History of Shiatsu

The history of shiatsu is varied and marked by many lineages and styles. I believe it is important and critical to ensure  the people, the cultures, the events, are honored and made abundantly clear for how and what context  this medicine came to be.

History is never linear nor static. The story of shiatsu begins from Anma- a form of massage which evolved during the Edo Period (1602-1868) in Japan. The term Shiatsu was only coined in the 20th century.

Following the cruel logics of imperialism, during  the US occupation in Japan, a directive was issued to ban all traditional therapies including acupuncture and shiatsu. In order to continue to practice medicine,  shiatsu became westernized emphasizing western anatomy and western physiology.  It was not until the 1970s when Shizuto Masunaga (born in Hiroshima Prefecture 1925-1981) a professor of psychology and a student  of the master Tenpeki Tamai,  brought back the relationship of Shiatsu to traditional Chinese medical theory. 

Today, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare broadly defines shiatsu as follows:

a form of manipulation administered by the thumbs, fingers, and palms. Applying sustained,  supportive pressure including manipulation and stretching, which are applied along specific pathways (meridians). Shiatsu is practiced without the use of any instrument, mechanical or otherwise, to correct, promote and maintain health, and treat specific diseases.

There have been a variety of styles adopted of shiatsu. Each has their own qualities and focus.  My practice arises from the style known as zen shiatsu. A zen shiatsu therapist relies on a developed sensitivity (mo shin, bo shin, bun shin, and setsu shin) to assess the condition of the patient’s body as treatment progresses. This allows the therapist to appropriate techniques on the meridian. The Zen shiatsu (meridian shiatsu)  lineage is carried on by Masunaga's son- Haruhiko Masunaga who continues to work and teach at IOKAI Shiatsu Center Japan. With the support of my teachers like Joyce Vlaarkamp. 

I am a constant student with my own history and experience, embedded in a web of  histories, culture, philosophies and practices that have existed long before and long after me. Me and my practice move with respect, humility, and gratitude within this web.