Shiatsu - Oriental Bodywork Therapy by Laila Wah, OMD

What Shiatsu May Do For You

Relax and refresh - Boosts the immune system
Releases stress - Lifts one's spirit
romote deep healing - Increase energy & vitality
relieve PMS - Improve digestion
mprove elimination - Remove headaches
pen sinuses - Modify mood swings
lleviate depression - Stimulate organ systems
Heal sprains & strains - Improve general malaise
educe sports injuries - Promote deep rem sleep
ecrease stiffness of joints - Increase range of motion
mprove circulation - Decrease back pain
Promote fertility - Reduce ill effects of trauma

For more information or to arrange an appointment contact:
Laila Wah OMD
267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000 New!

Origins

Even before 3,000 B.C., Chinese medical thought was spreading throughout Asia. The essential ideas inherent in its medical approach and scholarly disciples were shared by all sectors of Chinese culture: philosophy, religion, law, science, medicine, music and art.

The basic idea running throughout Chinese philosophy and practice is the concept of Unity. The ancients believed that the body and mind are unified into the spirit ( Shen ) of the individual. This Unity reflects the Heavenly Spheres from which all good things emanate - Life, Energy and its many manifestations (Yin and Yang). Unity is called the Tao, “That which has a name, but no name, that which has form, but no form .”

The Tao, the observation of natural phenomena, reflects the universe composed of planets, stars, sun, moon, earth and includes plants, animals and mankind. This unity holds a unique relationship to its total environment. Balance between the parts maintains the harmony of the whole of life. An essential energy, Qi (Vital Life Force) , is inherent in all things, both animate and inanimate.

Likewise, the ancients viewed the human being as a reflection of this cosmic order. Balance and Harmony are the order which must be maintained both within and outside the physical body. Imbalance and disease result when disharmony enters this relationship. When Qi becomes imbalanced, it affects all aspects of bodily energies and functions, and in a worsened state, will deteriorate tissues and organs.

East Asian Medicine seeks the cause of disease

The first step in identification of imbalance and disease, is to understand the root cause of the problem. Once establishing the cause, the next step is to remove the cause. This is not a linear approach of cause and effect, nor a listing of symptoms. Rather, it is a cyclical, synergistic approach to understanding un-wellness and disease. Discerning the intricate patterns of each component in relation to the entire body/mind, is essential. Maintenance of this whole is vital and critical to our wellness.

Each branch of East Asian Medicine is built upon a coherent and independent system of thought. It is a result of a continuous process of critical thinking, extensive clinical observation, testing, and recording of these findings, all of which comprise its scientific matrix. The material represents a thorough formulation and reformulation by respected clinicians and theorists throughout its history and up to the present day.

The Chinese medical model ( Kampo ) encompasses four major categories: Acupuncture with needles, Amma (T'ui-na), a manipulative physical therapy with corrective exercises, Herbology, formulas taken from organic substances, plant, mineral and animal, and Moxabustion, a heat treatment using the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Any given treatment may simultaneously employ more than one protocol. The Chinese also developed some surgical procedures, Huei Shih , which did not flourish long, due to conflicts with religious beliefs.

When Chinese medical thought and practices were taken to Japan in 1500 A.D., the Japanese embraced this knowledge and further developed the area of manipulative therapy and corrective exercise to a high level of scientific application, while the Chinese continued developmental preference to Acupuncture and Herbology.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese word which means “finger pressure”: shi means finger, atsu means pressure. Shiatsu as a form of bodywork using touch and pressure, is the Japanese response to Chinese Amma , a physical therapy which includes manipulation, massage, acupressure and corrective exercise for the promotion of energy balancing and healing.

Shiatsu may be further defined as cutaneous stimulation by fingers and hands (sometimes feet, knees and elbows) with pressure and/or manipulation, upon the skin's surface. Pressure and manipulation is given on highly charged energetic points (acupuncture points) and energy lines (organ meridians), for the treatment of the human body, including the electromagnetic, or energetic fields, which surrounds it. Shiatsu infuses the body with energy and brings it to life and balance.

This approach is based upon East Asian medical principles of diagnosis and evaluation of the energy and organ systems of the body. The premise is to affect balance and harmonize all systems, ie endocrine, cardiac etc, for the purpose of treating the human body, emotions, mind, and spirit of the individual, for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.

Setsu-shin , touch diagnosis , is the cornerstone to Shiatsu practice. Touch is simultaneously both diagnostic and a clinical application. In its entirety, Shiatsu practice incorporates all facets of traditional criteria. It is a science which enlarges Amma/Shiatsu to equal status with Acupuncture, and broadens its medical application beyond massage and adjustment techniques.

Shiatsu Has Common Characteristics with other Body Therapies

Amma/Shiatsu as a form of physical therapy has characteristics found in other modalities, such as deep muscle therapy, Swedish massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, myotherapy, rolfing, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, the Alexander technique, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Trager and applied kinesiology. It is a manipulative and alignment, correctional therapy similar to chiropractic and osteopathic adjustments.

For instance, Shiatsu promotes circulation of blood, lymph and collagen, and relaxes the body like deep tissue massage. It assists restructuring of muscles like rolfing, and it also employs muscle testing, range of motion testing and utilizes Acupuncture knowledge as do applied kinesiology and reflexology.

Shiatsu may be practiced at three levels:

Level of relaxation - a basic level suitable for novices, and for Do-In.
Level of remedial activity - intermediate level
Level of holistic healing - advanced level >

The “relaxation level” increases vitality and gives pleasure. The “remedial level” is for specific problems, such as: sprains/strains, stiffness in joints, post-operative care, trauma, adhesions, restricted range of motion, muscle constrictions, pain, back problems, skeletal disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS, meridian and organ disorders, poor sleeping patterns, general malaise.

The “holistic level” requires that the practitioner be well versed in classical diagnosis and can operate other treatment methods, such as, moxabustion, cupping, Herbology, Acupuncture, Qi-Gong, nutrition, corrective exercises etc., and have the skill to assess specific imbalances before they become symptomatic and problematic.

How Does Shiatsu Work?

As nerves supply every part of the body, they control all bodily processes. Consequently, direct neural stimulation given to specific electromagnetic energy fields or pathways ( meridians ) have correlation and direct effect on all organs ( Zang-Fu ) for both their energy and their functions. Electrical impulses transmit to the spinal cord and lower centers of the brain, then reach to the dysfunctional or diseased areas.

These highly concentrated energy areas on the body surface are called “Acupuncture points“, or tsubos , in Japanese. The tsubos trigger psycho-physical responses through pericutaneous neural stimulation, manipulation, muscle-meridian stretches or skeletal adjustment. Dysfunctional points may be spontaneously tender, or tender under pressure or manipulation. The tenderness disappears when the imbalance is corrected.

Shiatsu's Beneficial Effects

Shiatsu harmonizes the metabolism of the body and tones muscles, ligaments and skin. Where there is blocked, obstructed, stagnant or excessive Qi, ie in tight, cramped muscles, it is drained off and moved forward. Where there is deficient Qi/energy, ie lung exhaustion, Qi is drawn to the area of deficiency. Thus the body changes and transforms itself inwardly and outwardly.

Shiatsu promotes deep relaxation, releases stress and increases circulation of blood, lymph, collagen and energy. Treatments help you mediate the influences of external environmental elements, internal emotional factors, and lifestyles which may lead to an existence of sickness, depression, or chronic disease.

Shiatsu effects our electromagnetic fields and systems, both the superficial and deep tissue, fascial, myofascial, neuromuscular, muscular-skeletal systems and circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, eliminative and cranial-sacral systems.

Shiatsu Treatments Have An Accumulative Effective

An accumulative effect builds up when you receive Shiatsu. Neural stimulation directs the body's natural curative powers. You stay healthier and become more resilient.

Shiatsu also brings into balance our emotional and psychic centers. A sense of well-being enters and we feel we have the capacity to experience life more fully in a positive, productive way. Increased self-awareness, confidence, personal power and inner peace ensue. Our ability to move through difficult life experiences becomes much easier. We experience and express less turmoil, frustration, anger and fear.

Treatment Protocol

A Shiatsu treatment is individualized . There is no “one style fits all” approach! Which techniques are used is based upon the patient's particular needs, constitutionally (unchangeable factors) and conditionally (changeable factors). Treatment style is determined by subjective information the patient brings, on traditional diagnostic criteria, and on the conditions and constitution of the individual. The daily routine, experience and life history of the patient is viewed as important. The total wellness of the patient is weighed with the symptomatic data.

Shiatsu is a systematic process. It uncovers layers of psycho-physical material. Because receiving Shiatsu has an accumulative effect, the outcome of excellent Shiatsu leads to dynamic personal growth and physical well-being.

When Do You Need A Shiatsu Treatment?

You don't need to be injured, ill or impaired in anyway to receive Shiatsu. Shiatsu/Amma is the first complete, natural, non-invasive holistic care. Body maintenance and rejuvenation are its first function.

Who Can Benefit from Shiatsu?

Shiatsu benefits anyone, of any age, of any lifestyle! Shiatsu can be received by everyone regardless of age. Babies, young children, adults and the elderly all can benefit from Shiatsu. The style of Shiatsu will be modified to accommodate individual flexibilities and health. Shiatsu-massage for infants is different from Shiatsu for 95 year olds, as much as it is different for athletes or dancers, and 20 year olds verses 50 year olds. Everyone is unique, and everyone has special requirements in treatment style. It goes against diagnostic procedures to give the same style of Shiatsu to everyone. This is not done by those who know and practice the tradition properly.

Do-In, Self-Shiatsu

On the home level, Self-Shiatsu or Do-In , can be self-administered. Specific points on the meridians (energy lines) are stimulated by acupressure. In conjunction, exercises ( Makka-Ho ) stretching muscles and ligaments, and skeletal correctional may be performed because they activate the organ meridians ( Zang-Fu ) and stimulate the entire metabolism. Makka-Ho exercises are correlated to the six pairs of related Yin and Yang organs ( Zang-Fu ) their energy channels and functions. The Yin organs are Kidney, Spleen, Heart, Pericardium, lungs and liver; the Yang organs are Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Triple Heater (relates to three functional areas of the torso), Large Intestines and Gall Bladder.

Do-In does not replace clinical Shiatsu, but it is an excellent adjunctive tool for working towards good health! The more responsibility for our health we take, the more likely we are to achieve higher health levels and increase our longevity.

For more information or to arrange an appointment contact:
Laila Wah OMD
P.O. Box 123
Doylestown, PA 18901
267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000
www.lailawah.com

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Home Page Shiatsu Accupuncture Facial Accupuncture Super Nutritional Products Glossary of Modalities Ear Candling Herbology Health Article About Laila Wah Contact	Shiatsu - Oriental Bodywork Therapy What Shiatsu May Do For You Relax and refresh - Boosts the immune system Releases stress - Lifts one's spirit romote deep healing - Increase energy & vitality relieve PMS - Improve digestion mprove elimination - Remove headaches pen sinuses - Modify mood swings lleviate depression - Stimulate organ systems Heal sprains & strains - Improve general malaise educe sports injuries - Promote deep rem sleep ecrease stiffness of joints - Increase range of motion mprove circulation - Decrease back pain Promote fertility - Reduce ill effects of trauma For more information or to arrange an appointment contact: Laila Wah OMD 267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000 New! Origins Even before 3,000 B.C., Chinese medical thought was spreading throughout Asia. The essential ideas inherent in its medical approach and scholarly disciples were shared by all sectors of Chinese culture: philosophy, religion, law, science, medicine, music and art. The basic idea running throughout Chinese philosophy and practice is the concept of Unity. The ancients believed that the body and mind are unified into the spirit ( Shen ) of the individual. This Unity reflects the Heavenly Spheres from which all good things emanate - Life, Energy and its many manifestations (Yin and Yang). Unity is called the Tao, “That which has a name, but no name, that which has form, but no form .” The Tao, the observation of natural phenomena, reflects the universe composed of planets, stars, sun, moon, earth and includes plants, animals and mankind. This unity holds a unique relationship to its total environment. Balance between the parts maintains the harmony of the whole of life. An essential energy, Qi (Vital Life Force) , is inherent in all things, both animate and inanimate. Likewise, the ancients viewed the human being as a reflection of this cosmic order. Balance and Harmony are the order which must be maintained both within and outside the physical body. Imbalance and disease result when disharmony enters this relationship. When Qi becomes imbalanced, it affects all aspects of bodily energies and functions, and in a worsened state, will deteriorate tissues and organs. East Asian Medicine seeks the cause of disease The first step in identification of imbalance and disease, is to understand the root cause of the problem. Once establishing the cause, the next step is to remove the cause. This is not a linear approach of cause and effect, nor a listing of symptoms. Rather, it is a cyclical, synergistic approach to understanding un-wellness and disease. Discerning the intricate patterns of each component in relation to the entire body/mind, is essential. Maintenance of this whole is vital and critical to our wellness. Each branch of East Asian Medicine is built upon a coherent and independent system of thought. It is a result of a continuous process of critical thinking, extensive clinical observation, testing, and recording of these findings, all of which comprise its scientific matrix. The material represents a thorough formulation and reformulation by respected clinicians and theorists throughout its history and up to the present day. The Chinese medical model ( Kampo ) encompasses four major categories: Acupuncture with needles, Amma (T'ui-na), a manipulative physical therapy with corrective exercises, Herbology, formulas taken from organic substances, plant, mineral and animal, and Moxabustion, a heat treatment using the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Any given treatment may simultaneously employ more than one protocol. The Chinese also developed some surgical procedures, Huei Shih , which did not flourish long, due to conflicts with religious beliefs. When Chinese medical thought and practices were taken to Japan in 1500 A.D., the Japanese embraced this knowledge and further developed the area of manipulative therapy and corrective exercise to a high level of scientific application, while the Chinese continued developmental preference to Acupuncture and Herbology. What is Shiatsu? Shiatsu is a Japanese word which means “finger pressure”: shi means finger, atsu means pressure. Shiatsu as a form of bodywork using touch and pressure, is the Japanese response to Chinese Amma , a physical therapy which includes manipulation, massage, acupressure and corrective exercise for the promotion of energy balancing and healing. Shiatsu may be further defined as cutaneous stimulation by fingers and hands (sometimes feet, knees and elbows) with pressure and/or manipulation, upon the skin's surface. Pressure and manipulation is given on highly charged energetic points (acupuncture points) and energy lines (organ meridians), for the treatment of the human body, including the electromagnetic, or energetic fields, which surrounds it. Shiatsu infuses the body with energy and brings it to life and balance. This approach is based upon East Asian medical principles of diagnosis and evaluation of the energy and organ systems of the body. The premise is to affect balance and harmonize all systems, ie endocrine, cardiac etc, for the purpose of treating the human body, emotions, mind, and spirit of the individual, for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Setsu-shin , touch diagnosis , is the cornerstone to Shiatsu practice. Touch is simultaneously both diagnostic and a clinical application. In its entirety, Shiatsu practice incorporates all facets of traditional criteria. It is a science which enlarges Amma/Shiatsu to equal status with Acupuncture, and broadens its medical application beyond massage and adjustment techniques. Shiatsu Has Common Characteristics with other Body Therapies Amma/Shiatsu as a form of physical therapy has characteristics found in other modalities, such as deep muscle therapy, Swedish massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, myotherapy, rolfing, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, the Alexander technique, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Trager and applied kinesiology. It is a manipulative and alignment, correctional therapy similar to chiropractic and osteopathic adjustments. For instance, Shiatsu promotes circulation of blood, lymph and collagen, and relaxes the body like deep tissue massage. It assists restructuring of muscles like rolfing, and it also employs muscle testing, range of motion testing and utilizes Acupuncture knowledge as do applied kinesiology and reflexology. Shiatsu may be practiced at three levels: Level of relaxation - a basic level suitable for novices, and for Do-In. Level of remedial activity - intermediate level Level of holistic healing - advanced level > The “relaxation level” increases vitality and gives pleasure. The “remedial level” is for specific problems, such as: sprains/strains, stiffness in joints, post-operative care, trauma, adhesions, restricted range of motion, muscle constrictions, pain, back problems, skeletal disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS, meridian and organ disorders, poor sleeping patterns, general malaise. The “holistic level” requires that the practitioner be well versed in classical diagnosis and can operate other treatment methods, such as, moxabustion, cupping, Herbology, Acupuncture, Qi-Gong, nutrition, corrective exercises etc., and have the skill to assess specific imbalances before they become symptomatic and problematic. How Does Shiatsu Work? As nerves supply every part of the body, they control all bodily processes. Consequently, direct neural stimulation given to specific electromagnetic energy fields or pathways ( meridians ) have correlation and direct effect on all organs ( Zang-Fu ) for both their energy and their functions. Electrical impulses transmit to the spinal cord and lower centers of the brain, then reach to the dysfunctional or diseased areas. These highly concentrated energy areas on the body surface are called “Acupuncture points“, or tsubos , in Japanese. The tsubos trigger psycho-physical responses through pericutaneous neural stimulation, manipulation, muscle-meridian stretches or skeletal adjustment. Dysfunctional points may be spontaneously tender, or tender under pressure or manipulation. The tenderness disappears when the imbalance is corrected. Shiatsu's Beneficial Effects Shiatsu harmonizes the metabolism of the body and tones muscles, ligaments and skin. Where there is blocked, obstructed, stagnant or excessive Qi, ie in tight, cramped muscles, it is drained off and moved forward. Where there is deficient Qi/energy, ie lung exhaustion, Qi is drawn to the area of deficiency. Thus the body changes and transforms itself inwardly and outwardly. Shiatsu promotes deep relaxation, releases stress and increases circulation of blood, lymph, collagen and energy. Treatments help you mediate the influences of external environmental elements, internal emotional factors, and lifestyles which may lead to an existence of sickness, depression, or chronic disease. Shiatsu effects our electromagnetic fields and systems, both the superficial and deep tissue, fascial, myofascial, neuromuscular, muscular-skeletal systems and circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, eliminative and cranial-sacral systems. Shiatsu Treatments Have An Accumulative Effective An accumulative effect builds up when you receive Shiatsu. Neural stimulation directs the body's natural curative powers. You stay healthier and become more resilient. Shiatsu also brings into balance our emotional and psychic centers. A sense of well-being enters and we feel we have the capacity to experience life more fully in a positive, productive way. Increased self-awareness, confidence, personal power and inner peace ensue. Our ability to move through difficult life experiences becomes much easier. We experience and express less turmoil, frustration, anger and fear. Treatment Protocol A Shiatsu treatment is individualized . There is no “one style fits all” approach! Which techniques are used is based upon the patient's particular needs, constitutionally (unchangeable factors) and conditionally (changeable factors). Treatment style is determined by subjective information the patient brings, on traditional diagnostic criteria, and on the conditions and constitution of the individual. The daily routine, experience and life history of the patient is viewed as important. The total wellness of the patient is weighed with the symptomatic data. Shiatsu is a systematic process. It uncovers layers of psycho-physical material. Because receiving Shiatsu has an accumulative effect, the outcome of excellent Shiatsu leads to dynamic personal growth and physical well-being. When Do You Need A Shiatsu Treatment? You don't need to be injured, ill or impaired in anyway to receive Shiatsu. Shiatsu/Amma is the first complete, natural, non-invasive holistic care. Body maintenance and rejuvenation are its first function. Who Can Benefit from Shiatsu? Shiatsu benefits anyone, of any age, of any lifestyle! Shiatsu can be received by everyone regardless of age. Babies, young children, adults and the elderly all can benefit from Shiatsu. The style of Shiatsu will be modified to accommodate individual flexibilities and health. Shiatsu-massage for infants is different from Shiatsu for 95 year olds, as much as it is different for athletes or dancers, and 20 year olds verses 50 year olds. Everyone is unique, and everyone has special requirements in treatment style. It goes against diagnostic procedures to give the same style of Shiatsu to everyone. This is not done by those who know and practice the tradition properly. Do-In, Self-Shiatsu On the home level, Self-Shiatsu or Do-In , can be self-administered. Specific points on the meridians (energy lines) are stimulated by acupressure. In conjunction, exercises ( Makka-Ho ) stretching muscles and ligaments, and skeletal correctional may be performed because they activate the organ meridians ( Zang-Fu ) and stimulate the entire metabolism. Makka-Ho exercises are correlated to the six pairs of related Yin and Yang organs ( Zang-Fu ) their energy channels and functions. The Yin organs are Kidney, Spleen, Heart, Pericardium, lungs and liver; the Yang organs are Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Triple Heater (relates to three functional areas of the torso), Large Intestines and Gall Bladder. Do-In does not replace clinical Shiatsu, but it is an excellent adjunctive tool for working towards good health! The more responsibility for our health we take, the more likely we are to achieve higher health levels and increase our longevity. For more information or to arrange an appointment contact: Laila Wah OMD P.O. Box 123 Doylestown, PA 18901 267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000 www.lailawah.com
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