Shiatsu ... Acupuncture without Needles? - by Nina Jones

This articles explains some of the similarities between Shiatsu and Acupuncture.

• Both Shiatsu and Acupuncture work using Traditional Chinese philosophy which believes that our health, both emotionally and physically, is related to the smooth flowing of energy in the energy channels (meridians) in our bodies. This energy can get blocked in several ways, including stress, anxiety, hereditary factors, poor nutrition, infections, weather conditions etc. and this can lead to illness.
• Both systems encourage the free flow of energy in the channels in the body.
• Practitioners of both Acupuncture and Shiatsu will generally take a detailed health questionnaire from the individual in the first session. The diagnosis for treatment comes from this health questionnaire and from talking to the individual about what their current conditions are and what they would like to get from a treatment.
• The aim of both systems is to balance the flow of energy in the body as a whole - working with physical and emotional aspects.

  Acupuncture

  Fine needles are inserted into specific (acu)points along the meridians to stimulate the energy in the channels and encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly and find it's own healthy balance.

  • You usually lie on a massage table. You may have to remove some clothing, depending upon the points the practitioner wants to needle.
  • The practitioner will then insert fine needles into the skin in specific points. The needles can be left in the skin for 10 - 20 minutes. During this time the practitioner may leave you quietly on your own, returning to remove the needles.
  • The practitioner may also insert the needle for a short period of time and then remove it.
  • The points needled are decided by the practitioner following talking to the individual and diagnosing which points to work.

  Shiatsu

  A form of acupressure used in Japan to treat pain and illness as well as for general health maintenance. Practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body to stimulate qi.

  • The practitioner will do a diagnosis both by talking to the individual, and by touch on either the belly area or the back - depending on comfort for the individual.
  • Depending on the diagnosis for the session the practitioner will work all over the body, working along the specific meridians that were identified in the diagnosis.
  • The practitioner applies pressure with the thumbs, hands, and sometimes elbows and feet to gently work the energy channels to release stiff areas and blockages.
  • There may well be some gentle stretches and rotations to encourage the smooth flow of energy through joints or stiff areas.
  • You usually lie on the floor on a futon, but Shiatsu can be done on a massage table or on a massage chair.
  • You wear lose, comfy clothing as you remain clothed throughout the session.
  • Shiatsu is deeply relaxing.
  • Shiatsu is often described as Acupressure massage, or acupuncture without the needles.

  For further information or to make an appointment with Nina Jones visit her profile within the Therapies United website. Just click on 'find a therapist' and type in 'Nina'.

  Please bear in mind that Nina is not a qualified Acupuncturist and so has drawn on her own personal experience of receiving acupuncture to explain what may happen in a session.

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