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Basics of Shiatsu

Five Element Theory of Shiatsu

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Basics of Shiatsu

To understand basic principles of shiatsu, one has to understand technical terms related to it (i.e. meridians, Ki, Tsubos, Kyo-Jitsu, five elements theory etc.). Shiatsu therapy is based upon the state of flow of life energy (Ki). Ki is the Japanese word, which means energy. From the biological point of view the body must continuously release energy in order to survive. The basic shiatsu principle is that if the flow of Ki is blocked or interrupted somewhere in its meridian (or pathway), it causes illness. In other words, normally Ki is always movable and is not to be found in one definite place, but when it become fixed on one meridian and does not change, it causes physical symptoms and illness. In eastern countries it is strongly believed that everything is created by nature and is a part of nature. So, whatever exists in the nature follows the properties of nature. By definition nature is not static : it changes and fluctuates, moves and flows, and so does our body and our energy (Ki). So, if Ki dosen't move and/or becomes static, it causes illness. Therefore Lao-Tse said : "People will be healthy by uniting with nature." Now let's go through technical terms related to shiatsu.

1. What is Ki ?

Ki is the basic life force. It is what animates life and is found everywhere on earth, without it life would not exist. Ki is not static, it is the energy associated with movement, whether it is affected by our moods, stress, illness, injury and lifestyle. It flows in the meridians and affects all aspects of the physical body as well as emotional and mental states. In a healthy body, Ki flows freely but the pressures of everyday life can affect the flow of Ki, causing restrictions or blockage in the meridians that may lead to illness and stress.

2. What are meridians ?

Meridians are the pathways or channels that carry Ki and blood through the body carrying nourishment and strength. The meridian system unifies all parts of the body. Meridian theory assumes that blockages at points on the pathway can create disharmony along the pathway and also disharmony with the connecting organ (lung and large intestine, stomach and spleen, heart and small intestine, kidney and bladder, gall bladder and liver, pericardium and tipple heater). Also, the meridian is not part of the physical body, it is a channel for the flow of Ki. And again, because the meridian has no physical existance, it cannot be identified physically. Even if we try to imagine the meridians as a physical line, we will be trapped in an illusion.

3. What is Kyo and Jitsu ( or Yin and Yang) ?

The concepts of kyo and jitsu, which are the basis of shiatsu therapy, may be unclear or confusing to many therapists. This confusion stems mainly from a basic error in understanding these concepts- an error that leads to further errors, particularly in kyo-jitsu diagnosis. When a person thinks of the terms kyo-jitsu or yin-yang, he might easily interpret them as relative concepts, such as yin is negative and yang is positive, kyo is less and jitsu is more, kyo is soft and jitsu is hard. But this is only a two dimensional comparative approach.

Now actually kyo and jitsu are the two states of the basic life force (or energy Ki). The word kyo comes from the chinese character ko-ku, meaning "Emptiness". The character ko becomes kyo. So, the kyo or yin means the empty state of energy in a meridian. Now, kyo or yin does not just mean emptiness : it also represents the desire and need to be filled with Ki. And the overfilled state of the energy in a meridian is known as Jitsu. Now in shiatsu the basis of diagnosis of yin-yang or kyo-jitsu is the Five Elements Theory.

4. What is Tsubo ?

Tsubos are points on the meridians that can be stimulated in order to relieve pain and balance Ki. The character for tsubo originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It literally translates as "jar". On the body a Tsubo is shaped like a tiny jar or deep pore. The application of pressure to the appropriate tsubo in Shiatsu ensures the release of stagnating Ki, allowing it to flow through the body.

5. What is Five Element Theory ?