Shiatsu Introduction - week1 notes

The focus of this week was to introduce several basic strands to giving Shiatsu. Each week will start with a similar warm-up:

• stepping forward and swinging the arms above the head while breathing in and then stepping back breathin out. Do this about 12 times (6 leading with each foot) every morning and see how much more energised you feel
• Stretching and squatting. It is important for ease of movement that the hips be as open as possible so it is worth perservering with this

The prime basis of Shiatsu is relaxed leaning where we consider a partnership between giver and receiver. Don't overwhelm and don't be overwhelmed. We practised leaning on eachother - both active - before moving to the Shiatsu position on the floor.

When moving the weight over the receiver's body remember to imagine a pencil dropping from a point just below the belly button and draw a line with the pencil. Note the pressure increasing in the hands and try to keep it even between the two.

We looked at extending Ki using the unbendable arm exercise. Try to use alive relaxation rather than dead relaxation. Keep the arms naturally straight (not locked) and the hands as soft as possible.

We used working on the back as our start routine. With both hands in contact when leaning and 1 hand in contact at all times when moving work down the spine towards the sacrum - one hand on the sacrum staying still and the other moving. Achieve movement by leaning the weight on and off the body. Then work down from the sacrum to the heel of the leg closest to you.

We looked at ease of movement. Try to move without the support of your hands so that when you have the support of the receiver it seems very easy, smooth and natural.

Remember the principles I try to work with:

1. Relax at all times - soft hands
2. Have no aims to change anything
3. Create an energetic intention to connect below the surface of the body and
4. Ask yourself how you feel

Please ask questions and give me feedback with the comments form.

See you next week.