August 2001
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Shiatsu-Anma–CenterPoint,
Twin Cities
Shiatsu or Western
massage–differing theories, similar results
MARK DUHAMEL
“IS SHIATSU A form of massage? How does this stuff work?” As an instructor, senior
practitioner, and clinic supervisor at CenterPoint, I find myself answering these
two questions over and over. “This stuff” refers to shiatsu-anma, the style of Asian
bodywork therapy I teach and practice. Given the recent joining and ongoing integration
of the former Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy and Minnesota Center for
Shiatsu Study into CenterPoint, these questions have special relevance.
Shiatsu and Massage: What's the difference?
Shiatsu-anma is an integrated system of Asian bodywork therapy developed by
Dr. DoAnn T. Kaneko (LAc, PhD). This system incorporates the theories of traditional
Chinese medicine, as developed in Japan from about the 15th century, and the modern
sciences of anatomy and physiology. For general public consumption, we refer to this
modality as simply "shiatsu,” and often as "energy work.” Shiatsu is fundamentally
a form of energy work, but it definitely resides at the more material end of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
I like to distinguish shiatsu-anma from less material forms of energy medicine. I'm
referring to modalities of Asian origin or influence, such as medical qigong, jin
shin do, and reiki; and Western modalities such as Fritz Smith's Zero Balancing,
therapeutic touch, and Upledger's cranio-sacral therapy system. Very light touch
or no touch at all is used in these styles of energy work, in contrast to shiatsu-anma
that uses more vigorous, material techniques.
In terms of physical techniques, shiatsu-anma has more in common with other
relatively "heavy" styles of bodywork like Tui Na (from China) or Western
modalities such as sports massage and deep tissue work. There is considerable common
ground between shiatsu and massage therapy in terms of the presumed biochemical and
biomechanical effects.
Touch & the central nervous system
The stimulation of the central nervous system through the peripheral nerves
is generally accepted as a likely medium for both the specific and general effects
of bodywork therapy. The superficial stimulation of specific areas or points releases
endorphins that produce a general analgesic effect. This may explain why recipients
of deep tissue-type bodywork often report a pleasurable, "hurts good" sensation.
Theoretically, sustained pressure inhibits the over-activity of afferent nerve fibers,
thereby reducing muscle spasm and pain. Conversely, light stimulation may stimulate
the peripheral nerves that then initiate various biochemical processes.
These theories fail to adequately address the phenomenon of non-local effects in
Asian bodywork. They don't explain why an acupoint near the ankle releases a spasm
in the neck, or a point near the wrist arrests feelings of nausea. These non-local
effects mark a clear distinction between Asian bodywork therapy and Western bioscience-based
work.
Qi and the meridians or channels
All effects of treatment, both local and non-local, material and subtle, are
explained in Asian medicine under the rubric of Qi. Qi is a concept, not a thing,
similar to the concept of "humours" in early Western medicine, or the idea
of "prana" from the Vedic traditions of India. Qi is often described as
“vital energy,” though the concept is itself unclear given the problems in translation
from Chinese–a pictorial conceptual language–to the more linear and specific text
languages of the West.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the anatomy of the body includes
an intricate network of pathways, called “channels” or “meridians,” which conduct
the flow of Qi throughout the body. These channels do not have a physical structure
of their own, but manifest or surface in places easily identified using the Western
anatomical model. The Asian bodywork therapist (ABT) may work on muscles and joints
in the body, just as a Western-trained massage therapist does, but these material
structures are merely a medium for the ABT to access the channels and vital points.
The channels and vital points have traditional indications and energetic effects
beyond the Western understanding of physiology.
East or West, which one's best?
All of this to say, when comparing Western bioscience-based modalities with
those based on traditional Asian medicine, the main difference appears to be theoretical.
The subjective experience of the client is similar between the two styles; both approaches
yield results and are generally experienced as pleasant by the client. Some people
may
prefer one over the other, and although many want to be told which one is right for
them, there is only one way to know for sure. That is, of course, through direct
experience.
Mark Duhamel is an AOBTA Certified Instructor, and a NCCAOM Diplomate in ABT.
Prior to joining the teaching faculty at the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Study (now
CenterPoint) in 1993, Mark was an Assistant Instructor at the Shiatsu Massage School
of California, under Dr. DoAnn T Kaneko. He is currently teaching and practicing
at CenterPoint, and pursuing studies in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
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2001 Twin Cities WELLNESS newspaper.
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