The massage bible _ the definitive guide to massage therapy

Shiatsu A Japanese therapy based on Chinese origins , the term shiatsu means simply 'Anger pressure'. The following shiatsu sequence is based on relaxing the body and promoting the Aow of energy (ki) and provides a general constitutional tonic. Applying the movements with sensitivity is better than using a checklist of techniques. The focus is on pressure and stretching to balance the meridians. The massage should be balanced and thoughtful and the mind calm , with a sense of connection between both partners. Where you feel any tension, try to ease it gently according to shiatsu principles or work on another related area.

Principles 202 Develo ping as it has done from Ch inese theory and principles of medicine. shiatsu shows numerous similarities with TuiNa. The application of sh iatsu also depends on the flow of energy (kil through channels known as meridians. altho ugh th ere are some differences from t he Chinese acupressure model. The meridians male and hot) ca n also absorb and change in to one another. There are 12 pairs o f meridians governed by. and retaining the characteristics of. Originally practised as a ho me the organs o f the body. in additio n to remedy instead of acupuncture. shiatsu two central channels that are not related to speciAc organ s. These two aims to promote the free flow of ki channels are known as the Governor and Conception Vessels (or Du and alo ng the channels and to balance the Ren). and are located at t he back and vario us elements within t he body. When they are o ut of balance. we are front o f the body respective ly. yang not on ly more vul nerable to disease. energy descends at t he back and yin but disease is seen as a symptom of that lack of balance. energy rises up the front of th e body. Th e balance of energy between the meridians and the relationship between individual and environment are of signiAca nce. As in Chinese philosophy. t he Ave elements of water. Are. wood. metal and earth are attributed to all aspects of life. and the balance between t hem produces conditions that ca n affect o ur state of health. The interplay between yin and yang is also crucial to achieving good health: yin (wh ich is dark. female and cool) and yang (light.

The meridians (front) 203 Large intestine meridian - - - - - - -40-r .\" Stomach meridian --~~c';.:;r 'Z\" Triple heater meridian Smallincestine meridian () .\" r m (/) \\ - - - - - Bladder meridian i \\ - - - - Lung meridian '''':''':-!r--- Heart proteaor meridian '·:\"':\"':4-- Hear t meridian Kidney meridia n -----'-en i-ff---- Liver mer idian \\ : - - - - Gall bladder meridian

The tsuhos 20 4 Vario us pressure po ints are lo cated alo ng t he merid ians and a re know n in shiatsu as tsuhos. Th ere are 365 of them w ithin th e bo dy; t hey are li ke commun icatio n centres and are genera ll y lo ca ted in w ea ker areas o f th e bo dy or actual physica l depressio ns. Im ba lances may be signiAed by changes symptoms may be linked to t he in ternal in t he surrounding muscle o r skin. By environment. incl uding constitutio nal energy and emotio na l factors. o r to applying pressure to the tsubos it is external influences t hat are depleting t he individual. possible to correct imbalances within a meridian. It is possible to influence t he energy of a po in t by work ing o n ano ther point At any point alo ng a meridian t here further alo ng t he meridian in questio n : and to influence t he energy o f the may be an excess or deAciency of ki. meri dian as a who le simply by wo rking alo ng its length. Professional treatment W here there is an excess. t he energy is is o ften preceded by ham (abdo men) described as jitsu. The area around t his diagnosis (made by to uching t he po int may feel tense o r hard. and abdo men wit h the hand) together with pressure here may be sharp o r painful : general o bserva tio ns that will determ ine t he condi tio n may be acute. W here t he shiatsu sequence. Ski ll in feeling these diffe ring states o f energy comes t here is a deAciency of ki . the condition with practice and experience. alo ng wit h is descri bed as kyo. The area aro und an understanding of how and where to apply pressure. th is po int may feel soft o r ho llow. and pressure here may be more li ke an ache or can even be quite pleasura ble: th e conditio n is usually chronic. Meridians are associated wit h t he functio n o f an o rgan. rath er t han simply wit h t he o rgan itself Treatment o f any constrictio n takes th e underlying ca use into account . which may be due to a va riety of factors. Physica l

The tsubos (Fron t) 205 Ren (CV) 17 - --+I-+--rl'!+!--!+-':.+-. L1 11 - - - - - - - - - - :.)f HP 6 Lu 9 TH 4 HP 7 ~'-.+..,--- Ht 7 5 1 5---~:; 1 ···· ~-Lu l1 L1 4 - -----I:fH-I :~, : ~\" ~. .. ~HP9 Ht9 1 ~-r------5p9 5t 36 Li I ----------. . r-- - - - - - GB 40 Sp l - ---··· ~====G B44 ····-------5P I Li l

206 The tsubos (back) Du (GV)20 ::J Du (GV) 15 Vl f- Du (GV) 14 THI4 =' 5110 I Vl THI2 L11 BI 36 GB 34 - - - - i . \\ ' 7 \\ - - - BI 40 ··..:·,.:.),-- - K I

The tsubos (head) 5t 8 207 GB 19 BI 2 .., 5119 BII GB 20 5t I I TH 17 5118 m L1 20 The tsubos (feet) 5t 4 t;j St 6 Ren (ev) 24 c: '0\" V) KI

Application 208 Shiatsu is traditionally applied fully clothed. with no crea ms or o il . with the receiver lying on the fl oor. altho ugh in Japan t reatments are now often given o n a massage ta ble. The giver uses his or her body weight to apply pressure wit h t he hands. as well as the elbows. forear ms. knees and feet. Pressure should be slow and steady. the FOCUS POINTS posture balanced and energy coming Techniques, The main strokes from t he abdo men or ham. This are pressure wit h the Angers. t humbs. whole hand. elbows and provides physical as well as emo t iona l feet. with some rocking . rubbing stabi lity. One hand. know n as the and stretches. 'mother ' hand. remain s on th e bo dy fo r suppo rt. The limbs may be stretched o r Movements, These should be moved into va rio us positio ns to provide slow and reassurin g. balanced mo re effective access to. and pressure and focused. using your whole on. the meridian s. However. you must body weight. always take your own and your partn er 's flexibility into account. Equipment, You need a mat on the floor; and suppor ts for the head. Both giver and receiver sho uld wea r knees or ankles. loose. comfortable clothing wit h adequate body support. Taking t ime to Feedback, Check for any healt h And comfortable po si tion s is important. probl ems Arst, and ask your partner The giver needs to feel balanced . both for feedback. physica lly and mentally. in order to lean in with t heir weigh t and give a good Timing, A w hole-body shiatsu massage. Full. commi tted contact wit h t reatment should take about each movement is vita l. as is feedback 45 minutes. fro m receiver to giver. At t he beginning. getting a sense o f a person's energy is better than trying to

209 » u .u-- .n»., o z correct imbalances. Keep ever ything as Shiatsu treatments are traditionally given simple as possible. In time you will learn on the floor. Th e giver then uses their body how to detect a deAciency or excess weight as they apply the movements. of ki and the best way to go abo ut shiatsu. each person and their health is viewed as un ique. so treatment is applying a remedy. Yo u will also begin to individua l rat her t han fo rm ulaic. see beyond pa r t icular sympto ms and take t he bigger picture into acco unt. In

The back 210 Centre yourself both emotio nally and ph ysically before beginning work on the back. You will need to be balanced and have eno ugh room in order to appl y th e techniques. The back provides you with a good opportunity for exploring the use of your bo dy weight. palm pressure Kneel to one side 2 rocking Positioned square on to of your partner. Take a breath. lean your partner. place both hands over forward and place both palms on the the muscl es on the opposite side of opposite side of the spine. 'Walk' your the spine. over the bladder meridian. hands up and down from the lower Rock the bo dy away from you using back to the shoulders. avoid ing the heels of your hands. Work several pressure on the spine. Lean your times up and down t he meridian from weight into your hands. but remain lower back to shoulders. to relax the well balanced at all times. Repeat whole o f the back. several times to relax your partner and increase your confidence.

3 stretching with the forearms 211 Place your forearms together at a n»OJ diagonal in the middle of the back. Your hands should form loose fists. \" Slowly stretch one arm over the back towards the shoulder. and the other towards the hip. Maintain full contact with your forearms so that your partner feels a good stretch. Without chang ing POSition. you can then repeat all the movements on the other Side of the spine. 4 stretching with the palms Kneel at the lower back. Cross your arms and place one hand over the sacrum (the bony triangle at the base of the spine) and the other further up the back. Without sliding t hem. push your hands away from each other to proVide a stretch for t he lower back. Check for resistance. then try again. this time stretching a li ttle further.

2 12 => Vl I;;: I Vl 5 palm pressure Position yourself 6 palm pressure Position yourself at your partner's upper back, w ith facing up the spine. Place your hands enoug h balance to lean across your Aat at either side of the lower back, w ith the heels facing inwards and the partner. Centre yourself at t he ham. fingers towards t he hips. Press with the palms of both hands, using your body Place your palms Aat on either side weight to exert pressure carefu lly. of the spine, w ith the heels on the Check t hat this feels okay w ith your muscles and your fingers pointing partner. Release the pressure evenly towards t he ribs. Lean in towards t he and lift your hands away. body and exert comfortable pressure. Work down to the lower back.

2 13 -; I ')\"- n '\" 7 thumb pressure Return to the 8 thumb pressure Place both upper back. Place both thumbs over thumbs at the lower back, about t hree the muscles on either side of t he spine, finger-widths o ut from the spine. with t he fingers provid ing support. Locate the bands of muscle that Press with your thumbs alo ng the become much broader here. Press in bladder meridian down to the lower with your thumbs in t hree places to the back. Press roughly in a line with t he sides of t hese muscles, along the outer depressions between the vertebrae, bladder meridian. Press in, hold, then always avoiding t he spine. Use your slowly release your pressure. body weight as necessary to slowly increase t he pressure.

214 9 circling Move to your partner 's lower back. Place both hands, one o n top of the other, over the sacrum. Circle on the spot in an anticlockwise direction to relax the lower back and hips; th is also helps to warm t he kidneys. Repeat slowly and sensitively severa l times, moulding your hands to the shape of t he body. 10 rubbing Maintaining body contact w ith one hand, rub vigorously along the bladder meridian using the flats of your fingers. Rub from the shoulders down to the lower back along t he inner meridian. Rub down t he muscles of one side first, then repeat on the other side of the spine. End by placing one hand over the lower back, and rest for a few moments.

II elbow pressure Using one hand 2 15 for support over the lower back, lean -I in to position with your elbow over I your partner's buttock. Relax the angle of your elbow and let your hand flop n'>\" at the wrist. Begin ha lfway across the '\" buttock, and lean into the muscles w it h your elbow, then release. Work down t he bl adder channel to just above t he buttock crease. 12 elbow pressure Locate GB 30, two-thirds of the way across the buttocks and one-third of the way down. Using your other hand for support. place your elbow - keeping it rounded - over the area and Circle into the point. This is usually a tense but fl eshy area, so you ca n use reasonab le pressure. Keep continuous contact w ithout sl iding. Leaning across, repeat both movements on the opposite side.

Back of the legs and feet 216 Make su re that you are in a good position as you follow the leg sequence. The position of your partner 's legs is also impo rtant as you apply pressure to t he meridians. Carefu l pressure should be used over the jo ints. Make sure that you use similar pressure o n both legs. palm press ure Position yourself at 2 stretching With the leg in a central your partn er 's hips. Placing one hand position, slide one hand under the on the body for support, 'walk' down ankle and bend the leg back towards the back of the leg along the bladder the buttock, with one hand resting meridian with the palm of t he o ther on the sacrum , at the base of t he hand. Begin just below the buttocks spine, for support. Being sensitive to and end above the ankle, with less your partner's fl exibility, try and touch pressure over the back of t he knee. the heel to the buttock, but stop when POSition your hand, apply pressure, you feel resistance. Release the stretch, ho ld, then release gradually each time, relax and try again.

2 17 n'»\" o\" oc- Vl o»z ~ m m -i 3 thum b circl ing Move to your 4 kn eading Knead over the ball o f partner's foot. Support it in your hands the foot with your knuckles, working and circle both thumbs around the around KI. Keep your hand as relaxed ankle bone to relax the joint. Work in as possible to avoid digging in, w ith as close to t he ankle as possible and your other hand cradling underneath repeat several times. Press in with t he for resistance and support, You can balls of your thumbs and app ly small extend t he movements over the whole circl es o n the spot to release blocked foot, but make sure t hat you avoid energy and stim ulate the bloodflow massaging over the instep. to t he feet. CAUTION Do not use point KI during pregnancy.

5 pulling Use your thumb, index and 2 18 midd le fingers to pu ll each of the toes in turn. Squeeze down the outside of :::> each toe, pu ll and give a little press, (/) f- before ending contact. Extend the :'0 I (/) movement about 2.5 cm (I in) from the ends of the toes. Then lower the foot and repeat all the previous movements on the other leg . 6 pulling Kneel at your partner's feet. Slide both hands under the ankles, lift them slightly, then pu ll them towards you to provide a stretch. Take care not to overstrain yourself if your body weight is significantly less than your partner's. Repeat twice to release blocked energy from the joints.

7 foot pressure Place your heels 2 19 over the balls of your partn er's feet, CD your toes resting on the floor. Apply pressure by gently 'walking' up and >- down with your feet. Adjust your weight if necessary so that you apply () pressure comfortably and evenly on the spot. Be careful to avoid any pressure o\"\" over the instep. ..\" ~ [) (J1 >z- o ~ /\" 8 pa lm pressure Ask your partner to turn on their side, upper leg bent towards the floor to expose the gall bladder mer idian. Use a cushion for support under the knee. WIth one hand on the body for support, 'walk' down the outside of the leg to the ankle, avoiding pressure at the knee. Contact is with the whole hand, pressure with the palm. Position, press, hold and release, then repeat on the other leg.

The abdomen 220 Shiatsu over the ham or abdomen is sometimes given as a complete massage and is very impo rtant in professional diag nosis. Relaxatio n is key here.. Use sensitivity. especially during menstruatio n when you might prefer to simply use the Arst step. Hara massage should be avoided during pregnancy. resting Place one hand under t he back fo r support and the other fl at o n the abdomen. just belo w the navel. Keep your hands in contact as your partner breathes in and o ut. allowing your hands to rise and fall w ith the breath. Breathe ca lm ly yourself. relax and put any thoughts to o ne side. 2 palm pressure With o ne hand on t he abdomen for suppo rt. slowly apply pressure over the abdo men moving in a clockwise circle around t he navel. Yo ur hand should feel relaxing and reassuring. Be aware of any areas of tension . The pressure wi ll have an effect o n t he inner organs and create a feeling of relaxation and well - being.

22 1 --i I » ooCD :<:: m Z 3 palm pressure Circle both hands 4 heel pressure Place your hands over the abdo men to relax your over your partner's hips. heels inwards. partner. The directio n should be fing ers po inting to the floor. Ver y clockwise around the navel. once gently and slowly lean your weight into again paying attention to any tense your palms. hold. then release the areas. Make sure o ne hand rema ins in pressure. The movement shou ld come contact with the body at all times for from your ham . This helps to relax and continuity and reassurance. and repeat open up the pelvic area. but great care the movements several times. sho uld be taken not to press too hard.

The chest 222 Work from a balanced positio n over the chest, so that you can easily regulate your pressure. Avoid applying any pressure directly on the breasts. From here the sequence continues in a clockwise direction around your partner's body until you once again return to t he chest. palm pressure Lean over your partner, but retain control of your balance. Place t he heels of both hands over t he ribcage, just beneath the balls of the shoulders, with your fin gers facing towards the arms. Lean into your hands and apply pressure evenly with your palms. Lean back again as you release the pressure. 2 palm pressure Move your hands so that the palms are over the ribcage on either side of the sternum. just above t he breasts. The heels of your hands should be facing each other, wit h the fing ers pointing away. Lean into your hands to apply steady pressure, hold for a moment, t hen lean back as you release. This stimulates LU 2.

3 fing er pressure Place both hands 223 facing each other just below t he --i collarbone, about 2.5 cm (I in ) either I side of the sternum. Apply pressure over the ribs, working down the centre n of the body towards the diaphragm. This is a simple way to avoid heavy I pressure as well as any pressure over m the breasts. V> --i 4 passive rotation Bring your partner 's arm out to the side. With one hand steadying the arm at the elbow, grasp the hand in your own and lift t he forearm. From here slowly rotate the arm at the elbow in both directions. This helps to relax the jo ints and improve the flow of energy t hrough the meridians.

The arms and hands 224 Begin the sequence on the arm nearest to you, including a stretch, and work right down to the tips of the Angers for a Anal release of energy. From here t he seq uence continues around th e body so you will complete work on the o pposite arm when you have reached the other side. palm pressure Position yourself at 2 thumb pressure Locate HP 6, your partn er 's side. Place the arm, palm wh ich is in the middl e of t he forearm, facing upwards, at a right angle to t he about two and a half Anger- widths up body. With one hand resting o n t he from the wrist. Keep contact with your sho ulder fo r suppo rt. apply pressure partner's arm w ith one hand and place with your other palm along t he inner your t humb over t he po int. Press in arm , working from the sho ulder to t he slowly and steadily w ith t he ball of wrist. Check your balance, position your thumb, then release equally your palm, lean in with your w eight steadily. This is a good po int for stress and t hen release evenly and steadily. relief. Repeat several times.

225 --l I :>- '';\": Vl :z>- o I :z>- o V> 3 pulling Grasp your partner's hand 4 heel pressure With one hand on securely, lift the arm and pull back the shoulder for support, use the heel towards you to give a stretch. Your of your other hand to press along the position should be balanced so that inner arm, following the lung meridian. you can use your body weight and Place your hand, press, hold and release imagine the movement com ing from at regular intervals working your way your ham . The stretch helps to release to the hand. Press over the thumb and any energy around the joints. squeeze the tip for a Anal release.

22 6 ::> V) :f;-: I V) 5 thumb pressure Locate LI 4, w hich 6 squeezing Place your th ird finger lies in the w eb of t he hand between and thumb in t he web of your partner's the index fin ger and thumb. Place your hand between their index fin ger and t humb in position, circle over t he spot, t humb. Reach as high as you can, t hen t hen press it between your fing er and squeeze as you pull between t he t he tip o f your t humb. Hold for a few tendons and bones to the fin gers. As moments, t hen release your pressure. you do so, jiggle between t he t humb For a more subt le effect, simply circle and fin ger so t hat you get a zigzag on t he spo t w it h t he ball o f your effect. Repeat betw een t he tendo ns thumb. across t he back of t he hand. CAUTION Do no t use point LI 4 during preg nancy.

227 I\"\"' » $\"\": V1 »z 0 I» Z 0 V1 7 thumb pressure Turn t he hand so 8 squeezing Grasp your part ner 's that t he palm faces upwards, in terlace thumb between your own thumb and your li ttle fing ers and support from fing ers and squeeze down to t he tip. underneath . Th is stretches out t he Twist along the side of t he thumb, fingers and helps to open up t he palm. pressing quite firmly, squeeze at t he Then press fair ly firmly over t he surface nailbed, t hen pu ll o ff t he thumb wit h wit h both thumbs to stimulate as much a fl ick. Repeat the movements over of the hand as possible. each fin ger in turn. This helps to both stimu late and release energy.

Front of the legs and feet 228 The sequence now works up the front of the body following the meridians. Take care as you move the legs into positio n to keep with in your partner's comfo r t zone. The pressure you use sho uld be similar for both legs, with gentle pressure applied to the jo ints, passive rotation Move to your 2 palm pressure Position yourself at partner 's foot. Slip one hand under t he your partner's thigh . Keep contact with ankle and the other under the knee one hand on the abdomen, and use the and carefully raise the leg. Use your other hand to 'walk' down the side of body w eight to gently rotate t he leg the thigh to the knee to stimulate the at the hip, your own leg providing stomach meridian. Position, press, hold support where necessary. Rotate and release. Continue carefully over the several times in both directions to relax knee and down the side of the lower the hip then carefully lower the leg to leg. Uft your hand when you reach the t he floor. ankle and repeat several ti mes.

3 thumb pressure Locate St 36 by 229 running your thumb along the line of 'n the shinbone until you come to the curve of t he bone just below the knee. '0z\" Hold your thumb in position, then press slow ly w ith the ball of the thumb. -i Check the pressure with your partner because this po int can often be 0 sensitive. St 36 is a good tonic point for the digestive system. -i I r m () V> :z> 0 'n m m -i 4 palm pressure Place your hands underneath the knee and the foot. Bend the leg and bring it out to the side. Keeping contact with the abdomen, 'walk' down the inside o f the leg with the palm of t he other hand. Th is stimu lates the liver meridian. Adjust your movements to your partner's flexibility and use a cushio n for support if necessary. Apply a gentler pressure over the knee. Repeat several times.

230 5 pulling Making sure your own 6 palm pressure Cradling the ankle position is steady, slide one hand under in one hand for support, place your t he ankle and the other over the top of palm over the ball of your partner's the foot. Raise the leg sligh t ly t hen pull foot. Press the foot back towards your back towards you to provide a stretch. partner, helping to release the ankle Relax then try again. This is good for jo int. The range of movement will releasing energy from the joints and depend on your partner's fl exibility, but helping the flow of energy to and from repeat several times, each time pushing the feet. a litt le further to provide a stretch at the back of the leg.

7 pu sh ing With your feet shoulder 23 1 widt h apart, knees bent and in a .\" balanced position, lift both your partner's legs at once and place the 'oz\" soles of the feet against your thighs. Lean forwards and push aga inst your -j partner, as if you were trying to push them away from you. Using the o resistance of their body weight, t his movement helps to relax and balance .\" the body. -j I r m () V> > Z o .\" m m -j 8 passive ro tati o n From this pOSitio n lea n furth er forwards, reach below your partner's knees and bend the legs towards t he chest, using your body weight to increase the stretch. You can then rotate bo th legs at once in both directions to relax the lower back. Lower the legs carefully then repeat the preceding sequences on the other leg. ./.

The neck and scalp 232 Before beginning work on the neck and sca lp you need to complete the shiatsu sequence on your partner's other arm. W ith the body now relaxed the neck massage should be easier for your partner. Encourage their trust by crad ling their head with conAdence. Th is wi ll help them to really let go. pu ll ing Having completed the arm sequence on pages 224-227, position yourself at your partner's head. Lean forwards, grasp both arms at the wrist t hen lean back with your body weight to provide a stretch to the arms and torso. Hold for several moments, checking comfort levels with your partner, then slowly release and guide the arms back down to the floor. 2 foot pressure Sitting behind your partner, knees slightly bent, place both your heels over the tops o f your partner's shoulders. Place your hands behind you on the floor to steady you, then push each shoulder away from you in turn. Repeat gently several times to relax the shoulders and spine. Yo ur partner should relax so their bo dy rocks with the movement.

233 --l I zn '»z\" o Vl n» r \" 3 pulling Slide both hands under the 4 rocking Cradling the base of your neck and positio n them at the base of partner's skull in your hands, gently the skull, so that the head is cradled in turn the head from side to side. This your hands. Lift the head slightly and relaxes the neck muscles. Start slowly, give a stretch by pull ing it towards you, then as your partner relaxes you can Sitting back on your heels as you do use a gentle rocking movement. so. Keeping your arms outstretched Encourage your partner to let go so enables you to remain well balanced. that you perform the movements Slide your hands right under the sku ll without either their resistance or help. and lower the head again gently.

234 5 finger pressure Using t he tip of ::> your middle fing er as a guide. run it Vl ~ up t he spine until you locate the I Vl depression just below the base of your partner's skull. Once in position. press gently in towards GY 15 with the ball of your finger. hold for a moment and then release. This is very good for promoting calm. 6 thumb pressure Cup your hands around the head. w ith your thumbs together at the hairline. Apply pressure w ith the balls of both thumbs together. working back in a central line over the scalp. Follow the r hythm o f locati ng. pressing. holding and releasing. so that your movements and pressure are applied evenly and smooth ly.

7 thumb pressure When you reach 235 t he midpoint. in a line up from the -i middle of the ears. you will be able to feel a slight depression. At t his po int :r press in very slowly towards Du (GY) 20 with the ball of your thumb. nz Circle minutely on the spot. This is very good for li fting the spirits and generally \"»z releasing tension. o Vl n» r \" 8 percussion For scalp stimulation. press down on the scalp with t he fing ers and thumbs of both hands. then remove them suddenly so that your fingers almost bounce off the scalp. Use the balls of your fing ers and keep your movements quick and light. End by tugg ing the hair gently.

The face 236 This face massage needs to be precise , both in o rder to feel good and fo r ::::> effective point stimulatio n, It is an uplift ing way to end the massage, at o nce Vl '< I both deeply relaxing and energizing. The Anal resting st ro ke provides balance Vl and alignment before the massage ends. thumb pressure Place both 2 t humb pressure Press w it h t he t humbs on your part ner's eyebrows, balls of your t humbs in a line up from just beside t he bridge of t he nose. t he inner line of the eyebrows to t he Locate BI 2 by finding the small hairline. This movement sho uld be slow, depressio ns in the bone. Press wit h t he steady and relaxing and should follow sides of t he tips o f your thumbs, as t his the bladder meridian. Repeat the lines point needs to be precise. Ho ld for a over the forehead several times. few moments. then release. Press sensitively because t hese points are often tender.

237 3 fi nger pressure Press wit h the 4 resting Cradle your hand under t he tips o f your fin gers in a line under base of your partner 's skull and place t he cheekbones, w orking o ut towards t he other over t he forehead. Pull very t he angle of the jaw. Press close to, slight ly toward s yo u to align t he head and slight ly upwards under, the bone, then simply rest. Empty any t ho ughts keeping your pressure and t he from your mind and breathe calmly. movements light. This provides a quiet moment before t he massage ends and tells your partner the sequence is complete.

Shiatsu quick fix 238 This shortened version of the sh iatsu massage conta ins some of the most ~ important steps. Perform each one with equa l attention and focus, for t he ~ best effect. In keeping with the fu ll length massage , keep changes in body position to a minimum . palm pressure on the back Posit ion the heels of both hands between your partner's shoulder blades, on either side of the spine. Your fingers should point towards the sides of the body. Lean into your hands to apply pressure on the muscles and stimu late the bladder merid ian. Work at an even pace right down to the lower back. 2 elbow pressure on the hips Round your elbow, place it on the buttock and locate GB 30, two-th irds of the way across and one-third of the way down. Apply reasonable pressure towards the body. Continue pressing over and around the hip. Repeat on the other side or, if you feel confident, try pressing both elbows into the buttocks at once.

3 palm pressure on the 239 abdomen Place one hand on the Vl body for support while you press I arou nd the navel in a clockwise direction w it h the other. Keep your :; palm flat and feel for any areas of tension . Doing t his in a regulated, -i relaxed way encourages tension release wh ich w ill in turn lead to cVl deeper, fu ller breathing. Dc n \" >< 4 pulling the neck Sit at the head. Sli de your hands under the neck until you can crad le t he base of the sku ll in your hands. Make sure that your parmer is relaxed before you lean back with your body weight, pu ll ing gently towards you to provide a stretch. Sli de your hands right under the back of the head to lower it again.

Self-massage 240 During the fo llowing self- massage th e techniques th at yo u have applied to a partner can be used fo r massage o n yourself Yo u ca n eit her t r y th em while sitting o n the Aoor. o r on a chair if t hat feels mo re comfo rtable. Set aside a few minutes when you can concentrate fully o n your own body and mind. percussio n o n t he upper back 2 finger pressure on the neck Make a loose fist . then pummel up and Reach behind your head and locate down t he muscles along the top o f GV 15. which li es in a cent ral positio n your opposite shoulder. Wo rk from the just beneath the base o f your skull. neck towards the arm and back again Press with your fingers. pressing up several times. Your movements should and under t he skull . Hold for a few be stimulating and over t he fl eshy moments. You will know when you muscle. rather t han bo ne. This will have got the right point because you stimulate the bladder and gall - bladder will feel t he energy resonate. which meridians. Repeat over your opposite produces a physical reaction. This point sho ulder. is good fo r relaxation.

2 41 »~ V> V»> () 3 rubbing the arms With the flat of 4 pulling the fingers Grasp th e your hand. reach over and rub briskly fin gers of one hand by bending t he up t he o utside of your arm from wrist index and middle fin gers o f t he o ther. to shoulder. rubbing in severa l lines. This way you ca n grasp. squeeze and Th en tu rn t he palm over and rub down pull each fi nger and t he t humb in t urn. t he inner arm to stimulate the Beg in at the base of t he fin gers and circulation. This w ill help if you have pull firmly down to t he tips. This cold hands. Repeat o n the other arm . releases energy t hrough t he hand. Repeat on your other hand.

242 5 finger pressure on the face :::> Place your mi ddle fing ers just by t he Vl ':;: inner line of your eyebrows. You w ill :r: Vl feel a small depression in the bone. Press direaly into the point w ith the tips o f t he fingers - it may feel a little sensit ive. This is BI 2 and is very good for sinus headaches. Hold for a few moments. then release. 6 palm pressure on the abdomen Breathe calmly. cent re yourself and place both hands fl at on t he abdomen. Circle gently in a clockwise direction around the navel. pausing at intervals to press your abdomen w ith your pa lms. Th is helps to stimulate t he intesti nes. Repeat slowly several times.

243 'm\" ~, $»: ''»\"\" 0 m 7 knuckle pressure on the back 8 elbow pressure on the legs Form your hands into loose fists and Sitting cross- legged on t he flo or. round reach up behind your back. Place your your elbow and press along the inside hands on t he muscl e bands to the sides of your thigh at regular intervals to of your spine in line w ith your kidneys. stimulate both the liver and spleen Slowly circle your knuckles over the mer idians. With the leg bent out the muscles. the direaion is in towards meridians are exposed but t his can also your spine. Th is stimulates the kidneys be done sitti ng on a chair. Press and wh ile relaxing the lower back. release at an even pace over both legs.



Indian head massage Indian head massage is an energizing upper body treatment. While stimulating techniques are used, it needs to be performed with sensitivity over the neck and head. The massage relaxes the muscles using a number of swift percussion movements , and ends by stimulating the scalp, with the option of using nourishing oils over the hair. The giver needs to maintain a balanced posture and concentrate on keeping a straight spine. The energy exchange between both participants is a vital ingredient of this form of massage.

Principles 246 The term Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit word meaning 'science of life' and \"-' C«) is the complex ancient system of philosophy and medicine in which Indian t/l «t/l head massage has its roots. Ayurveda considers balance and moderation to ::; C«l be essential for health, wit h body and mind being inextricably linked. u.J :r: z The chakras :5 According to Ayurvedic thought. the Czl universe is made up of Ave elements - The vita l energy that moves t hrough ether. air, earth. Are and water - and the body is referred to as prana. There human beings are made up of a are seven main energy circles, or combination of these elements. chakras. located along the spine Th e doshas through wh ich prana flows. These chakras generate energy that is In addition, there are believed to be transm itted to smaller centres within three doshas, or energies. that exist in the body. The Arst six chakras are all matter. These are ca lled yaw. pitta located in the genital. sacral. solar - and kapha . Most people have one plexus, heart. neck and forehead areas; dominant dosha. and an Ayurvedic the seventh is located at the top of treatment will take t his into the head. When t he energy flowing consideration. Vata is the air energy. through the chakras becomes blocked , and these types tend to be thin, this results in mental and physical restless, anxio us, creative and have dry disorders. Ayu rvedic massage skin. Pitta is a mixture of Are and water encourages t he free flow of energy energy. and these types are active. and as a result promotes good health. decisive. with a good appetite. th in hair and smooth skin; they also sweat easily. Kapha is a mixture of water and earth energy, and these types tend to be overweight, move slowly, sleep a lot and have thick hair and o ily skin.

Th e seven chakras are located \"1IIi~~~------- Crown 247 at various points along the (Sa ha srara) spine. Energy should Aow \"'z\" freely through these points to r-----Brow maintain the health of mind. (A nja ) n body and spirit. \"r m V> Throat --------'--jt-I·:f~7,)( Hea r t (Anahata) (Vishuddha ) Solar plexus (Ma nipura)

Marma points 248 The chakras are thought to correspond to the marmas, to which t hey ~ f,) transmit vital energy or prana. There are three main marma centres, located « V'l «V'l in the head, heart and bladder wh ich are vital to o ur hea lth and surviva l. ::;: o The body's vital force can be influenced by massaging marma po ints. .:s I o«z Marma points are points o f energy restores the body to health. Marma massage uses a variety of o il s that z distributed throughout the body, and there are 107 of them (including the Ave contain different qualities: they may reg ions of t he skull). Th ey contribute be ca lmin g, cooling o r burning and to our health by stimulating organ are related to t he three dash as (see function and maintaining equilibrium. pages 246-247). The o il that is used The marma points are areas of w ill depend on the dasha type of the concentrated energy. referred to as receiver and the imbalance that is secret o r hidden , and they provide a being treated. Essential o ils may also con nection between o ur physical and sometimes be used on the points by subtle energies. They are mostly located a ski ll ed practitioner. at the meeting point between body Indian head massage stimulates the systems and in areas such as the marma points of the upper body, face arteries. vein s, tendons and jo in ts. Each and head and helps to balance the point corresponds to a particu lar dasha energy in the higher chakras. (see pages 246- 247) and has a related physical symptom. W hen these po in ts are blocked we become ill. The free flow of energy through the chakras can be Facilitated by gentle massage of the marma points - or marmapuncture, which is similar to acupuncture. Thi s massage unblocks energy, helps eliminate illness and

The marma points 249 -;;;: .. ~~ o\" 1 •• Z --i .. V>