Macrobiotic shiatsu is described as a healing art. It is said to be helpful for everything from healing injuries to encouraging overall good health. Among the common conditions that may respond to macrobiotic shiatsu are back pain, headaches, whiplash, joint pain and lack of mobility, digestive problems, and menstrual pain. This technique focuses on the electromagnetic energy that moves through a person's body, combining a macrobiotic diet with shiatsu, a Japanese healing art.
Certain touches and pressure are used in macrobiotic shiatsu to restore a person's energy balance. To undergo the shiatsu part of macrobiotic shiatsu, a person lies on a mat on the floor. He or she remains fully clothed as a shiatsu practitioner applies pressure using the thumbs, fingers, palms, knees, and feet. In some cases, even the practitioner's elbows are employed. The shiatsu session is meant to help the client experience a feeling of deep relaxation and overall well-being. At the end of the session, shiatsu receivers should feel simultaneously relaxed and invigorated while also feeling in touch with every part of their bodies.
Macrobiotic shiatsu focuses on the energy that flows from one body cell to another, which is said to be fed by the emotions. Not only is the energy transfer dependent upon the emotions, according to practitioners, but the overall flow of energy through the body depends on the emotions as well. When the flow is not optimal, it is said that physical problems can be the result. As such, the macrobiotic shiatsu practitioner seeks to change the flow of energy, improving health and healing certain conditions.
Taking advantage of macrobiotic shiatsu means a definite diet change for most people. The basic macrobiotic diet includes 50 percent whole grains, 25 percent vegetables that are in season, 10 percent proteins, 5 percent sea vegetables, 5 percent soup, and 5 percent fruits, nuts, and seeds. Protein foods should include fish and legumes; sugars, spices, cheese, eggs, meat, and alcohol should be off the menu. Foods should be organically grown and prepared fresh, and the use of microwaves is prohibited. Additionally, it is important to eat food in a slow, relaxed manner.
There is balancing at work when macrobiotic shiatsu is used to heal the body. Shiatsu works on the outside of the physical body at the same time that the macrobiotic diet works to change the energy inside the body. These two elements work together to better balance a person's energy. A shiatsu practitioner is said to be able to feel the receiver's energy, understanding how it moves, evaluating how the movement affects the person's health, and helping to change the flow to provide for optimal health and well-being.
