The word shiatsu literally means "finger pressure. Shiatsu is an energetic Japanese pressure-point massage system.  It has its origin from Chinese acupuncture, Shiatsu uses finger and thumb to stimulate the pressure-points and balance body's energy or Qi. Shiatsu is usually delivered with the thumbs. However, some practitioners will use their fingers, palms, elbows -- and even feet -- to achieve the desired effect. Usually shiatsu practitioner will apply pressure not just to a few points on the body. The goal here is twofold: to release energy (qi in Chinese, ki in Japanese) in areas where it may be blocked or stagnating, and to bring energy back to areas that are depleted. In addition to applying pressure, shiatsu practitioners may manipulate the soft tissue over and around meridians, and perform passive and active stretching exercises as part of treatment.

 

  
Shiatsu is an excellent form of pain relief. Research has shown that applying extensive pressure initiates the release of endorphins, natural pain-killing substances produced by the body. Shiatsu may also lower the levels of adrenaline and other stress hormones, producing a relaxing effect.

This DVD will show you how to use Shiatsu to treat back and neck pain, with advanced assessment tools and meridian pairing techniques. This comprehensive DVD covers the majority of the primary meridians, and includes multiple sequences that you can use to vary your work on each client. It also includes Back-shu Points, Ashi points, evaluation in terms of excessive or deficient, chi or blood stagnation, a meridian review and much more. The most advanced Shiatsu video available!

Read about Fascia & Meridians

$66

Massage Today Review:  

There is so much information that viewing the DVD several times is a must.

Clinical Shiatsu is for the massage therapist who has studied shiatsu and for those who understand where all of the meridians are located. These shiatsu therapists will be able to use the DVD to treat back, shoulder and neck pain. And with the advanced assessments tools that he teaches along with the multiple sequences that you learn, you will go up another level in helping your clients.

 Virginia Herring's Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Featured in Pointers, the Newsjournal of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia. Spring 2008. Reviewed by Sandra Dexter - STAA

John Hickey's relaxed style is informative and easy to follow. Many sequences are shown on split
screens enabling the viewer to see his demonstrations from different angles, or simultaneously see Hickey treating an area next to the relevant meridian chart.

His explanations are very clear and I had a few moments of "Ah yes, now I understand that better."

This is a good DVD for students and for practitioners who want a meridian refresher and to pick
up some alternative techniques. It enables you to reinforce your knowledge with the best seat in the
class.

DVD content

Running Time: 2 Hrs

This DVD is divided into 6 sections:

  • Theory
    • John explains the theory of Eastern healing philosophy, Yin and Yang principles, meridians, Back-shu Points, Ashi points, evaluation in terms of excessive or deficient, Qi (or Chi).
  • Techniques
    • John shows different pressures and movements of the thumb, pad of thumb, hand and heel of hand.
  • General sequence
    • Covering the primary meridians, where, why, and how to work on the important pressure points.
  • Neck Pairing Menu
    • Excellent techniques to treat neck and shoulders pain, showing the meridian and pressure points to work on
  • Back Pairing Menu
    • Wonderful techniques and pressure points for relieving back pain.
  • Meridian Review.
    • A review of the meridians, its location and function.
About The Instructor
John Hickey LAc. is a licensed acupuncturist, he has been teaching and practicing shiatsu and Oriental Medicine for over 20 years. He practices a specific style of Shiatsu called Shiatsu Anma. Based on both the theory of acupressure energetics originating from Chinese medicine and massage techniques of Japanese origin, Shiatsu Anma Therapy addresses illnesses and painful conditions in the body stemming from blockages in the flow of energy, or chi, within the acupuncture meridian (channel) system. John teaches shiatsu in Carpentaria, California. 

John in "Shiatsu Anma Therapy", published by the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies gives the following instruction:

“Ordinary pressure is considered tonifying to the point and can be used in excess or deficient energy conditions. Locate the point and with moderate pressure, gradually press directly into the point with the thumb at a 90-degree angle from the surface of the skin, hold for a few seconds and then release, gradually. To address points that feel painful or excessive, perform a stronger more dispersing technique using the tip of the thumb and applying a deeper, stronger pressure to break up the excessive and stagnant energy in the point. Hold the point until the excess energy is released. To address energy deficient points, and to encourage more Qi and blood to the area, use the flat part of the thumb, relax the hands, and use moderate pressure on the point to draw energy into the area.”

For more information Read:

The Ten Highly Effective Pressure Points

 

Also Recommended