Zen Shiatsu

Balanced and open flow of Ki helps to increase:

•       Flexibility of muscles and joints

•       Energy level

•       Restful sleep

•       Mental function and clarity

•       Opening of sinus passages

•       Immune system function

•       Digestive system function

•       Cardiovascular system function

•       Respiratory system function

•       Nervous system function

Zen Shiatsu is effective in relieving these symptoms

•       Pain

•       Stress

•       High blood pressure

•       Anxiety

•       Headaches, migraines

•       Muscle spasms and cramps

Zen Shiatsu is a wonderful addition to your current health care practices and is complementary to conventional medicine. Come and experience a most deeply relaxing style of massage enjoyed while fully clothed.

Conditions that greatly benefit from Zen Shiatsu treatments:

• Auto accidents

• Fibromyalgia

• Cancer treatment support

• Stiffness from Repetitive Motions or Lack of Movement- Sitting or Standing all day

• Chronic Fatigue

• Headaches, Migraines

• Sports injury

• Depression

• Chronic Pain

• PMS

• Recovery

• Life Transitions

History of Shiatsu

The word Shiatsu means thumb pressure working with individual acupoints usually in a specific routine, to restore proper Ki flow. Developed by Toru Namikoshi,

who as a young boy lived in a village where there were no doctors. His mother

developed severe pain that began in her knees. As time went on the pain grew and spread to her ankles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. She had developed a condition later known as rheumatism.

Toru and his siblings began to rub their mother where it hurt to relieve her suffering. Toru's worked helped her the most and he worked hard to learn different techniques to be more effective. He concentrated on areas that where stiffest and coolest, soon his mother felt better, and she fully recovered. Toru went on to open up the Shiatsu Institue of Therapy in 1925.  He continued to open more schools and in 1955, Shiatsu was legalized and approved in Japan.

Zen Shiatsu Theory and History

Zen Shiatsu works by connecting an entire meridian using a "mother" or supporting hand or thumb to stay connected to the Ki. The other hand connects the flow between the two acupoints of the meridian. Zen Shiatsu is not soley acupoint oriented. Once a meridian is open and balanced, it is stretched to bring the Ki in more fully.This system of treatment was developed by Shizuto Masunaga who was born in 1925. After studying and then teaching psychology, he pursued shiatsu. Masunaga modified and extended the understanding of the traditional Chinese medicine theory of meridians.  This system is sometimes called Masunaga Meridians.

Zen is one aspect of Buddhism; becoming one with the nature of what you are focused on. A Zen Shiatsu practitioner works in a calm, meditative-like state to feet the body's condition and response to the treatment, therefore knowing where to go next.

With Zen Shiatsu, we focus on the Yin Yang balance, and work to tonify or sedate the Ki to bring balance to the entire energy system. Restoring balance allows the body to work to heal itself naturally. This connection within the meridians releases blockage of Ki and increases circulation which will enhance the delivery of the healing nutrients to muscles, organs, extremities, nerves, sinuses, brain, and immune system.

A Healing Approach- Pain Relief & Relaxation Massage
Teresa Robertson, LMT, Craniosacral Therapist,  CCST, CIIM

Serving Portland, Beaverton, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mill, Hillsboro, SW Portland. SE Portland, Downtown Portland, North Portland, NE Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego,Vancouver