The primary emphasis of Five Element Shiatsu is to identify a pattern of disharmony and to harmonize that pattern with an appropriate treatment plan. Therapists apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or vital energy. Although this approach uses the paradigm of the five elements to tone, sedate or control patterns of disharmony, practitioners of this style should also consider a client’s lifestyle, emotional and psychological factors as well as internal or external symptoms and signs.
(Source: Massage Resource, www.massageresource.com)
Shiatsu in Japanese is made up of shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure. In Five Element Shiatsu, the massage therapist is combining hands- on massage with traditional Chinese approach to healing. The classical Chinese healing method is based on the belief that the human body is a microcosm of the five elements that rule the universe. By gently touching areas of the client’s body that are hindering the natural flow of energy, the therapist assists in restoring symmetry between the body’s energy flow of the client with the corresponding energy flow of the universe.
