Category: SHIATSU

Antigravity muscles are those that work to maintain postures, whether standing, sitting or lying down, supporting the force of gravity. They are located on the front and back of the thighs, legs, abdomen, chest and neck.

The antigravity muscles, our balance axes.

Each part balances each other, stretching and contracting. Just to stand or sit we are using some of them that go against the effects of gravity. Therefore, they would be muscles that tend to remain contracted and where more fatigue would accumulate.

When all the antigravity muscles are in the optimal state, they balance between the entire set and any distortion of the body is corrected. If one has bad postural habits In your daily life, the antigravity muscles memorize that anatomically incorrect posture and maintain it. Thus, chronic distortions form, such as, for example, abnormal muscle contractions that can cause low back pain or shoulder stiffness.

The implications of a sedentary life.

For example, whether standing or sitting work, when a person is usually in the same posture For a long time, the antigravity muscles active to maintain that posture become more fatigued and contract. It turns out that the balance between the entire set is lost.

For this reason, those people should perform physical activity such as stretches or small exercises from time to time to counteract accumulated muscle tension. Above all, people who work sitting for a long time do not use their legs, so the antigravity muscles of the lower extremities weaken and atrophy. As a result, as I said before, the balance of the antigravity muscles of the entire body is lost, and this causes an inability to maintain proper posture.

To avoid this, you should also do moderate physical exercise such as walking.

(References: E-Health Net, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Welfare.)

Explanations about antigravity muscles.

The National Institute of Public Health, an organization affiliated with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Welfare, explains what antigravity muscles are.

“…In human bipedalism these muscles work to always maintain a correct posture and efficient against the tensions caused by the gravity.

When its function is weakened, it hurts us in many ways both physically as well as psychologically. Above all, older people They must maintain the quality of these muscles as prevention of various illnesses.

Likewise, in the case of young people, most of the problems generated by bad daily habits They cause muscle contraction that can generate low back pain, mobile phone syndrome, shoulder or neck stiffness and even depression, caused by the contraction or shrinkage of the antigravity muscles.

I remember learning in anatomy that deep muscles provide stability to the body.

In fact, for severe low back pain or cervical conditions we work with the pressure technique in which it reaches the deep muscles.

This would make sense when we consider that The treatment consists of restoring balance to the entire body.

In summary, the treatment that focuses on the antigravity muscles is ideal for Shiatsu since in it we guide the body to recover its total balance.

What are the main antigravity muscles?

Here I present the main antigravity muscles that keep us in an upright posture.

Antigravity muscles. (List):

Front part of the body.

• 1. Sternocleidomastoid
• 2. Transversus abdominis
• 3. Rectus abdominis
• 4. Psoas major (Iliopsoas)
• 5. Quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris)

Back of the body.

Side parts of the body.

• 1. Gluteus medius
• 2. Adductors (inner thigh)
• 3. Tensor fasciae latae
• 4. Quadratus lumborum
• 5. Tibialis anterior

Thumbs

• 1.Flexor pollicis longus
• 2. Extensor pollicis longus

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HISTORY OF AZE SHIATSU

Self-administered Shiatsu is an ideal method to be aware of our body and incorporate Shiatsu into our daily lives. A few minutes of Autoshiatsu any time of day can help us relax and direct our attention to areas of tension that we would not otherwise notice.

It is also a good way to develop our skill with Shiatsu if our goal is to treat others, since it allows us to feel the effects of the technique as a practitioner and as a patient at the same time.

The cervical region is a delicate area, the direct information we obtain with Autoshiatsu is of great help when developing our technique and thus being able to apply it more effectively in treatments.

Five basic rules for good health.

As we have already discussed in previous entries, in order to maintain good health and comfort in your daily life, it is important to adopt some regular and orderly habits of style in your lifestyle.

Observe the five rules that, together with this Autoshiatsu treatment, help us take care of and maintain good health.

1. Appropriate diet. Balanced food should always be consumed at the same times, not allowing much time to pass between meals. It is important to chew slowly and calmly, having a relaxed environment avoids eating with tension and thus we digest the food better. It is important to drink the appropriate amount of water daily as it allows the body to always stay hydrated.

2. Restful sleep. Normally you have to go to bed at the same times, our body gets used to certain times and by changing them we are unbalancing our body. Ideally, you should fall into a deep sleep after retiring for the night, gradually increasing to shallower sleep until it's time to get up. This pattern guarantees maximum recovery for the nervous system, organs and muscles.

3. Correct disposal. For correct elimination there must be a bowel movement once a day. Regularly practicing abdominal Autoshiatsu promotes the organs to function correctly and prevents diarrhea or constipation.

4. Appropriate activities. In human nature we have predefined the search for goals and new purposes by dedicating ourselves to our daily tasks and defining new objectives. Keeping busy with various activities and applying our creativity and energy makes it possible for us to improve day by day.

5. Laughter. Laughter is unique to human nature. There are many muscles in the face only indicated for this function. There is nothing more joyful than a life full of good humor and laughter that comes directly from the belly, our center of the body. The motto of Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000); creator of Shiatsu; It was “with a smile you rejuvenate, with anger you age” thanks to this motto, his life was long, reaching almost 100 years. Let's smile as we brings many benefits In our life.

Treatment in the cervical region. Operation 1. Anterior cervical region.

This is one of the most important and delicate regions of the body. For this reason, your treatment must be carried out gently and carefully. Place the left thumb on the first point of the left anterior cervical region, where the pulse of the carotid sinus is felt (where the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid).

With your thumb perpendicular to your neck and your fingers resting on the back of your neck, lightly press this point for three seconds. Then, following the inner edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle down to the clavicle, gently press back on each of the four points. Repeat three times. Do not move the rest of the fingers. Then repeat the operation on the right side.

Pathologies: Torticollis, back pain, stress problems, anxiety, sore throat, digestive system problems.

Operation 2. Lateral cervical region.

Keeping your elbows spread at your sides, place the pads of the three middle fingers of each hand on both sides of the neck, with the ring fingers on the first point (immediately below the mastoid process, located behind the earlobe) . Going down to the base of the neck (where the neck and shoulder meet), press towards the center of the neck at each of the three points for three seconds. Repeat three times.

Pathologies: Headache, insomnia, torticollis, prevention of atherosclerosis.

Operation 3. Medulla oblongata.

Place the pads of the middle fingers on the sole medulla oblongata point (under the external occipital protuberance) with the right one below. While tilting your head back, gradually increase the pressure, moving toward the area between your eyebrows. Repeat three times, holding pressure for five seconds each time.

Pathologies: headache, torticollis, shoulder contracture, flu symptoms, psychological problems.

With these simple steps, Autoshiatsu in the cervical region can become a crucial tool for relaxation and well-being, so much physical as mental. Incorporating these practices along with the five basic rules for good health into your daily life will not only help you maintain a internal balance, but it will also allow you to develop a increased body awareness and a deeper connection with yourself.

Remember that the Self-care is essential for a full and healthy life.

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What is Aze ShiatsuHow is it born? What are its differences from Namikoshi Shiatsu? What are the needs of Shiatsu for the Western public? Today we focus on answering these questions, join us on a journey that began more than 40 years ago, hand in hand with the Master Onoda.

Namikoshi and Aze

Tokujiro Namikoshi was the one who, not only, gave shape to a therapy that included a long millenary tradition that was never structured, but also got the Japanese authorities to recognize Shiatsu therapy in the mid-20th century. In the last 30 years, some of Master Namikoshi's disciples have traveled beyond their borders to spread Shiatsu throughout the world, including Shigeru Onoda.

Master Onoda arrived in Spain in 1984 and from that moment on, working with an average of eight patients a day, he developed what we know today as Aze Shiatsu.

Aze Shiatsu is based on Namikoshi Shiatsu and uses the same technique and form of pressure. Furthermore, the basic route is practically the same; Some regions and/or points have been added that complement the Namikoshi style. In fact, Onoda is the highest representative of Aze Shiatsu in Europe.

When Shiatsu was created, at a technical level, it only contemplated pressure with the fingers. Later Aze Shiatsu has incorporated into his style the alignment of the vertebrae, exercises to maintain and/or increase flexibility and improve posture.

Currently, Shiatsu in Japan focuses more on teaching finger pressure technique. Aze Shiatsu makes a Shiatsu adapted to the needs of Westerners. It maintains the essence of therapy for the maintenance of health, but attending to the needs posed by the lifestyle of modern society. XXI century.

Through the improvement of the body structure, the appropriate pressure for Kyo – Jitsu, the work on the “warning points” and the “Aze points”, he has developed his technique derived and improved from the original Shiatsu. The foundations of Aze Shiatsu have been reflected in different publications over time and have been made known to the general public in a multitude of conferences and congresses, both national and international.

The Japanese School of Shiatsu in Spain has been teaching Shiatsu since 1990 to train professional therapists. He had done it previously, but through less structured private education.

Through the international association Namikoshi Shiatsu Europe has carried out Namikoshi Shiatsu courses and has trained instructors for the maintenance and dissemination of authentic Japanese Shiatsu.

Master Onoda, Shiatsu for Westerners

The first thing that Master Onoda understood when he arrived in Spain was the difference between the eastern and western world. Not only did the customs and way of life follow different parameters, but the Westerner and the Easterner differed both in their body structure and in their relationship with manual therapy and their expectations.

Different body structure

There is no doubt that the bone structure of both races is different. While Easterners have a spine with attenuated physiological curves, Westerners have more accentuated curves, especially lumbar lordosis. The way of moving in everyday life, the use of the body is also different. That is why the 20% of Westerners suffers from a herniated disc compared to the 2% of the Japanese. Another consequence is the neck fragility of the Westerners compared to the Japanese; Most people have the excessively tight neck muscles, which can cause: headache, migraines, torticollis, etc.

Life habits are also very different. In the West there is no tradition of maintaining the healthy body. Only sport, which is also practiced by a low percentage of people, often causes more problems than benefits.

Differences in diet

Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in Western society compared to stomach cancer, which is more common in Japan. Probably due to the intake of cholesterol and animal fat. Alcohol tolerance is also different. It is clear that both organisms respond differently.

Together, all these points mean that the problems that afflict everyone throughout life are different, both on a physical and emotional level. That is why the treatment must be personalized.

Different expectations

Although Western society is advancing in this sense, its relationship with alternative or complementary therapies, and particularly with Shiatsu, is very different from that of the Eastern citizen. Shiatsu, like any other oriental therapy, emerges as therapy preventive and of health maintenance. People regularly come to receive their therapy without waiting to be sick; They seek to keep their body in balance to better face any loss of health. In the West we go to the doctor only when we are sick, and medicine only treats those who are sick; Preventive medicine does not exist.

Furthermore, the patient puts his or her health in the hands of third parties, in this case the doctor. There is no tradition of self-maintenance of health.

On the other hand, the Western patient is accustomed to going to the doctor who gives himprescribe a medication that, in most cases, eliminates the symptom quickly. It seems that eliminating the symptom eliminates the underlying problem. Furthermore, they do not relate mind-body and their previous mental attitude is not the most appropriate.

Furthermore, they do not relate mind-body and their previous mental attitude is not the most appropriate. On the other hand, it must be understood that Namikoshi Shiatsu performs holistic “deep” work with the intention of find the root of the problem and help you solve it. Therefore, the therapeutic effects, in some cases, are not immediate.

So Onoda, upon arriving in Spain, finds all these situations. The Shiatsu he knows so far is not enough to attract patients. He decides to investigate and improve his Shiatsu.

As Master Onoda says: “Definitely, Shiatsu Namikoshi emerged for the Japanese, that's why we developed Aze for Westerners.”

Aze Shiatsu and the Aze points

Chinese medicine is closely linked to Japanese society. Even without knowing the basic approaches of this medicine, some of its principles are so ingrained that people carry out “medical practices” every day without knowing it: a home remedy for a cold, pressure or friction on a painful area. Ashi points For Chinese medicine, they are localizable points on the body that become reactive or hypersensitive when there is some type of organic imbalance. In Japanese they are called Aze points. These points do not belong to the route of the energy channels that form the framework that Chinese medicine talks about; They can be located anywhere on the body and different treatment methods are used.

Onoda incorporates work on these points into his Shiatsu. Daily practice for so many years has shown that it is possible to improve treatment by pressing beyond the regions and points of the basic course. One of the objectives of the Aze Shiatsu practitioner is to locate these particular points of each patient and press them to correct their imbalances.

In Aze Shiatsu we talk about Key Points and Aze Points. Every future Aze Shiatsu therapist must be clear about the difference between them:

 – The key points They are important points for the treatment of some imbalances. Most are points closely related to acupuncture points and are used in similar situations. Others are points of experience and proven effectiveness in working with Shiatsu, defined and located after more than twenty-five years of work.

– Aze Points It is the Japanese way of calling the ashi points referred to in traditional Chinese medicine. Ashi points have no name or specific location, they are located in painful areas when there are internal imbalances.

The key points are always identified according to the traditional location of acupuncture, but the work of Aze Shiatsu requires searching for the sensitive point exactly. In many cases it coincides with the anatomical location provided by Chinese medicine, but in many other cases it does not. The same thing happens with Aze points. It is necessary to develop the necessary sensitivity to perceive where these points are located to press them effectively.

See Aze Shiatsu book. Basic Treatment (page 21).

The need for standard treatment

“The experience with my patients and the years of research and study have taught me that in Aze Shiatsu there is a standard treatment to follow that we must respect. On this later, we can expand and add manipulations and different katas according to the pathologies that we find."

In Aze Shiatsu a work order is very important. This allows the therapy to achieve.

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Shiatsu Namikoshi Europe

Shiatsu therapy. To the rich Japanese tradition of theory and practice is added the knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Currently, Shiatsu is widely spread and recognized in Europe.

The Japan Ministry of Health defines Shiatsu as:

“Treatment that, by applying pressure with the fingers, thumbs and palms of the hands on certain points, corrects irregularities, maintains and improves health, relieves certain diseases (discomfort, pain, stress, nervous pathologies, etc.), also activating the ability self-healing of the human body.

The Japanese school of Shiatsu, created by Master Shigeru Onoda more than 37 years ago in which Shiatsu therapy is taught and disseminated.

KEY CONCEPTS

•It has no side effects.

•Is a preventive therapy, in which a weekly session helps not to get sick.

•In chronic patients it is advisable as a natural therapy alternative that dispense with medications.

•It is important that the patient feels comfortable during the session.

•The pressure you receive must be pleasant, and not cause discomfort or suffering. We know that the pain threshold varies in each person, therefore, if the patient feels the pressure very strong, they should notify the therapist.

• Seeks the origin of the disease Awakening the healing power of the body, it helps the patient to restore balance, and in harmony maintain or regain health.
•Strengthens the Immune System, balances the Autonomous Nervous System, regulates metabolism, provides physical and emotional well-being, improves intellectual performance, awakening body awareness.

THE MEANING OF SHIATSU THERAPY

Unconsciously, when people feel pain in some part of the body, we rub or press the affected area with our hands. instinctive actions How these to cure disorders predate medicine and history.

The Japanese word for treatment (teate) and the one that defines states that are completely out of control (teokure); both include the word hand (te) and suggest the importance that ancient therapists gave to manipulation.

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION

Although they may differ in method, both therapy in the West and the East Anma, derive from the instinctive use of the hands to heal.

Anma, which originated in China and then passed to Japan, was long popular among people due to its effectiveness. It reached its peak during the Edo period (1600-1876).

Despite their different origin, therapeutic principles, method and effects, both Anma and Western therapy share several aspects. Both employ friction, tapping, kneading and rubbing techniques performed rhythmically and quickly. Both are dynamic.

The opposite happens with Shiatsu, a therapy of Japanese origin, and of a calm which uses the pads of the fingers and the eminences to apply pressure on fleshy and soft areas.

Currently, Shiatsu uses the most effective points for each treatment, based on anatomical and physiological knowledge, developing the most appropriate technique to work the different regions of the body.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EMOTIONS

The quality of life is not determined by what happens to us, but by what we feel and do when faced with events.

It has been proven that anger damages the liver, overexcitement and frustration damage the heart, grief and melancholy damage the lungs, dissatisfaction and obsessive thoughts damage the spleen, terror and fear damage the kidneys.

Beliefs, as Professor Meichenbaum (American psychologist) says, act on emotions, and through them, also on health.

It is impossible to control the external circumstances of life, but the reaction that our body has against them. This is where we can modify the body's responses and incorporate healthier ones that help us regain health.

THE VITAL ENERGY

The life force may be the most poorly understood of all earthly forces.

People who suffer from an alteration, both physical and psychological, or both at the same time, will suffer from a blockage in the tsubos, preventing vital energy from flowing through their body.

When receiving Shiatsu, pressure with the fingers will stimulate the secretion of endorphins, powerful analgesics secreted by the brain. This has been one of the most important discoveries of this century. Endorphins play an essential role in vital tone and depression. They act like neuromodulators, partially depolarizing cell membranes.

This depolarization, which acts on the transmission of nervous impulses, is what, blocking pain, produces a feeling of relief and well-being.

As we have seen, Shiatsu acts on the body at different levelsOn the one hand, it stimulates the body's natural recovery resources (strengthens the immune system, improves metabolism, balances the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system). On the other hand, it stabilizes the opposing forces (yin and yang) that each individual possesses, improves physical and intellectual performance, raises vital tone, provides emotional well-being, wake up the awareness of one's own body, and makes the person take a active role in the healing process, making her responsible for her own being.

Atlinks of interest:

Benefits of Aze Shiatsu

Aze Shiatsu Japan

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing?