History and definition
Shiatsu is inspired by the practice, knowledge and philosophy of traditional oriental therapies.
Shiatsu has developed in Japan since the beginning of the twentieth century. It comes partly from an ancient form of massage, called Anma, whose specific therapeutic aspects he has refined.
Since its arrival in the West in the 70s, it has continued to develop on its traditional bases while encompassing Western techniques and manual approaches.
During his evolution, many people have worked on the development of techniques and some, such as the visionary Shizuto Masunaga, have particularly influenced the Shiatsu as it is practiced today in Europe.
Definition of Shiatsu according to the Japanese Ministry of Health and Wellness
"A form of manipulation administered with the thumbs, fingers and palms, without the aid of any instrument, mechanical or otherwise, that applies pressure on human skin to correct internal malfunction, promote and maintain health and treat specific diseases.”
In Japanese, shiatsu means "finger pressure" of shi (fingers, ends) and atsu (pressure).
Definition of Shiatsu from wikipedia
Shiatsu (指 圧, literally "finger pressure") is a manual therapy technique of Japanese origin that uses vertical pressure (baro-stimulations), mainly using thumbs, sometimes with other fingers or palms. hands on the entire human body, in reference to the knowledge of traditional Japanese medicine (whose basis is identical to that of Chinese medicine) or knowledge of modern anatomy / physiology, in order to treat various functional disorders, even specific organic, and as preventive medicine.
ISS definition: Shiatsu International School of Geneva
The term "Shiatsu" refers to a set of care techniques, manual, bodily, taking into account the totality of the person.
The treatment is based on a form of massage consisting of applying precise and nuanced pressure on the energy paths connected to the organs and called meridians. Other techniques also participate in the treatment of certain parts of the body, such as joint mobilizations, stretching, kneading, etc.
Using, among others, thumb, palm, elbow and knee, the practitioner combines a variety of stimulations, changing and rhythmic. The treatment aims to maintain or to restore a good balance of physiological, energetic and psychic functions by supporting the natural capacities of self-healing.
Teddy Huyghebaert