Facilitation Technique Category: Massage Therapy

Activity Title: Shiatsu

Source: Beresford-Cooke, C. (2016). Shiatsu theory and practice. Singing Dragon.
Equipment: Massage Table
Activity Description: Shiatsu is a form of massage therapy. It got its origins from Japan,
as well as its name, which translated means finger pressure. Shiatsu works by applying
pressure to meridian points along the body. These meridian points in the body are in
reference to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) belief, that life-energy flows through
these qi paths. Shiatsu is also used as way to reduce and guard against issues related to
stress. Additionally it also aids in the treatment of anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain,
menstrual problems and migraines. One Shiatsu technique for relieving sinus/headache
relief is to 1) place index fingers on cheekbones while applying firm pressure and then
rotate fingers in circular motion for 10 minutes. And 2) place index fingers on your
forehead (just above where your eyebrows begin) apply pressure and again rotate in
circular motion for 5-10 minutes. The second Watsu technique, helps to relieve back pain.
Step 1) is to lie down on your back, 2) bend knees far enough to allow the soles of your
feet to be on the floor (angle beneath knee should be around 45 degrees), and 3) place
hands by your sides and relax. Step 4) close your eyes, as you breathe in and out deeply
for 3-4 minutes. Step 5) is to bring your right knee up, clasp with both hands, and slowly
draw it as close as possible to your chest, as you exhale. After, do the same with the other
leg, and repeat these steps 5-10 times, twice daily, to see improved results.
Leadership Considerations: A CTRS will function as an instructor for this activity, and
he/she will assist if any help is needed by the participant. In addition, it goes without
saying that before any activities are performed, the client will have to specify any
accommodation or disabilities they may need/have in order for the exercise to be
performed properly. In regards to leadership considerations, one of the main functions of
the therapist is to help gain the clients trust, in order for them to be able to feel at ease
and relaxed. All forms of massage therapy mainly revolve around, the therapists ability to
help calm down/relax the patient, so as long as the CTRS is able to accomplish this feat,
on of the main leadership considerations has been met.
Adaptations: Participants with Anxiety Disorder: Many people often fear that they
have some sort of disorder, especially one relating to anxiety. However, until ones
feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear, are strong enough to interfere with ones daily
activities, then it is at that point, that one can be clinically diagnosed as having an anxiety
disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, but some of the most
common symptoms include, feeling of panic/uneasiness, problems sleeping, cold or
sweaty hands or feet, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. One common anxiety
calming technique involves placing the middle finger on top of your index finger, and
then placing the index finger just above the third eye point (small indentation in the
bone, located in the center of your forehead, just above the eyebrows). You will then

press firmly for 5-7 seconds, and repeat this process 3 to 5 times, to see results. (Iiada,
Chiba, Yoshida, Shimuzu, & Kanda, 2000)
Participants with Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disease in which a persons airways
become inflamed, narrow and swell, which produces extra mucus, which also makes it
difficult to breathe. Symptoms may include, shortness of breath, chest tightness/pain,
whistling/wheezing sound when exhaling, and having trouble sleeping due to shortness of
breath, coughing or breathing. When the shiatsu practitioner is to commence working on
a client, he/she listens to the clients body, and then responds to these signals. Certain
areas of the body, are socially meant for relief of asthma, such as, the center of the chest,
the hands and palms, and along the foot. These certain massage points are then acted on
to relax the chest, quiet the nervous system, and clear the lungs. Shiatsu massages can be
carried out whenever, however, if an asthma attack were to ever occur, treatment is to
stop immediately, and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. (Maa et al.,
2003)
Adaptations Reverences
- Iida, M., Chiba, A., Yoshida, Y., Shimizu, K., & Kanda, K. (2000). Effects of Shiatsu
Massage on Relief of Anxiety and Side Effect Symptoms of Patients Receiving Cancer
Chemotherapy. The KITAKANTO Medical Journal, 50(3), 227-232.
- Maa, S. H., Sun, M. F., Hsu, K. H., Hung, T. J., Chen, H. C., Yu, C. T., ... & Lin, H. C.
(2003). Effect of acupuncture or acupressure on quality of life of patients with chronic
obstructive asthma: a pilot study. The Journal of Alternative & Complementary
Medicine, 9(5), 659-670.