
with the 2010 Winter Olympics. In cooperation with the Canadian Shiatsu
Society of BC we hope to popularize the true Shiatsu throughout Canada,
North America, and the world. We welcome everyone who is would like to
join us in this activity.
|