Introduction to Autoshiatsu in the cervical region

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.

Autoshiatsu therapy in the cervical region, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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.

Autoshiatsu therapy in the cervical region, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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.

Autoshiatsu Therapy, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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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AZE SHIATSU HISTORY

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.

Aze Shiatsu, Master Onoda, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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.

Shiatsu Therapy, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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, Master Onoda, Seminar in Rome

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 THERAPY, BASIC CONCEPTS

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.

Shiatsu Therapy, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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.

Shiatsu Therapy, Japanese School of Shiatsu

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.

Shiatsu therapy, against stress and anxiety
Shiatsu therapy, against stress and anxiety
Shiatsu therapy, against stress and anxiety

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?

The therapeutic revolution of Kogao® «Japanese facial lift»

Since the beginning of this school, one of its fundamental missions is to promote health at all levels through Shiatsu and other complementary techniques, promoting self-knowledge. From that desire, to invest more in prevention that in healing, also born Kogao® «Japanese face lift».

Kogao therapy. Traditionally, beauty in Japanese culture is the reflection of a state of balance between body and mind. Therefore, the appearance of a person's face can offer us a lot of information about both of them. Today, the pace of life of many people in our environment involves suffering from chronic stress and exhaustion. This, added to the sedentary lifestyle, often insufficient rest, and less healthy eating habits than we would like, cause our body to suffer on a global level, including the sphere emotional and psychological, which is also reflected in our external appearance.

What is Kogao® And what does it consist of?

The history of Japanese facial massage dates back centuries and, like other manual techniques in Japan, derives from Anma. The Anma, which literally translates as “pressure” (An) and “friction” (ma), comes from the traditional chinese medicine and it is the traditional Japanese massage technique from which later techniques were created such as Shiatsu and what is known today in the West as «Japanese face lift». This therapy includes pressure, friction, kneading, vibration and percussion techniques, among others. Kogao is a registered trademark and is the name we have adopted for the Japanese facelift technique at our school.

There are many types of manual therapies or facial treatments of Japanese origin, but Kogao consists of a series of specific techniques for manipulating the skin and muscles of the face, head and neck, also incorporating pressure points derived from Shiatsu. As in Shiatsu, Kogao only uses his fingers and palms. The word Kogao literally means “small face.” In Japanese culture, having a “small face” is considered a positive attribute and is an indication of Health & Wellness, since the opposite, such as having a swollen or congested face, can be a sign that something is not right in the body.

Taking this into account, it is not surprising that the self-massage are part of a facial routine common in the Asian country. Good habits of life are considered in Japan the main secret of longevity and of the good health. And the beauty It is, irremediably, linked to a good state of health. A traditional Japanese family, even today, considers massage as important as diet and the exercise, and it is a custom transmitted from parents to children.

Just as physical exercise improves the body, Kogao is an “exercise” for improve the condition of the face and neck. To be practical, in this text we will use the terms “Japanese facelift” and Kogao interchangeably to refer to our technique, which encompasses, as we mentioned, a set of various techniques, each with a specific purpose to manually treat different areas of the face, head and neck, with the association of Shiatsu pressure points, not only from Namikoshi but also from Aze Shiatsu.

Kogao is a surprisingly effective treatment and improves the natural condition of the fur, contributing brightness y elasticity. One of the results is a “natural lifting” effect visible from the first treatment. However, the objective goes far beyond the visible and aesthetic effects.

The goals of Kogao therapy

The aim from Kogao, as happens with the therapy from which it is born, Shiatsu, and since Kogao is based on it, it is to promote not only the health of the patient, but to increase the self-knowledge and understand health from a point of view holistic, as happens in traditional Chinese medicine. In this case, the starting point is one of the most important organs of the body: the skin. The treatment performed on the face, head and neck through the application of different types of manual techniques in specific areas and points not only produces a local effect, but also a state of relaxation and a sensation of general well-being.

Master Onoda Shiatsu Clinic, Kogao Therapy

Main benefits of the treatment

This therapy has several objectives. Although one of the things that attracts the most attention about Kogao is the visible effect that occurs on the skin, improving the state of hydrationthe elasticity and the firmnessIn addition to helping to reduce wrinkles, it is still the result of changes that occur at a deeper level.

Through manual techniques, the deep planes of the muscles and, through the pressure exerted on specific points following Shiatsu points, it is intended to activate the repair mechanisms of the skin itself, the muscles and other underlying tissues. In this way, we also manage to activate the circulation and the lymphatic drainage, and increase the elimination of toxins.

We must also know that the pressure we apply stimulates the secretion of endorphins, the neurotransmitters responsible for modulating the pain response, producing a feeling of pleasure, tranquility and well-being. For all this, we also know the endorphins like hormones happiness. On an aesthetic level we can say that it consists of a “natural facelift” without surgery, without pain and without scars.

Kogao is suitable for everything type of skin: normal, dry, oily or with problems such as atopic dermatitis or acne. It is also suitable for both men and women of any age and has no contraindications or side effects.

The natural face lift is the result of a combination of:

● Shiatsu pressures.

● Kneading maneuvers.

● Percussions.

● Frictions.

● Facial reflexology and acupuncture points.

● Deep muscle massage techniques.

● Smoothing.

It is done lightly through a rapid sequence of percussion movements rhythmic. Thus, the nervous system is stimulated, improving blood circulation and the lymphatic flow, reinforcing and toning muscles. These movements require great ability, since only with the movement of the fingers and the manipulation of the hands the entire treatment is carried out. The techniques we show must be constantly practiced to develop the sequence of manipulations with agility and speed.

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KENKO TAISO（健康体操） Shiatsu, healthy exercise

Select your 3 favourite exercises and practice them daily throughout your life.
好きそうな体操を 3 つ選んでください。 其の選んだ体操を一生毎日やってください

The Shiatsu is a manual therapy of Japanese origin that aims to maintaining and improving healthfocusing on the prevention as it helps to balancing the body in a holistic wayIt also improves posture and flexibility of muscles and joints. It acts on the body, the mind and the emotions. As therapists we can and should teach patients simple guidelines that will keep them in good health. Today we bring you a series of exercises to help maintain an optimal state of health. balancing the bodyThe new, easy to perform and to incorporate into our daily routines.

Shiatsu healthy exercises
Exercises to maintain optimal health
Shiatsu healthy exercises

Age-related changes in walking 加齢に伴う歩行の変化

Maintaining a balance between body and mind is essential.

Finally, we would like to remind you of some key rules:

1. Decrease the stress and anxiety.

2. Avoid greed. Live modestly.

3. Find your own way to relaxation.

4. Maintain the warm body. Do not drink cold beverages.

5. Do not overindulge in food. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

6. Practice aerobic exercise.

7. Laughing a lot and thank you for everything.

8. Have a goal to achieve, a reason to live and a hobby for life.

And one Shiatsu session per week, no doubt.

Director of Jyuku, Shiatsu practice centre.Onoda Shigeru.

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Shiatsu and cancer prevention.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of almost 10 million deaths were attributed in 2020, equivalent to almost 1 in every 6 deaths recorded.

Shiatsu as a preventive tool. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that around 18 million new cases will be diagnosed globally in 2020 and this figure will rise to 27 million over the next 20 years.

The most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancer and up to one-third of cancer deaths can be linked to the tobacco useconsumption of alcoholto the obesity and habits as a feeding and a lack of physical activity, according to data from the WHO.

Shiatsu and cancer prevention. Life expectancy and technological developments.

It may come as a surprise that, in general, higher cancer rates occur in countries with longer life expectancy and higher levels of education and standard of living.

How can this be? People's natural reaction should be one of suspicion, surprise or even anger at this fact. Sadly, however, it seems to be accepted without questioning what is happening.

It is indisputable that advances in medicine and technology have greatly aided in the health and well-being of people. However, it should also make us reflect that no matter how many drugs are developed and no matter how much technology progresses, the incidence of cancer, and other diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, is increasing and part of that is linked to the lifestyle we lead in our society today.

It is true that our life expectancy has lengthened, but it's not like we're going to make it to 100 or 200 years. Most of us, or at least I, would be satisfied if we reached 80 or 90 years of age, as long as it is with a good quality of life. Although, given the trend, surely some cardiorespiratory pathology could accompany us and thus, we would have the typical end that we have in today's society.

This has made me reflect for years, that most of the functions of the human body are still primitive and instinctivethat we do not evolve as fast as technology and that the negative impact of the changes we are undergoing as a society (eating worse, exercising less, living under more stress, in short) can be mitigated if we correct these inadequate habits, balance our vital energy and learn to living in harmony with nature.

Because really, the estimates of the incidence of cancers and deaths due to it, without going into the impact on the quality of life of patients, are truly shocking.

With this in mind, and moving on to the practical, I suggest the third medicine: the preventive medicine.

The lessons are very simple and clear. For example: "Zu Kan Soku Netsu" in Japanese, which means "cool head and warm feet".or "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki" or "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki".a long breath, leads to a long life".

We all live only one life and the most important thing for a dignified life is health.

For my profession I would, of course, recommend to receive one Shiatsu session per week in a preventive manner.

The Shiatsu as a prevention tool. The Shiatsu is a manual therapy of Japanese origin that aims to maintain and improve health by focusing on the prevention as it helps to balance the body in a holistic way, while also improving the posture and flexibility of muscles and joints. It acts on the bodythe mind and the emotions.

In addition to this, I would like to share some daily practices that are recommended in oriental medicine to maintain good health, based on their philosophy and customs.

For example, in oriental medicine, the word "TEATE" "treatment"means "to lay hands". The word "BYOUKI" "disease" refers to "vital energy disorders".

Let's think, what conditions would favour the development of certain types of cancer?

Firstly, the hypoxiaor decreased oxygen supply to a tissue.

The aforementioned lesson, "a long breath leads to a long life"This means that inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly is the right way to breathe and, consequently, to have a healthier and longer life.

We could easily imagine a frail or sick person breathing very weakly.

To maintain a healthy body, abdominal breathing is important, which is done from the "tanden", a vital region located three fingers below the navel, the area where the centre of our vital energy is located according to oriental philosophy.

Each phase of breathing is linked to certain organs and a defined bodily energy: inhalation to the liver and kidney, pause to the spleen and exhalation to the heart and lung.

Secondly, a low body temperature.

In order for our body and immune cells to function properly, a body temperature of approximately 36,5ºC.

Occasionally, the body temperature will rise as defence mechanism. For example, fever is a natural reaction of the body to an aggression, such as an infection, and involves the activation of immune system cells and antibodies to fight it. Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can lower the immune system's capacity.

Ancient Eastern meanings that identify with a healthy body are, for example, "Zu Kan Soku Netsu" (cool head, warm feet), named above, and "Jyo Kyo Ka Jitsu" (the upper body relaxed and empty, the lower body full and firm).

Both mean that it is important to keep the head or the upper part of the body relaxed and clear, and the feet or the lower part hot, firm and full of energy.

In conclusion, hypoxia and hypothermia may lead to a poorer immune response and thus alter the immune response of the patient. balance of our body.

Things are very simple: let's be careful not to cool the body and let's practise the abdominal breathing.

In short, correcting unhealthy habits and avoiding hypoxia and hypothermia are the basis for maintaining a healthy life, and it is in our hands to reduce the chances of contracting certain cancers and other diseases.

Maintaining a balance between body and mind is essential.

So here are some key rules:

1. Decrease the stress and anxiety.

2. Avoid greed. Live modestly.

3. Find your own way to relaxation.

4. Maintain the warm body. Do not drink cold beverages.

5. Do not overindulge in food. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

6. Practice aerobic exercise.

7. Laughing a lot and thank you for everything.

8. Have a goal to achieve, a reason to live and a hobby for life.

And one Shiatsu session per week, no doubt.

Shiatsu as a preventive tool. Healthy Exercises.

Performing an ankle rotation. Shiatsu and cancer prevention.
Press the centre of the chest and the pit of the stomach. Shiatsu and cancer prevention.
Performing a spinal flexion. Shiatsu and cancer prevention.
Press a cushion between the knees with both legs bent. Shiatsu and cancer prevention.

Jyuku Shiatsupractor Onoda Shigeru

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Shiatsu What can we do against ageing?

As we get older we deteriorate. This is inevitable. However, there is a chance that we can slow down the rate of ageing and staying healthy for longer.

60% of the body's constitution is water, and with the passage of time, this concentration decreases, muscles and organs atrophy, fail or become paralysed, and death ensues. The natural process of human beings is to age and die. Being aware of this truth, the reality is that it is also natural for people to want to live longer and in the best possible conditions.

The three leading causes of death in Japan are cancer, heart disease and stroke. Let's talk about the health focusing on the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

In the traditional medicine China there is a classification according to body build. According to this, those who suffer from heart attacks tend to belong to the group of Ka-Kyo-Jyo-Jitsu Ka-Kyo-Jyo-Jitsuwhich means that the lower part of the body is empty or that there is energy deficiency and the upper part is overloaded.

With this in mind, in what state would we find health?

It would be in the state of Jyo-Kyo-Ka-Jitsu. This means that the upper part is relaxed and the lower part is strong and full of energy as if rooted in the earth.

The state we talked about earlier, Ka-Kyo-Jyo-Jitsu Ka-Kyo-Jyo-Jitsuis the opposite of the ideal state. The lower part is weakened, sluggish, and in the upper part there is a build-up of energy, anger and/or rage, which can also be interpreted as mental stressand the person also has shallow chest breathing. In short, people who tend to suffer from heart attacks are those who accumulate their vital energies unbalanced in the upper part of the body.

What are the physiological characteristics of patients who may suffer a heart attack?

It has been proven that both the heart attacks as strokes have a morning peak incidence, i.e. they tend to occur more in the morning. Although the cause of this is multifactorial, it appears that one of them may be the increase in blood pressure which occurs especially when waking up. This happens because the body tries to raise the blood pressure in order to start daytime activities. Normally the cells of the vascular endothelium prevent an excessive increase in blood pressure and vasodilation occurs to keep the blood pressure stable. But if there is a dysfunction in the cells, dilation of the blood vessels does not occur, and the blood pressure remains high, leading to a health risk.

Predisposing causes:

1. Smoking.             

2. Excessive eating and drinking.                                                   

3. Obesity.

4. Hypertension.            

5. Old age.

6. Large difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, known as differential pressure. In general, having a differential pressure of greater than 60 mmHg is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular events, especially in older people.

In reality, people from middle age usually exhibit some of the characteristics listed above and are the group of increased riskAnd especially those people who also practice sports such as running or jogging, gymnastics or take a bath-sauna just after waking up to maintaining health or to lose weight. But they are unaware that such routines can be harmful and inadvertently shorten its life. In fact, as we get older, it takes longer for the body to raise its temperature. Therefore, it would be much more favourable to laze in bed for a long time after waking up.

Also, from my experience as a therapist, I would recommend drinking a glass of weather water or warm water before going to bed and one after waking up.

General preventive measures.

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing? (Although food education also plays a very important role, this time we will focus on physical measures).

1. Attempt to receive Shiatsu at least once a month.

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing? Going for a walk

Shiatsu is a manual therapy of Japanese origin that aims to maintain and improve health, focusing on prevention, as it helps to balancing the body in a holistic wayIt also improves posture and flexibility of muscles and joints. It acts on body, mind and emotions.

2. Take a walk

Brisk walking would be better and walking in the afternoon would be a good time. It is recommended not only to maintain the overall stamina of the body but also to improve the return circulation of the legs, prevent overweight, hypertension and hyperglycaemia.

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing? Strengthening the lower body

3. Strengthening the lower body

Performing the sumo "shikofumi" exercises: Spread your legs to twice shoulder width. Turn your ankles 45-50 degrees outwards. Lower your waist while keeping your upper body upright, and place all your body weight on one leg, which will serve as a support. When the weight is placed on the supporting leg, the opposite leg rises naturally. Repeat this movement alternately with each leg. With this exercise is balanced not only the lower part, but also the whole body.

4. Ankle rotation.

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing? Ankle rotation

Lock the ankle with the hand on the same side and with the other hand hold the toe of the foot and rotate the ankle slowly, alternately clockwise and counterclockwise.

5. Bathe half the body.

Bathing only up to the waist warms the body very well, but does not overload the heart compared to full body bathing or sauna. Therefore it would be great for older and middle-aged people.

Shiatsu What can we do against ageing? Bathing half the body

6. Stimulate the Sanri point of the leg.

It is situated about 4 toes from the kneecap, diagonally below the lateral condyle of the tibia. It is a very important point and is well known as the point for healing the legs and is used for any treatment as it serves for everything.

It is very common to observe among middle-aged people, especially in Europe, that they have very thin legs and a prominent abdomen "like an apple". This body type is most often associated with heart attacks. To avoid it, it would be ideal to train and maintain a good level of physical strengthThe above recommendations, which apply to everyone, should also be followed.

I encourage everyone to incorporate into their daily routine these simple exercises to improving our health and especially if you suffer from increased abdominal girth, with loss of muscle mass in the buttocks and calves!

Jyuku Shiatsupractor Onoda Shigeru

Related entries:

Benefits of Aze Shiatsu

Aze Shiatsu Japan

What will man be like in the future?

Shiatsu for elite Sport

Women's Superliga 2 Professional Player

Torrejón Volleyball Club. Natalia Tobón.

Athletes like me are often offered only one or two absolute treatments for our injuries. With Shiatsu, I have disproved this absolutism that is so common in sport today.  

I have never been one to resort to painkillers all the time, as they tend to cause chemical imbalances in my body, and I feel that abusing them would do more harm than good. That is why I have always gone to my trusted physiotherapist to treat my volleyball ailments.

shiatsu_deporte

It is true that the treatment is effective, as I have recovered from injuries in days that, according to my orthopaedic surgeon, would require weeks of rest. But it is worth noting the "violent" nature of this therapy, as it focuses only on the point of pain for a prolonged period of time, and exerts intense pressure that often goes beyond the line of pleasant pain.

After a session, the sore area feels as if it has been hit repeatedly, rather than treated in order to heal it. On occasion, muscle fatigue has prevented me from training after a session.

A couple of days ago I received my first Shiatsu session, due to an intense back pain that I have been carrying for several months. When I was informed about the therapy, I had my doubts about its effectiveness, as it is supposedly a therapy that does not seek pain and does not treat only the painful point, but is a global treatment. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the therapy.

To begin with, the session was on a stretcher, in silence and in a very relaxing atmosphere; which allowed my muscles to gradually but quickly relax. In my thinking, the painful area is always the most crucial to treat, but I was wrong to see that the area that hurt the most was the last one we treated.

The "general to specific" view is in complete contrast to my experiences in physiotherapy, as well as the absence of excruciating pain in Shiatsu.

At the end of the session, I felt light, relaxed, at peace and many other adjectives far less important than the lack of the constant back pain I struggled with on a daily basis. That night I slept pleasantly and without the need to wake up late at night because of the unbearable tension in my back.

This experience has certainly changed my view on how to treat my injuries and will be another therapy I will consider in improving my overall health.

Related entries:

Benefits of Aze Shiatsu

Aze Shiatsu for low back pain

Aze Shiatsu for stress

WHAT IS AZE SHIATSU

THE OFFICIAL EVOLUTION OF NAMIKOSHI SHIATSU

Aze Shiatsu is the reconciliation with Western medicine without renouncing the knowledge of Traditional Oriental Medicine and always looking for the best methods to treat patients. 

Aze-style Shiatsu has in recent years become an important essential study stop for manual therapy practitionersIt takes the original Namikoshi Shiatsu to the next level, making it fundamental to the treatment of Western patients. 

This therapy is the result of more than 36 years of research and experience of the Master Shigeru Onodawho was a direct disciple of the creator of Shiatsu, Tokujiro Namikoshi. By treating and adapting the therapy to Western patients, the Master Onoda He adapted the Shiatsu he learnt in Japan to the western world based on his experience treating patients in Spain and with very favourable results.

It is an evolving method that combines all the knowledge that Master Onoda has studied in Japan and Europe. This therapy is applied on a stretcher, unlike Namikoshi Shiatsu, which is applied on a tatami, i.e. on the floor. In addition, this therapy includes the so-called Aze points, which are intermediate points between the traditional Namikoshi Shiatsu points. 

Shiatsu for Westerners

To answer the question of what is Aze Shiatsu, we must bear in mind that more than half a planet separates the western world from the eastern world. Specifically, the distance between Madrid and Japan is 10,645 kilometres. But we are not only distant in kilometres, we also have different customs, thoughts, food and rhythms of life.

So, if we differ in so many ways, why should our bodies be the same? There are differences between the oriental human body and western bodies that can make a difference when it comes to treating certain ailments. For example, the lumbar curvature in Western bodies is around 20% while in Eastern bodies it is only 2%. This affects, for example, the frequency of herniated discs. And even if there are cultural differences, pain always is and always will be common and universal in all human beings.

If you want to understand this therapy better, you can learn more about the history of its creator here: Shigeru Onoda's story is available in this entry.

Finally, we would like to thank all those who have been involved in the therapists and teachers from Aze Shiatsuwho share our passion for Shiatsu and who promote this therapy. 

If you're interested, you can learn Aze Shiatsu from scratch at the introductory therapy courses or in the Professional course of Shiatsu.

Our school.

In the Master Onoda Clinic Madrid, you can receive your Shiatsu treatment.

DIRECT APPOINTMENT

BIBLIOGRAPHY: 

ONODA, Shigeru: Aze Shiatsu, basic treatment, Volume 1, ASF, 2017.

ONODA, Shigeru: Aze Shiatsu, lateral decubitus, Volume 2, ASF, 2017.

ONODA, Shigeru: Professional Aze style Shiatsu techniques, ASF, 2018. 

Related entries:

Benefits of Aze Shiatsu

Aze Shiatsu for low back pain

Aze Shiatsu for stress

Shiatsu facial

SHIATSU FOR THE FACE

What are the benefits of a Shiatsu session?

Today, we develop in this article what is Shiatsu facial and its benefits, an article that can make us see Shiatsu in a different way, as a more versatile treatment than it may seem if we do not know much about this therapy.

Of course, everything related to Japan and beauty has been associated with good skin care for Japanese women, as well as the balance of body and mind.

With Shiatsu, we contribute to toning our musclesrelax at the same time as we reduce wrinkles What more could you ask for from a single therapy? Just as we exercise the muscles of our body in order to keep our skin smooth and healthy and to eliminate toxins, wouldn't it make sense to do the same for our face? The face is our calling card, the first thing others see of us and through which we express all our emotions.

Facial skin is very sensitive and needs a certain level of relaxation to properly receive any type of treatment. To achieve this, we recommend working the neck and shoulders before direct manipulation of the face. The tension and stress of everyday life affects our emotional level. This causes the body to contract as a protective and survival measure. Muscle tension is transmitted from the dorsal area up through the shoulders, neck and into the face. Therefore, by relaxing the shoulders and neck we influence the state of the facial muscles, facilitating further work. 

We must take into account the reason for the need for facial treatment. A bad face can make the observer think that we have a bad disposition or antipathy; this can provoke an unconscious rejection reaction.

 The accumulated tension makes us look older, aged. In addition, symptoms such as headaches, jaw tension, drooping eyelids, dental wear, crow's feet and abnormal hair loss occur. 

 Even the best make-up cannot hide these effects. Even superficial work on the face will not achieve the same results; it will never correct the problem. It is necessary, then, a technique that works at deep levels to restore the light to the face. Shiatsu harmonises the muscles, blood and lymphatic circulation and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. 

 The patient should be aware that the Shiatsu treatment is going to beyond simple massage relaxation, working deeply on all organ systems. 

How Shiatsu is performed in the facial area

The therapist will remain seated next to the patient's head, following the line of the patient's body. The patient will remain lying on the stretcher in the supine position. 

To begin with, we can play the eye and eyebrow areaIt is quite important, especially with the "colour" that this area has. The colour does not appear literally, we have to feel it. 

Depending on the colour, this is a symptom of problems related to a particular organ.

In Shiatsu there are different types of pressure in general, in the neck use a slow and deep pressure without leaving quickly. It is necessary to stimulate the area but without overdoing it. We have to keep in mind that Shiatsu is an oriental technique originally developed for easterners; the westerner is much more sensitive and less tolerant of deep pressure. Therefore, we have developed a style of Shiatsu suitable for Western bodies and minds. We call this Aze Style. 

Observing breathingfrom the abdomen (hara, in Japanese). If we apply good pressure, the breathing will become slower and more relaxed, reaching down to the lower abdomen. 

Objective:

By relieving muscle tension in the neck, you can improves blood circulation of the area increasing oxygenation, lymphatic circulation with increased elimination of toxins and decompression of the nervous system. In addition, the energy channels that pass through the area are also released, increasing the energetic circulation. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, improving the lower area reflects an improvement in the upper area. Therefore, with a relaxed neck, the face will have much less tension. 

The duration of the complete Shiatsu treatment of the neck and face should not exceed thirty minutes. 

Shiatsu, as we have seen in this article, is much more than a technique to relieve back pain, as many people expect. With a complete Shiatsu treatmentThe improvement is noticeable all over the body, including the face. Find out more about Shiatsu.

Related to facial Shiatsu, but more focused on the aesthetics and improvement of the skin, we find the technique of Kogao Facelift.

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