Zen Chiatsu

History

Shiatsu literally translated means finger pressure. The word came into use in the 1920's to describe a range of therapeutic touch techniques that were in the general practice in Japan. Pre-cursor to Shiatsu Therapy was the term Anma Therapy, literally "to rub". Zen Shiatsu came into use as a term in the early 1970's with the publication of the book by the same name, by Master Shizuto Masunaga. Masunaga had a major influence on the practice of Shiatsu, particularly as it was introduced in the West. The book Zen Shiatsu was translated into English by Masunaga's student Wataru Ohashi. Ohashi went on to create the Shiatsu Education Center of America in New York City, which later evolved into the Ohashi Institute. Ohashi further differentiated the work creating what he called the Ohashiatsu curriculum. My teacher, Matthew Sweigart trained extensively with Ohashi becoming a senior Ohashiatsu Instructor. Matthew created a branch school of the Ohashi Institute in Chicago Illinois. I trained with Matthew extensively from 1989-1993.  Through his own experience and insight as a Therapist and Instructor Matthew built upon the work of the Masters with whom he trained to create his own unique form, which he calls Chiatsu, together with a subspecialty called Flying Zen Shiatsu. He left the Ohashi Institute in 2003 to found Zen Gate Chiatsu to promote and disseminate information and training on his unique and insightful contributions to the field. Matthew is recognized by the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia as Certified Instructor of Zen Shiatsu.

Why Chiatsu, rather than Shiatsu?

Chiatsu is the term created by Matthew Sweigart, CI to distinguish his unique contributions to the field of Asian Bodywork Therapy. The Japanese traditional term is Shiatsu. Shi literally translates as "finger", and atsu literally translates as "pressure", thus the understanding of Finger Pressure. Variations on this translation have recognized the relationship between acupuncture and shiatsu, particularly in the use of selected points to treat various conditions, and thus the term Acu-pressure was born. Through his own practice over the years, particular in regard to the use of multiple points of contact involving elbows, knees, palms, feet as well as fingers, Matthew was less and less convinced that the term Shiatsu adequately described his work. Indeed, rather than finger pressure, it seemed that "body" pressure was more accurate. But that sounds rather odd.

Going further, Matthew realized that pressure wasn't a very good term either. Especially given that in the Zen style the emphasis is on effortlessness, and not pressing. The practice is not a practice of "doing", but rather a practice of "being". The art is in learning how to find the point of contact between the giver and the receiver. Ultimately the pursuit of this skill leads the practitioner by necessity to develop ones own internal life force energy.  (Cultivation of one’s own life force energy, or chi is another name for Chi Kung, or Qigong.)

Life force energy is the fundamental substance of all matter and non-matter in the universe, and is referred to by the Asian cultures as Qi. This has been variously written as "Chi" for the Western reader to better understand its proper pronunciation. In Japan the term is written and spoken Ki. However you spell it, of course, life force energy is at the heart of the Eastern understanding of life and its movements. It became clear to Matthew through his practice that it was not his fingers, or even his body that was doing the work. Rather the transmission of life force energy through his being, and that of the receiver, that brought about the special healing point of contact between giver and receiver. And though pressure is not actually generated through effort, the experience of the quality of the contact is well described by the term. Thus, Matthew created the term "chiatsu" to describe this Energy Touch Connection which is at the heart of the most excellent touch healing which he has come to know and practice and teach. 

How does Zen Chiatsu work?

Chiatsu works by helping to unblock the body’s energy that flows through the body in pathways called meridians.  Chiatsu is similar to Acupuncture, but does not use needles.  Instead, the practitioner uses their palms, elbows, and knees and often stretches the client to bring their life energy or chi that flows through the body’s meridians, back into balance.  Also, like massage, chiatsu addresses the muscles, tendons, ligaments, circulation, lymph, and nervous system, and in addition, the internal movement of energy in the body. 

When the energy gets blocked, or is out of balance, disease may occur. Chiatsu often restores balance in the body's energy flow before symptoms of disease manifest.  This is where chiatsu really shines.  Instead of treating the body when it gets sick, it helps it to prevent disease and maintain health.

The energy, or chi, affects the body and how all of its systems perform on a daily basis.  Our digestive, muscular, and nervous systems (to name a few) all require energy to run smoothly and perform their functions. When the life energy, or intelligence, which flows to any of the body's organs, gets disrupted, we don't feel 100% well.  We may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, lack of energy, or disease.  It also affects our ability to think clearly.  We may experience cloudy or disorganized thinking or just a lack of mental clarity with the inability to focus.   When our chi is not flowing properly our connection to our spiritual selves may also become disrupted.

During a Chiatsu session, the practitioner assesses constantly how the life energy or chi is flowing in the body. Often they will begin and end a session by touching the client's abdominal region, or hara to determine the best course for the session to take.  Each session is unique and is based on the needs of the client.  At times you may experience pain or discomfort.  If this occurs you should let the practitioner know immediately.  Sometimes pain feels therapeutic when our blocked energy begins to flow again.  However, you may experience your body contracting.  This is the type of pain we wish to avoid.

Also, it is common for your body's temperature to fall during a session. If this occurs let the practitioner know and they can cover you with a blanket. Or, if the pressure is too light or heavy, let them know and they can make the proper adjustments. Above all, relax and enjoy your session.

What will I notice after receiving Zen Chiatsu?

• A general feeling of relaxation and well-being
• Reduction in symptoms brought about by stressful factors in your life
• An increased feeling of vitality
• Greater mental clarity
• An increased sense of personal control, that all problems are manageable

How to prepare for your session

When you come for your session wear loose comfortable clothing that is not binding or constricting. Since chiatsu is performed on a futon over clothing and does not require the use of oils, it’s important that you can move freely in all directions. Leotards, or yoga attire work very well. Also, make sure that at least an hour has elapsed since your last meal. Wait at least two hours if it was a large meal.

After your session drink plenty of water and slowly ease into the rest of your day without rushing.

Zen Chiatsu - performed on a futon

1 Hour session.............................................................................. $ 60.00

Gift Certificates are avialable in any amount • Visa & Mastercard Accepted