Shiatsu Introduction - week5 notes

This week we looked at the Makka-ho again. Some of you have noticed a change and I encourage you to read the various possible methods of using the stretches and complementary exercises. We recapped the front routine so far - see last weeks notes below - and everyone's Shiatsu is looking good. Remember to create enough space for yourselves and most importantly to be comfortable.

We looked at one acupressor point. Stomach 36 (ST36) named Leg three miles is an excellent point for knee trouble but more than that it strengthens the whole system and regulates the stomach and helps with the intestines. There are two books that I brought in, details below:

This is a new edition but the old one is also available. The isbn for the old one is 0-7499-1114-X. The book covers most common ailments but looks at acupressure as something that can be applied with pressure alone. We investigated the energetic connection we can make and all saw the effects of holding a point for some time. With Shiatsu it is quite important to remember that we are trying to give the receiver an experience of their body, energy and mind connection so use points with that quality in view.

The Chris Jarmey book is excellent. It gives clear indication of where the point is and also the effective area of acupressure stimulation. The diagrams are very clear and the use of the point comprehensive. It is, of course, expensive though not if you are serious about learning and using points. isbn: 978-0-9543188-4-0

Remember that the introduction course is not deep enough to give you the full range of skills to use points on people who are ill or have chronic conditions. Also please remember DO NOT USE ANY POINTS ON PREGNANT WOMEN as you are not trained to do so safely.

Try using the points on yourself too where you can.

We finished the routine off by looking at some very simple head work. Again the course is not designed to give you a complete picture of what is possible but to encourage you to connect with the receiver's energy in a simple way.

Slide your fingers under the neck (it may not be possible to get them completely underneath and it doesn't matter). Then, using your palm to support the side of the head, twist their head so that it is now resting on one palm. Place the other palm at the back of their now exposed head and turn their head back. You should now be holding their head on your palms so that your fingers are free enough to reach down the neck. From this position use the fingers to to move the neck gently from side to side - working from the shoulders up to the cranium. You may be able to tell that one side is tighter than the other. If so work more on the less tight side. You can then work on the ridge at the back of the head (occipital ridge) where lots of tension can build. Finally slide your hands back a little so that the head is resting on your hands completely. Make your hands softer and softer as if you were disappearing eventhough you don't actually move. You will almost certainly feel them relax quite deeply. When the time feels right lean backwards very very slowly so that your hands come out from under their heads and they are once again resting on the pillow.

This is a good place to end a session if they are deply relaxed, otherwise go round to the side and connect with their hara again.

Thank you all very much for your enthusiasm, attention and patience. Everyone's Shiatsu looks excellent and I have enjoyed teaching you a great deal. I will let you know when the next courses are.