Included in this 2 ½ hour video is Introduction and History of Zen Shiatsu, Meridian Stretches and Primary Shiatsu Treatment. A 20-minute demonstration and explanation of the 6-meridian or “Makko-Ho” stretching exercises. These “yoga-like” stretches have become widely associated with the practice of Shiatsu as they stretch the paired meridians in the order that the Qi flows through the body.

The massage demonstration begins with an 8-minute Hara palpation, diagnosis and treatment. Graphic overlays depict the “Hara map”, and detailed narration explains the Hara, kyo and jitsu and their importance in both treatment and Shiatsu diagnosis. The 2-hour Shiatsu demonstration includes meridian and point treatment on all of the 12 TCM meridians. Graphic overlays courtesy of Peter Deadman’s, "A Manual of Acupuncture" (www.peterdeadman.co.uk), display all relevant meridians and acu-points. Also included are detailed treatment protocols for the Hara, legs, arms, sacrum and gluteal region, upper and lower back, hands, feet and chest along with numerous stretches for the back, hips, gluts and neck.

Also Included: A 16 Page Reference Manual

Featured in Pointers, the Newsjournal of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia. Spring 2009.

Although these techniques are performed on the floor in traditional “Zen Shiatsu” style most of the over 100 techniques demonstrated are easily transferred to the table for the Acupuncture and massage therapists who prefer to work on a table. "The Art of Zen Shiatsu", was 1 ½ years in the making.

The Music for, “The Art of Zen Shiatsu”, was mixed from four inspirational shakuhachi and koto artists including: Jeff Cairns & Izumi Fujikawa (“Silent Letters, Secret Pens”, www.cdbaby.com/cd/jeffcairns), Reiko Obata (“The Sound of Kiri”, www.reikoobata.com), and Derek Van Choice (www.rhythmlake.com).

“The Art of Zen Shiatsu”......is a comprehensive instructional video on the theory and techniques of applying a full-body, Zen Shiatsu massage. Trained in the lineage of master's Shizuto Masunaga and Tokijiro Namikoshi, master Shiatsu therapist, Byron Barth, L.Ac., takes the viewer, step-by-step, through the entire process, beginning with the history of Shiatsu, centering, meridian stretches, Hara diagnosis and balancing, followed by more than 2 hours devoted to the intricate study and fine art of Zen Shiatsu massage.
 

Detailed graphic overlays show all relevant meridians and pressure points, as Byron explains traditional Chinese medical theory, correct posture, lean-on pressure, transitions, palming, thumbing, and advanced hand, elbow and knee techniques.
 

In addition to a backdrop of cascading waterfalls and stunning videography, all music for this program has been performed by top musicians from Japan and the USA, in the Japanese Sankyoko and Honkyoku style. The incredibly moving soundtrack of Japansese shakuhachi and koto instrumentation ranges from centuries old, traditional Zen pieces, to world-class, modern compositions, all of which serve to augment this wonderful journey, as one learns, and explores, “The Art of Zen Shiatsu".
 

Byron Barth, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTOM, is a practicing Zen Shiatsu therapist and licensed Acupuncturist. He has been instructing Zen Shiatsu for over a decade and is on faculty at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. He is nationally certified in Chinese Herbology, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Other licenses include Holistic Health Practitioner and NCBTMB for Massage.

He has taught Shiatsu for the Toronto Board of Education, Living Earth Shiatsu School in Toronto, Poway Academy and at Mueller College of Holistic Studies, in San Diego. He continues to teach Shiatsu levels I & II at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He also offers a series of Shiatsu seminars as an approved continuing education provider through the NCBTMB.

Byron Barth graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego with a Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese the Medicine. His training at PCOM included extensive studies in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Oriental Medical theory, Clinical Instruction and the Western Sciences. He has over 8000 hours of training and teaching experience.

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