The History of Shiatsu and Acupressure Massage Therapy

by David Jacob LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist

Shiatsu massage therapy and acupressure massage therapy are considered as present day evolutions of ancient Asian healing arts. These two massage therapy modalities can trace their history back through the ages. Actually, the Japanese call acupressure massage therapy shiatsu. In other words, shiatsu massage therapy and acupressure massage therapy are one and the same. The Japanese also calls it acupoint massage therapy. The Japanese learned this massage therapy modality through the Chinese.

Shiatsu massage therapy or acupressure massage therapy or acupoint massage therapy began in traditional Chinese medicine over two thousand years in the past. In fact, the Chinese Canon of Medicine which was written some time between 475 BC and 221 BC says, “Overstrain and fright may cause obstruction of meridians and collaterals manifested by paralysis. The treatment is massage and medicated liquor.”

The New History of the Tang Dynasty, on the other hand, which was written between 581 AD and 907 AD, says “In the Imperial Bureau of Medicine there is one massage doctor and four massage masters in charge of Daoyin therapy (physical and breathing exercise combined with self-massage) and bone-setting.”

Another historical tract, the Six Codes of the Tang Dynasty, says “Massage is used for treating the diseases caused by wind, cold, summer heat, damp, hunger, overeating, overstrain and excessive leisure.” In addition, the General Collection for Holy Relief, also an ancient document of Chinese traditional medicine, says “Pressing and rubbing may be applied either separately or in combination; all these practices are called massage. Pressing alone without rubbing, rubbing alone without pressing, pressing together with rubbing, pressing and rubbing in combination with herbal medication – each has its own indications.”

More than twenty more monographs on massage therapy were written in the the Ming and Qing dynasties between 1368 AD and 1911 AD. During this period, massage therapy was categorized as one of the thirteen specialties of traditional Chinese medicine. Pediatric massage was also developed during this time. As China traded with other countries, acupressure massage therapy was brought around the world.

In 1949, with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, more developments in massage therapy ensued. Massage therapy and traditional Chinese medicine colleges, research institutions, hospitals and clinics were set up.

Shiatsu massage therapy or acupressure massage therapy is founded on the philosophy that Qi, or the life force, flows like blood through the entire body using not the usual veins but meridians. These meridians are supposed to connect all vital organs and even the muscular system and skeletal system. The smooth unimpeded flow of Qi results in perfect health. The state of the body’s internal and external organs are supposed to be reflected in the meridian points.

The meridians are also said to be able to transmit both good health and disease. Disease develops when the flow of Qi is blocked by negative emotions like anxiety, fear, fright, anger, melancholy, sorrow or too much joy. Other factors that could also disrupt the flow of Qi are summer heat, dryness, fire, wind, damp and cold. Shiatsu massage therapy or acupressure massage therapy can unblock any impediments to the flow of Qi and transmit therapeutic energy to any internal or external body part through the meridians. When the flow is restored to balance, good health is likewise restored.

You can get shiatsu massage therapy or acupressure massage therapy today from a licensed massage therapist or LMT who also does craniosacral massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and even pregnancy massage therapy. In fact, in some cases, a licensed massage therapist also does insurance billing for people in auto accidents after treating their aches and pains.

About the Author
David Jacob LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist
David Jacob
5406 SE 45th Ave
Portland, OR 97206
Phone: 503-522-5550
Email: pdxmassage@live.com
Website: www.pdxmassage.net