namikoshi shiatsu

NAMIKOSHI SHIATSUBy Benjamin B. Eugenio Jr, LMT,

CIBTAC, MPA Asian Wellness and Spa Academy

2014

Course: Basic Namikoshi

Shiatsu

Welcome to

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE Cognitive: To introduce to the student

the intricacies of Namikoshi Shiatsu Affective: To enable the student to

experience both the healing & relaxing effects of the massage

Psychomotor: To impart to the student the skills of an effective Namikoshi Shiatsu practitioner

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Course OutlineI. IntroductionII. Background InformationIII. Basic Anatomy and PhysiologyIV. Benefits and ContraindicationsV. Elements of Namikoshi (Tatami) ShiatsuVI. Unique FeaturesVII. General Massage GuideVIII. Assessment & CertificationIX. Conclusion

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INTRODUCTION (1) In 1912, a young boy at age 7, made history

by helping cure his mother of an illness through massage

His name is Tokujiro Namikoshi His thirst for knowledge and desire to share

it with others led him into developing what we now know as Namikoshi Shiatsu

He founded the Japan Shiatsu College in Tokyo, Japan

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Introduction (2) Shiatsu literally means “finger” (shi),

“pressure” (atsu) Namikoshi Shiatsu is the only officially

recognized massage modality in Japan Namikoshi Shiatsu is a highly disciplined

massage modality that has to be learned both through hands and the heart

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Differentiation of Namikoshi shiatsu massage Tatami (floor) massage- more advanced

massage procedure Bed massage- improvised massage for

spa setting Chair massage- massage for busy

people & families

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Useful classroom expressions Konnichiwa- hello Sumimasen- excuse me Moochido- please repeat Sensie- teacher Gakusei- student Arigatoo guzaimasu- thank you very much Hai- yes! Gambatte kudasai- Keep it up! Give your

best!8

Elements of namikoshi shiatsu HEART – the intention must go beyond

self MIND- the mind must be willing to learn

new things BODY- the body must be physically

sound

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The heart element Sensei Tokujiro loves to admonish,

“shiatsu ne haha no kokoro” (shiatsu must from a mother’s heart)

The key motive for learning shiatsu must be to be able to share it with others.

Otherwise shiatsu sessions would simply be burdensome

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The mind element As often heard, “no two object occupies

the same space”, likewise any Namikoshi shiatsu student must learn to unlearn

Old information must be out so new information can freely dwell

An empty mind is a fertile ground for learning

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The body element Namikoshi shiatsu massage treatment

requires enough amount of physical energy

The student must be willing to give extra effort to internalize the whole learning process

Only a physically fit body could sustain learning and giving shiatsu massage

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Things to remember in the massage Hand techniques- proven method on how to

apply the pressure w/o causing discomfort on the fingers

Body mechanics- procedures on how to give maximum benefit w/o causing injury

Breathing exercises/Timing- making the most of the treatment

Shiatsu points- guide points based on the Namikoshi concept

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HAND/FINGER TECHNIQUES Thumb Two-thumb Thumb-on-thumb One thumb and Four Fingers Thenar Middle and Index Finger Palm on Palm

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BODY MECHANICS Seiza position Partial kneeling position Upright kneeling position Body-weight technique

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BREATHING EXERCISES/TIMING Breathing Discipline- To sustain the

whole massage procedure, the therapist must practice constant, deep breathing

Timing Discipline-Timing in Namikoshi Shiatsu is essential because it enhances the healing & relaxing effects of the massage. The 3-5x2- second Rule must be carefully observed.

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SHIATSU POINTS There are a total of 652 shiatsu points

to manipulate in a complete Namikoshi Shiatsu (Tatami mat) session

Easy memorization through clustering of shiatsu points

Important reminder: don’t be overly particular of the shiatsu points

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Namikoshi shiatsu modules Module 1- IntroductionModule 2- Neck & BackModule 3- Legs (prone)Module 4-Legs (supine)Module 5- Arms (supine)Module 6- Chest, Head & FaceModule 7-Stomach

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Demo and counter-demo The sensei would first make a complete

Namikoshi shiatsu demo in the class After which, everyone is expected perform

the massage procedures on a module per module basis

Note: At the end of the class, there would be a written and practical evaluation to be conducted to help assess student performance

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Helpful tips in learning shiatsu Practice makes perfect Memorize the shiatsu points by clusters Observe deep breathing at all times If you commit an error, never stop. Concentrate in what you are doing. Give your best

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Thank you. Maraming salamat po.

Arigato guzaimasu.

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