Shiatsu

Body reading

It is possible for practitioners of shiatsu, as they become increasingly experienced, to assess a person’s physical and mental state of health by observing the body and forming accurate observations. If the traditional ways of Eastern diagnosis are studied, this can assist greatly. The Eastern methods were based on the senses of hearing, seeing, smelling and touching and also by questioning people to obtain information leading to an overall diagnosis. This is known as body reading.

Makko-ho exercises are six stretching exercises, each of which affects one pair of the meridians by stimulating its flow of energy. If the complete set of exercises is performed, all the body’s meridians will have been stimulated in turn, which should result in creased vigour and an absence of tiredness. Before beginning the exercises, you should feel calm and relaxed. It may prove beneficial to perform some abdominal breathing first (as previously described).

One example is the triple heater and heart governor meridian stretch. Sit on the ground with either the feet together or crossed. The right hand should grasp the left knee and the left hand the right knee, both quite firmly . Then inhale and, as you exhale, lean forwards and downwards with the top half of the body so that the knees are pushed apart . Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds while breathing normally, and then, after inhaling, return to the upright position. After completion of all exercises, lie flat on the found for several minutes and relax.