| What is Zen Shiatsu? |
| Zen Shiatsu is a modern form of the ancient Chinese art of acupressure, or "acupuncture |
| without needles". The word Shiatsu means 'finger pressure'. Zen is a Japanese word that means |
| 'meditation'. The Shiatsu practitioner also uses palms, thumbs, forearms,elbows, knees and feet |
| to apply pressure to the "meridians". The practitioner's focus on the client, on the present, and on the breath, illustrating |
| the meditatative aspect of Shiatsu; hence Zen Shiatsu is "meditation in action". The practitoner applies pressure |
| to specific "meridians" in order to promote the flow of "chi" which in turn, promotes health and well-being |
| What is chi? |
| Chi is the dynamic life energy or life force that manifests itself physically and spiritually. According to the theories of |
| Chinese medicine, illness results when the flow of chi in the body is inhibited. |
| What are meridians? |
| Meridians are channels in the body along which chi flows. Sometimes they follow the same lines as muscles or blood vessels. |
| The function of the meridians is to: |
| - control movement in the body (blood,gas,air,water) |
| - connect the arms, legs, and head with the trunk |
| - facilitate communication from the inside of the body to the outside of the body |
| and from the outside to the inside and from up to down and down to up |
| - control and regulate the organs |
| What are the overall benefits of Shiatsu? |
| Shiatsu helps: |
| - restore the body's chi(vital energy) |
| - release energy blockages |
| - enable the body to achieve a healthier state of balance |
| - enhance the body's immune system |
| - reduce stress |
| What should I wear when receiving shiatsu bodywork? |
| - wear loose, comfortable clothing, not too heavy, e.g. hospital pants and a tee shirt |
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