What
is Shiatsu?
It is sometimes referred
to as 'acupressure' or as acupuncture without needles. The term Shiatsu
literally means "finger pressure". Shiatsu has evolved from
a 5000 year old Oriental tradition of healing arts. It's a Japanese
therapy with origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Oriental
massage techniques. Shiatsu itself has been around for three thousand
years.
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What is Shiatsu used
for?
Shiatsu treatments have
given significant anecdotal evidence in helping the body resolve many
health related conditions. It does not profess to cure but can help
the person on their way to a better state of well-being. Some of the
imbalances that Shiatsu has helped to alleviate are back ache, frozen
shoulder, tennis elbow, whiplash, migraines, arthritis, menstrual
issues, gastrointestinal issues, sports injuries, post surgery trauma,
depression, general tiredness, kidney disorders, anorexia, asthma,
infertility problems and the list goes on.
Shiatsu treatments are
also for pure relaxation. A general tune up is recommended such as
once a month or at each turn of the new season. It is very much like
taking your car in for regular servicing! Sadly today the environment
we live in provides a constant barrage of toxins from acid rain, a
depleted ozone layer, factory and exhaust chemicals, an under nourishing
diet of overly processed, additive filled foods, an excess workload
to a poor societal view of self-preservation and nurturing. All these
combined leave our MindBodySpirit depleted. A regular tune-up for
everyone is necessary. With the connection of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Shiatsu can be used to work with any or all of the disorders
for which Acupuncture can be used. This is not to say that Shiatsu
is the same as Acupuncture. Acupuncture may be thought of as being
more specific and focused than Shiatsu with regard to some ailments.
At Cougar Spirit we believe
that with many complementary therapies, some people (and some ailments)
respond better to one therapy or another. So some individuals will
respond best to (or prefer) Shiatsu, while others benefit more from
Acupuncture.
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Shiatsu and Western
Medicine?
The Oriental approaches
to medicine do not separate mind and body as we do in Western medicine.
In Europe and Asia, Shiatsu is a complementary therapy that works
alongside the primary healthcare system.
Shiatsu naturally coincides
with the principles of TCM (listed above), which is also the basis
for acupuncture. Though eastern and western medical practices seem
to have little in common still both equally investigate the human
body and its functions. Eastern medicine has accumulated knowledge
about the workings and composition of the human body, just as western
medicine has.
Eastern medical theory
describes health as a powerful balance of body, mind and spirit (or
psyche). Each part is inseparable from the functioning of the whole
organism in its environment. The Shiatsu therapists at Cougar Spirit
will treat the whole body of a client as well as specific ailments
by addressing both the physical and emotional well being of the person.
As Shiatsu therapists the
aim is to regulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body by applying
pressure to obstructed or weak areas. As stated before, the word Shiatsu
literally translates as finger pressure, although practitioners can
also use their palms, forearms, knees and feet. This relieves symptoms
and resolves conditions improving the patient's strength and vitality.
From a western view Shiatsu
can be explained through its effect on the nervous system. Shiatsu
pressure activates the healing, conserving functions of the parasympathetic
branch of the nervous system to calm the body's over-active fight
or flight responses (a classic response lf stressed) - giving the
body space and time to heal itself, the ability to regain peace, improve
circulation and the opportunity to function effectively again.
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What is Qi?
Shiatsu works on the flow
of energy or Qi (che), which circulates through our bodies as part
of specific energy channels or meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine
suggests that we all have a "life force" or "life energy"
which is responsible for creating our physical structure and regulating
our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability. This life
force, called "Qi" or "Chi" in Chinese maintains
a homeostatic balance in your body.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed
through an accident, a shock or bereavement, dietary excess or imbalance
which can result in the body as an imbalance in many forms such as
pain, skin rash, loss of drive, emotional swings, and spiritual unrest.
Depending upon the severity and length of time of the imbalance, so
the degree of the illness or state of suffering.
When the flow of Qi is
disturbed either through external trauma (an injury) or internal trauma
(depression or stress) symptoms like aches and pain start to occur
and we start to experience a state of discomfort or "dis-ease".
In shiatsu the physical touch is used to assess the distribution of
Qi throughout the body and an effort is made to correct any imbalances
accordingly. Cougar Spirits' Shiatsu practitioners are highly trained
to assess the body's energetic imbalances and treat the client in
view of that.
East and West have different
viewpoints on health and life; however, these two can complement one
another. The Eastern belief is of a primary flow of energy throughout
the body, but it is also believed that this energy exists throughout
the universe and that all living creatures are dependent upon it as
much as on physical nourishment. The energy is also known as Ki and
Prana in Japan and India respectively.
A Shiatsu treatment at
Cougar Spirit aims to restore the balance of Qi within the body, allowing
the body to redress the physical and/or emotional-spiritual discomfort.
This process helps correct internal dysfunctions, treats specific
illnesses, promotes and keeps the health of the client.
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What are Meridians?
Each of the twelve organs
are linked with a meridian or channel of energy, named according to
the internal organ it affects. The meridians, much like rivers of
energy, ensure proper nurturing of Qi or life force throughout your
whole being. When you are healthy, the flow of Qi proceeds unimpeded,
like the water in a free-running river, and energy is well distributed
throughout the meridian pathways. When the river, or meridian, is
blocked for some reason (like a dam), the Qi is prevented from reaching
the specific area it is supposed to nurture. The result is that the
cells, tissue or organs in the affected area will suffer.
Because the meridians serve
the whole body from outside in and inside out, they have a dual role.
They prevent harmful energies from entering the body (i.e. bacteria
and viruses). They also indicate the presence of harmful energy already
inside the body in the form of symptoms on the outside. These may
be felt as aches, pains, heat or cold, and in Shiatsu may be located
as areas of particular sensitivity or tenderness.
Any type of "dis-ease"
is a sign that the energy within the meridian system is out of balance.
When a meridian is blocked, one part of the body is getting too much
Qi and enters a state of excess, while another part is getting too
little and becomes deficient in Qi. This will result in one organ
becoming overactive while another organ will become under active and
may be fatigued. If you do not correct this problem when initially
manifested, it can lead to the symptoms getting progressively worse
and your dis-ease gets more serious.
Finding these areas is
one of the aims of a Shiatsu examination and treatment, since their
quality and location can tell us a great deal about the origin, location
and depth of an imbalance in the entire energy system, which will
result in a given dis-ease. The unique nature of the meridians is
to reflect this kind of imbalance and then to act as the channel by
which the imbalance can be corrected.
Along the meridians you
will find more highly charged energy points, which are called pressure
points in English or tsubo in Japanese. This is where the Qi is most
easily affected. Stimulating different tsubo will correct the energy
imbalance. In the case of Shiatsu, the affected meridian or points
are worked on directly until proper energy flow is restored. By using
different shiatsu techniques, such as pressure, stretching, rubbing
and corrective exercises, you will be able to release the blockages,
"open" the meridian and recharge yourself.
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Effects After Shiatsu
Treatment
The immediate effect of
treatments differs with each individual. A sense of well-being is
common. Some people may feel bubbly and vibrant, others sleepy and
serene. Because of the deep relaxation that usually occurs and the
stimulus to the major body systems, you may have some healing reactions.
Some people feel cold or flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, or headaches
after the first treatment. These symptoms will only last for a day
or so and usually subside with each subsequent treatment. In general,
any such effects you may experience are positive signs from your body
telling you it is making an attempt to correct its own condition in
a natural way. These are signs of elimination and the beginning of
the healing process.
The following are some
unpleasant reactions some people get after a shiatsu treatment:
~ Coughing and generation
of mucus or symptoms of a cold - coughing and production of mucus
is due to the body being encouraged to rid itself of its surplus foods
(such as sugars and fats) in this form. A cold can sometimes develop
when the mucus is produced, usually when the cells of the body are
not healthy.
~ A feeling of tiredness
- tiredness can occur, frequently with a person who suffers from nervous
tension. After therapy has removed this stress or tension, then the
body's need for sleep and rest becomes apparent.
~ A headache or other pains
and aches - these should only last a short time. Shiatsu redresses
the balance of Qi in the body. Thus, blockages in the flow of energy
are released and the Qi can rush around the body, causing a temporary
imbalance in one part and resulting in an ache or pain.
~ Feeling emotional - emotional
feelings can occur while the energy is being stimulated to flow and
balance is regained. The feelings may be connected with something
from the past that has been suppressed when these emotions resurface;
it is best for them to be expressed in a way that is beneficial, such
as crying.
Body Reading
It is possible for practitioners
of shiatsu, as they become increasingly experienced, to assess a person's
physical and mental state of health by observing the body and forming
accurate observations. If the traditional ways of eastern diagnosis
are studied, this can assist greatly. The eastern methods were based
on the senses of hearing, seeing, smelling and touching and also by
questioning the client to obtain information leading to an overall
assessment.
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What is Sotai?
- The theory of sotai is based on the
belief that it is tight muscles that pull bones out of place.
- Sotai is a series of simple but highly
effective stretches that move the body inch by inch back into alignment.
- Unbalanced posture can lead to structural
weakness, bad circulation and physical disease.
- Our posture also mirrors how we feel
emotionally and how we cope with life issues.
- Sotai works to balance the muscles,
re-align the skeleton, and strengthen the functions of the organs
and nervous system.
- Sotai is an important part of self-therapy.
This process of postural change challenges our feelings about ourselves
and pushes us to grow and gain peace.
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Crystal
Healing or The Laying on of Stones:
Crystals are commonly used
to balance or change the energy centers that lie along the body. These
energy centers are called the chakras. Each crystal has it's own energetic
influence. For example, a rose quartz crystal will balance and remove
a blockage or trauma sustained by the heart chakra. This blockage
happens when someone has experienced an emotional pain or hurt that
has not healed. This "stuck trauma" prevents a person from
functioning at their highest potential in love, work, and play causing
them to feel unfulfilled, ungrounded, insecure or angry. It can also
disrupt the energetic working order of the other chakras. Crystals
are a powerful tool to reform and remove energy blockages in the human
body and soul.
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The Chakras:
Chakras happen to be a
common concept in several disciplines of alternative medicine and
traditional Oriental medicine. A chakra has several functions. In
addition to being 'representative' of a particular organ or group
of organs, a chakra also controls our being on different levels and
it links these two representative states.
The concept of chakra is
very important in therapies such as reiki, meditation, yoga, crystal
healing, therapeutic touch, aura, etc. Because of its wider application
across a number of disciplines it is covered as a separate topic.
The word chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel. From a side view,
a chakra looks like a cone with its point plugging into your spine
to receive energy, and its opening about four inches from your body.
Your style of running energy
through these centers expresses your personality. This, in turn, determines
how you survive, feel, respond, love, communicate, understand, perceive,
trust, and create. The best method of gaining understanding and control
of your chakras is to meditate on them, one by one, placing your attention
on each chakra for two or three minutes every day. Remember to both
ground yourself and to run your energy while you meditate.
Brief summaries of the
major chakras are as follows:
1.The root chakra
This is the source of strength for the other chakras. It is essential
for proper development. The other centers of energy rely upon the
root chakra to perform properly. Disorders within the root chakras
may result in mental problems (e.g. aggression, confusion) or physical
symptoms (e.g. of the intestines, excretory systems, or bones).
2.The Sexual chakra
Often called the Belly chakra, it is highly influential and governs
sensual and sexual factors, the means whereby experiences are felt
and registered. Blockages result in a variety of phobias or conditions
such as a fear of being touched, a general incomprehension or an obsessive
cleanliness. Physical manifestations may include being prone to infections,
or problems with the kidneys/bladder or lymphatic system.
3.The Personality chakra
This is also called the Solar Plexus chakra. This is the power center
and focus of personal freedom or, conversely, feelings of guilt. Mental
consequences of a blockage might be anxiety about how others perceive
you, envy or selfish greed. Physically there could be digestive disorders,
liver and gall bladder problems or disorders of the pancreas.
4.The Heart chakra
This effectively controls self-acceptance and by extension everyone
else around us. Blockages may result in attitudes such as selfishness
or emotional blackmail. Physical manifestations could be disorders
of the lungs and heart, and circulatory problems.
5.The Expressive chakra
The expressive chakra (or throat chakra) controls overall self-expression,
whether it is language or gesture. An upset in this center could well
result in an individual who becomes dictatorial while the physical
signs could be growth problems, or a muscular tension leading to a
lack of vocal control.
6.The Knowledge chakra
Otherwise known as the forehead chakra or Third Eye, this is the focus
of intuition, the perception of truth, which enables a person to find
his or her own course through life. Accordingly, a blockage of this
chakra will culminate in a haphazard approach to life, and probably
an inability to settle down to any one task for any length of time.
7.The Crown chakra
It is generally felt that the seventh chakra is appreciated only by
experience and it depends upon the other six for its development.
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What
is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese form
of energy healing. It is similar to crystal healing, whereupon it
directly changes and restores the energetic centers known at the chakras.
Some people refer to it as the "Laying on of Hands". It
is said that Reiki is older than any written accounts of Man and Womyn-kind.
The actual directly connected written records of data start in the
late 1800's by Mikao Usui who reintroduced this ancient system of
healing. He passed on his legacy of Reiki healing to others who have
continued his work since his death in 1930.
Reiki, at one time, was
not an easy modality to be trained in. This ancient healing system
cost a large amount of money to learn and only a select few were given
this chance. Once someone became a Reiki practitioner, however, neither
the poor nor the rich were deprived of Reiki's healing powers and
were treated equally by the practitioner without discrimination or
judgment.
During a treatment in Reiki,
the certified practitioner will allow herself to be a conduit of universal
energy and direct this energy onto your 7 chakras by placing her hands
upon them for a short period (5 minutes). As with any treatment of
any modality, it is up to you as the client whether or not you want
to accept this powerful healing force. Reiki has been used to help
both physical and emotional ailments on humans and animals. Its energetic
powers also have an effect on plants and food.
"It is believed
that all physical pain has nonphysical roots in emotional trauma,
negative mental paths, or spiritual despair." -Essential
Reiki by Diane Stein
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What
is Thai Massage?
A physician in India by
the name of Shivago Kumar Bhucca developed Thai massage over 2500
years ago. It was used mostly in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia,
and Burma. Its main purpose was to facilitate deeper meditation practices.
Thai is similar to Shiatsu in respect to the 5 Element Theory and
the Meridians, but there is much more stretching and rocking. Thai
is much more intimate. The practitioner and client share more space
than in Shiatsu. The practitioner will have many techniques that will
involve more of the practitioner's own body to stretch and pull the
clients muscles, arms, and legs. Thai is an amazing modality. It is
slightly more aggressive than Shiatsu. Thai will enhance your yoga
practice, athletic ability, martial arts, dancing techniques, energy
work, and meditations.
What
is Foot Reflexology?
Foot Reflexology
is an ancient form of "pressure treatment" and involves
applying focused pressure to certain known "reflex" points
located in the foot, which correspond to other areas and organs in
the body. Reflexology
is a science that deals with the principle that there are over 7,200
nerve endings on each foot. These nerve endings connect to nerve pathways
that lead to each and every organ, gland and part of the body. Through
the use of a unique massage technique on each foot, sensory nerves
carry information to the brain and help release endorphins to reduce
pain in the body.
By breaking
up crystal deposits (uric acid) in the feet the crystals are carried
off into the blood stream and eliminated through the urinary system.
This relieves the congestion in the body and the body functions flow
smoothly. Reflexology brings the body into a homeostasis (a balancing
of the endocrine glands) and is capable of improving the function
of all body systems, while leaving you with a feeling of harmony and
balance.
No one really
knows how old reflexology is, although there is substantial information
to suggest it may have been used as long ago as 5,000 years, both
in China and Egypt.
Some of the recognized benefits
from receiving a reflexology treatment include increased circulation,
relaxation and tension release. Other benefits discovered through
the use of this ancient tool include clearing of emotional debris,
detoxification of organs, rejuvenation of tired tissues and cells,
balancing of the auric field, grounding and greater facilitation of
any other energy method used.
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