Five Element Shiatsu

Five Element Shiatsu uses the paradigm of the Five Elements or Five Phase theory and the four pillars of examination to identify patterns of disharmony in the client’s body-mind-spirit and to balance those patterns through an appropriate treatment. The intention of the Five Element Shiatsu style is to address all aspects of the client, and considerations of the client’s physical symptoms, lifestyle, emotional, and psychological factors are all considered important. Assessment of the client is through detailed verbal history along with abdominal and back palpation and assessment of the pulse. Five Element Shiatsu is effective in both acute and chronic problems and its real strength is working on constitutional issues.

Five Element Shiatsu is a Yin Yang style combining both moments of meditative stillness and dynamic movement. The essence of our teaching is that of connection and flow around the body, each movement or moment of stillness should flow into the next without disruption. The connection between giver and receiver should be maintained throughout as far as possible in order to guide the Ki around the body thus achieving balance and harmony. We believe when there is harmony within the energetic system the innate self healing of the individual really begins to flourish.

The Five Elements or more correctly the Five Phases are an ancient and universal concept and provide a framework which places all natural phenomena into five master groups. The Five Elements are considered by some to be the foundation of many Chinese disciplines including Feng Shui and the Martial Arts.

Understanding the complex relationships between the Five Elements shows how the different aspects of our Body-Mind-Spirit interact with each other and with the natural world that we inhabit. Once we understand this multi dimensional relationship it offers a framework for diagnosis of imbalances within the Body-Mind-Spirit.