Zen Shiatsu Massage is one of the main massage therapies used in this clinic and is a strong but gentle and non-invasive therapy. Zen Shiatsu Massage may help reduce stress and contribute to overall well being. It can be both preventative and remedial in its effects.
Dr Stephen Phillips is qualified as a Zen Shiatsu Massage Therapist. Stephen, and is a Fellow of A.T.M.S Australian Traditional Medicine Society in Australia and has been a member for over 25 years in Massage therapy. The relaxing calm style of treatment is Stephen’s favourite style of massage. He is also qualified in Remedial Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Swedish Lymphatic drainage as well as Anmo. He is also qualified and registered for Chinese Remedial Tuina massage which is much more aggressive and he only uses this when absolutely necessary or requested.
What does Shiatsu Treat?
Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of a wide range of internal health conditions as well as musculature skeletal, and emotional conditions.
Zen Shiatsu massage reduces muscle stiffness, stimulates the skin, aids digestion as well as brings the nervous system into balance. It is used around the world to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and musculature skeletal pain, including low back, neck, and joint pain.
The effect may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative, depending on the aim of the session.
Some History on Zen Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu evolved from Anmo, a Japanese massage modality developed in 1320 by Akashi Kan Ichi.
Anmo was popularised in the seventeenth century by Acupuncturist Sugiyama Waichi, and around the same time the first books on the subject, including Fujibayashi Ryohaku’s Anma Tebiki (“Manual of Anma”), appeared. The Fujibayashi school carried Anmo into the modern age. Prior to the emergence of shiatsu in Japan, masseurs were often nomadic, earning their keep by mobile massage like many masseurs of today.
Since Sugiyama’s time, massage in Japan had been strongly associated with the blind and while working in China I had regular massages from the Blind Anma specialists of Cheng Du. Sugiyama, blind himself, established a number of medical schools for the blind which taught this practice. During the Tokugawa period, edicts were passed that made the practice of Anmo solely reserved for the blind and sighted people were prohibited from practising the art. As a result, the “blind Anmo” has become popular in Japanese culture to the point that the Government give preferred placement to Blind people at the colleges that train them. A large proportion of the Japanese blind community continues to work in the profession and Stephen was lucky enough to learn from an Australian Master as well as having many sessions critiqued by a Blind Practitioner from Japan.
What is Hara Diagnosis?
Abdominal palpation “Hara Diagnosis” is very much a part of this Japanese diagnostic system, much the way the Eastern Traditions also use pulse diagnosis and it is considered to have been developed by Shinsai Ota in the 17th century.
How did Shiatsu get associated with the Blind?
During the Occupation of Japan by the Allies after World War II, traditional medicine practices were banned (along with other aspects of traditional Japanese culture) by General MacArthur. The ban prevented a large proportion of Japan’s blind community from earning a living. Many Japanese protested for this ban to be rescinded. Additionally, writer and advocate for blind rights Helen Keller, on being made aware of the prohibition, interceded with the United States government; at her urging, the ban was rescinded and as such Zen Shiatsu once again was able to be practised by those who were Blind. Now also by those who had all their senses.
Famous Shiatsu Practitioners
Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000) founded his shiatsu college in the 1940s and his legacy was the state recognition of Shiatsu as an independent method of treatment in Japan. He is often credited with inventing modern shiatsu. However, the term shiatsu was already in use in 1919, when a book called “Shiatsu Ho” (“finger pressure method”) was published by Tamai Tempaku. Also prior to Namakoshi’s system, in 1925 the Shiatsu Therapists Association began, with the purpose of distancing shiatsu from Anma massage.
Namikoshi’s school however taught shiatsu within a framework of western medical science. A student and teacher of Namakoshi’s school, Shizuto Masunaga, brought shiatsu back to traditional eastern medicine and philosophic framework. Masunaga grew up in a family of shiatsu practitioners, with his mother having studied with Tamai Tempaku. He founded Zen Shiatsu and the Iokai Shiatsu Center school. Another student of Namakoshi, Hiroshi Nozaki founded the Hiron Shiatsu a holistic technique of shiatsu that uses intuitive techniques and spiritual approach to healing which identifies ways how to take responsibility for a healthy and happy life in your own hands. It is practiced mainly in Switzerland, France and Italy where its founder opened several schools.
Masunaga Shiatsu School
It is the Masunaga school that Dr Stephen Phillips linage is from, having studied a Diploma of Zen Shiatsu over two years in Sydney prior to his 4 years of undergraduate training for Acupuncture. He has applied his skills since 1991 in Bodywork and Remedial & Sports Massage with his Formal Chinese & Japanese Acupuncture training and his education as a Buddhist Chaplain to offer his very special blend of Shiatsu.
What happens in a Zen Shiatsu Session?
Zen Shiatsu is delivered using direct rhythmic pressure and contact is sustained. During a Shiatsu session, you may wear loose comfortable clothing or may receive Shiatsu therapy while covered by a sheet. Shiatsu therapy employs stretching and range of motion techniques to improve joint mobility and muscle pliability. Shiatsu can be performed on a futon on the floor, in a chair, or on a table. Shiatsu tables are low to allow the therapist to apply weight rather than relying on strength.
ZEN SHIATSU MASSAGE can be a stand-alone treatment for those who are concerned about Acupuncture. It is often used in Eastern Medicine to prepare the body as part of an Acupuncture Treatment.
To begin your healing Journey book here:
Or for more Information on a Zen Shiatsu Massage session call 0414 339 300
(Dr Stephen Phillips offers Shiatsu at all 3 of our clinics including Leichhardt Inner West Sydney as well as Penrith & Katoomba Blue Mountains. We have the Sydney Region and greater west covered.
