Facilitation Technique Category: Therapeutic Massage

Title: Shiatsu
Source: "Shiatsu." Massage Therapist.
Equipment: Massage table or a spa bed, soothing music, thin clothing
Activity Description:
Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork that began in Japan. The word translates as
finger pressure. The technique is performed at a 1:1 therapist to client ratio. It is facilitated
wearing light clothing, sans oils, and utilizing tapping, stretching, pressing, and kneading hand
pressure to different areas of the body, such as the face, back, and neck. The main purpose of this
activity is to balance energy in the body and strengthens the natural ability of our body to heal
itself. It is a combination of traditional massage with acupressure techniques. This method
utilizes the concept of Qi, which is pronounced Chee. It is believed that Qi is a vital energy
in our body. Qi flows in meridians, which are different pathways.
The first step to facilitating this massage is to receive a detailed health history, as well as
taking the participants pulse to see where they are located energetically. Then, the facilitator will
prepare a playlist of soothing music. Next, have a meridian chart available to follow and to know
the lines to use. The participant could be laying or sitting. Then, use thumbs to apply pressure to
the areas specified and noted in the initial evaluation, try to apply pressure in dots along each
line. Pressure should last up to 10 seconds for each area. Total treatment time can be from 30 to
90 minutes. It is important to complete the pressure on one area before moving to the next area.
Follow the arrows on the meridian chart, as it is important to make the Qi flow on that line.
Participants are encouraged to take deep breaths and allow their mind and body to relax.
Leadership considerations:
In order for the therapist to facilitate this type of treatment, he/she is required to have a
license in massage therapy with training and certification in shiatsu. Before you begin the
massage, be sure to have knowledge of the meridian chart and share this knowledge with the
participant to discuss where pressure will be applied. Discuss with him/her where they would not
feel comfortable with the pressure applied and be sure to respect that request. If there is any area
that the participant does not feel comfortable with physical pressure being applied, pressure can
be applied energetically towards that it. Where a motion can be made in the air near the spot to
send energy towards it. The facilitator should have some background knowledge on the case of
the individual and be aware of any past trauma he/she has been through.
Adaptations:
Participants with Muscular Dystrophy:
Participants with muscular dystrophy can portray behaviors of fatigue and slowness,
adapt Shiatsu by incorporating rest periods and discuss with the participant what position is most
comfortable, such as sitting upright or laying down. The participant might have sore muscles or
portray tenderness or discomfort to the massage touch, adapt the amount of pressure utilized.
After a few sessions, you may be able to provide more pressure to certain areas than others.

Another area of adaptation is the speed of the massage, for clients with muscular dystrophy, it
may be beneficial to move at a slow, steady speed for a small duration of time.
Participants with Mood Disorders:
Mood Disorders are characterized as impairing a persons ability to function and negatively
impacting relationships. Each specific diagnosis has its own set of unique characteristics. In
some cases, individuals express exaggerated, inappropriate, or no feelings at all. Adaptations for
participants with mood disorders can include choosing a massage room that has natural or full
spectrum lighting. Provide environmental sounds and reduce the number of distractions. Allow
for frequent breaks in the pressure placed on the person. Use several calendars to mark
appointments and discuss the appointment times. It is important to provide an environment with
open communication. Participants with mood disorders can have difficulty with change, warn
him/her a few times before the change of massage position or any other change occurs. The
therapist should adapt his/her tone to be slow and reassuring.
Adaptation References:
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Dattilo, John. Inclusive Leisure Services. 3rd ed. State College, PA: Venture Pub., 1999.
Print.

"Using Good Communication Skills." Bipolar Caregivers. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2016.

"Shiatsu." Massage Therapist. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.

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