And now.... A little background/history
of KoKoDo Shiatsu
The word "Shiatsu", composed of the element SHI
(finger) and ATSU (pressure) means a method
of treating illness with digital compression. Shiatsu is
a treatment in which the thumbs are used to apply pressure
to certain points in order to correct irregularities of the
living body, maintain or improve health, and contribute to
the cure of certain illnesses.
PRINCIPLE EFFECTS....
Koho Shiatsu, the style of shiatsu taught by Mr. Okuyama (founder
of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu), produces three principle effects:
- Indirect reaction cure - This effect
is gained by applying shiatsu to areas different from the injured
part. Indirect reaction cure is accomplished through the number
technique, wherein the body is divided into sets of 12 numbers.
For instance, if number 8 of one leg was hurt, shiatsu would
be applied to all the number 8's of the rest of the body. In
Japan, Mr. Benko witnessed a discolored, badly bruised toe regain
its natural color with the indirect reaction cure applied to
the opposite shoulder.
- Chemical reaction cure - This effect
is used to combat sudden illness or injury. Shiatsu is administered
around the injured part. The chemical reaction cure is quite
similar to the simple rubbing of a bruised area.
- Refreshing effect - This effect
is used to rid a person of exhaustion. Shiatsu is applied along
the lines illustrated on the chart below.
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES....
There are two primary techniques used to examine a patient:
- Line-pulse technique- The pulse
is taken with the index, middle and third fingers. The beats
of each of the pulse points are measured by two-breath time.
During the two breaths, each of the pulse points must register
8 to 9 beats if the patient is in good health. If the number
of beats is less or more than 8 to 9, the patient is not
well. A list of rules is used to identify the area of difficulty.
- Observation- By observing the
patient, one can gain many insights into his/her current
state of health. For instance, characteristics of a person
with a kidney ailment are pale face texture, dry nose, too
frequent urination, low pep, and low spirit.
ACUPUNCTURE: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT....
The pulse theory is the most widespread diagnostic technique
of the acupuncturist. This method is difficult to grasp and
seems very mysterious to the Occidental. By placing three fingers
on the radial artery of the wrist, one can ascertain the condition
of various organs of the body. Even in ancient China, the pulse
method of diagnosis was not the only one. The Chinese physician
employed a careful observation of the patient's countenance.
Many other techniques also were employed. When two active forces
within the body, yin and yang, are in disequilibria, the patient
is not healthy. Treatment is required to restore equilibrium.
The Chinese observed that internal disequilibria,
or sickness, manifests itself on or through the skin. Thousands
of Oriental physicians, over many centuries, have studied man
with unending patience before a system of points or lines, on
or under the skin, could be devised and related to various organs.
This system has come to be known as the "meridian system." Acupuncturists
insert needles to points along the meridians and the shiatsuists
press points to regain or maintain equilibrium.
IN RECENT TIMES....
Currently, KoKoDo Shiatsu and the KoKoDo Clinic in Omiya, Japan
were founded by Menkyo Kaiden-Shihan San Dai Kichu-
Yasuhiro Irie after years of study in Koho Shiatsu
and graduating from Hanada College in Tokyo, Japan. The KoKoDo
Clinic was opened in 1985. The basic course in KoKoDo Shiatsu
is based on the teachings of Shodai Soke Okuyama
Ryuho, who founded Koho Shiatsu and Hakko
Ryu Jujutsu. Right now, the Intermediate, Advanced, and Instructors
courses are the result of Irie Sensei's study and effort through
the years.
At the Eighth Light Dojo in Akron, Ohio, having the basic course
of KoKoDo Shiatsu completed is one of the requirements needed
before a student can take their Black Belt Test.
For your information, the Eighth Light Dojo hosts the Basic Shiatsu
Course every other year.
KEY SHIATSU PRACTICES....
There are some key elements that one should follow in order to
be a good Shiatsu practitioner...this includes your partner
also!!
- A decently lit room and a comfortable temperature environment
- A padded surface (mat, carpet, hospital table, etc.) and a
towel to rest your head on
- Complete Cooperation/Communication between you and your partner
(uke)
- Not too much pressure from your thumbs or fingers when applying
Shiatsu!
- Good, constant breathing (inhaling/exhaling)!
When you first do/learn/receive Shiatsu, you may begin to feel
some discomfort, which is perfectly natural. The reason being
is that the various lines on your body are not used to being
stimulated in a certain way. Also, your thumbs or fingers may
not be used to applying Shiatsu pressure to a person, so your
thumbs and fingers first tend to get a little tired or sore,
which is again natural.
Communication is very important with your partner because you
need to let him/her know if the pressure that they are applying
is too much. Too much pressure can actually damage a line, or
you may accidentally hit another line and not even know it! Lastly,
good breathing is important because when the pressure is being
directly applied to the line (contraction), the person receiving
should Exhale! When the person is not receiving (expansion -
no finger pressure), one should Inhale! If you follow these
simple guidelines, then you and your partner should have an enjoyable
Shiatsu treatment that will help both of you heal or make better
your ailing lines!
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