Free Tao Shiatsu download

I discovered this download whilst on Twitter this morning, as recommended by ‘London Shiatsu’.

Here’s a brief overview from the author:

“Modern Western medicine, with its reliance on surgery, strong drugs, and advanced technology, can be dramatically effective. Emerging technologies, like genomics and proteomics, offer the possibility of effective treatment for major diseases in narrowly specific circumstances.

But high-tech medicine has failed to solve the greatest problem confronting it: the growing late twentieth-century plague of chronic, debilitating diseases. These diseases are not immediately life threatening, but they destroy quality of life and cause great suffering. I believe Tao Shiatsu, the medicine of ki, is responding and adapting to these changes in illness. The dawn of its spiritual culture can already be glimpsed. I believe the sunrise of the human heart is on the horizon.

This book is an attempt to explain what the ki world is like, how it works and what kind of heart makes it possible to see ki and enter into this world. Much has been written about ki, but usually from an occult angle, or based on analyses of ancient Oriental medical classics. This book is the story of my personal and clinical experience with ki over the last quarter century.

Ryokyu Endo “

If you would like to read more and down load the book for free, heres where you need to go:

http://na.taosangha.com/tao-shiatsu/tao-shiatsu-revolution-oriental-medicine

An extract from Energy & Vibration – A basis for a new paradigm by Julian Perry (1996)

This s one of the few articles looking at Complementary therapies within the current health care frame work that hooked me from the off set. I believe it is as relevent today as it was in 1998 and hope that over the next decade western and complementary therapies continue to join together for the greater good of the individual.

“The current practice of medicine is based upon the Newtonian model, one that sees people and things as intricate mechanisms which can be repaired in order to restore health. However, this approach to human life is increasingly being seen as inadequate and wanting in depth and meaningfulness. The public’s growing demand for complementary practices clearly indicates a dissatisfaction with the traditional allopathic process to the extent that many health centres are surveying this interest in alternative healing modalities.

On the other hand the complementary therapist has explored their art within the framework of an holistic paradigm, one that sees individuals as multi-levelled wholes existing within a great whole and where working with one part affects others. Equally, they acknowledge that the real power in their therapies lies in the capacity to access and to treat causes rather than effects and symptoms.

From outside of this framework one could be forgiven for wondering if the wide array of complementary practices operated under a single paradigm or indeed, had any common foundation. It is as a result of the impetus towards an expanded view of human nature and of disease, that links are being sought between diverse practices. As strength lies in unity and cohesiveness, then by employing individual therapies as part of a larger approach to the patient we are better able to treat them effectively and to allow them to recover their own inner power and stability. It is this search and for the common foundations of complementary practices that is the basis of this article.

 

 

 

Models of Man

The current Newtonian model of medicine and man sees no further than the biomechanics of the system while acknowledging the complexity and adaptability of the parts assumed to be completely controlled by the brain and the central nervous system. All the organs of the body are described as units that carry out specific functions. For example, the heart is a powerful pump that carries oxygen and nutrient rich blood to all parts of the body; the kidneys are a toxin filter. It is no coincidence that at a time when technology in the seventeenth century was able to produce clocks of intricate design that also the structure of man’s anatomy was being explored in unprecedented depth. The analogy seemed obvious – we could model man on an intricate clock, a wonder of biological machinery. Something goes wrong then we simply remove and replace the offending part.

To deal with disease within this framework requires a detailed knowledge of each part and how they form part of the complex mechanism. Further, the way to deal with illness is to identify the malfunctioning part, system or subsystem and to either replace it or correct its malfunction with drugs or other therapies. In effect, one is working with the manifestation of exterior symptoms and assuming that dealing with them will correct the initial problem. Admittedly the level at which the problem is seen to occur can be very deep within the body’s biochemistry and molecular biology allows us access to the most intricate aspects of cellular function. However, this particular model of man does not acknowledge deeper frameworks of reality that might underlie these micro processes. This model still sees us as an intricate clock which we can now study at a more sophisticated level.

On the other hand, what is being referred to as an Einsteinian model, recognises that there are processes and forces that operate within and around the human being, indeed in all of nature, and which are not readily discernible by gross material detection systems. Further, it sees human beings as networks of energy fields that interface with the cellular and physical levels. The reference to Einstein derives from the famous expression of the equivalence of mass and energy which has been party to the revolution in our paradigms of the physical world during this century.

The potential that this model gives us is almost infinite. Instead of conventional drug and surgical approaches to treatment, we can address any problem through the subtle energy systems that make up the individuality. Couple this to a growing understanding of consciousness and its causal role in the world, and we can see a whole new basis for therapy within an holistic rather than fragmentary model of health and disease.

The New Paradigm

Central to this whole issue of complementary therapies is the recognition of the role of energy. Knowing this, however, does not necessarily illuminate us because as yet there is no consensus agreement as to the nature of energy itself. Ask any physicist the question “What is energy?” and they will probably start out talking about how it is involved in physical processes such as the falling of objects, chemical reactions, radioactive decay and so on. At this point they should have paused in realisation that this is not what energy actually is but ways in which it manifests. The late Richard Fenyman, the much respected physicist, was keenly aware of this deficit and purposefully wrote that: “Scientists fail to admit that they do not have the slightest idea what energy is.”

If the modern consensus does not agree on this matter then where can we look for understanding on this matter? The Greeks seemed to have enjoyed better insight into the nature of energy by virtue of the very root from which the word energy derives, ‘en ergos’ meaning ‘in motion’. From this awareness of energy as somehow linked to motion and change, we might form a more useful definition of energy as that which induces a change of state. This covers its function in all domains of reality, from the physical interactions that science is so familiar with to changes in mental and emotional states and deeper levels of consciousness. Energy then is the process of change itself, masquerading under various forms that relate one state of a structure to another. Now we can talk about healing and spiritual energy without being accused of dealing in abstractions and the indefinable. If a change of state has occurred, at any level of being or reality, then energy must have been involved in the process.” 

 

 

Read the whole article: http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=2388

You can also read my previous post on  Ki (energy) http://tfootitt.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/ki-or-qi-what-is-it/ and  a response to a post related to this articles discussion http://tfootitt.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/response-to-what-is-alternative-medicine-anyway/

Shiatsu-do and the Makka-hos by Meridee Pierson (2007) part 7

Tracy Footitt, Shiatsu

 Masunaga suggests from his work that when the Makko-Ho stretches are done regularly they stimulate all the meridians in the body thereby affecting the complete body reducing stagnation and free flow of Ki. He developed a whole range of additional Zen imagery exercises and it would be interesting to explore these further.  

CONCLUSION

Although the numbers involved in this dissertation was limited there appears to be an improvement in a variety of different symptoms. I think that the Makko-Hos can be used to improve health and wellbeing and will be recommending them in certain situations to my clients to improve their health.

It would be interesting to do further work with the Makko-Hos in a larger scale project over a longer period of time and to evaluate the benefit of doing assisted Makko-Hos, which I did with a number of my clients.

On a personal level I have been doing them regularly for the past six months and have noticed a significant difference in my flexibility and wellbeing.

I am grateful to all those clients and colleagues who have completed the Makko-Hos and helped me with this dissertation.

In the East the body is regarded as a microcosm of the universe and by being in tune with the cosmic flow of energy we can gain health, peace of mind and spiritual strength. Eastern traditions teach us that when our energy flow is strong and healthy we can realize our true potential.

The Makko-Hos work directly with the energy of the body on physical, emotional and mental aspects of our being often creating an improvement in several dimensions at a time.

Correctly chosen exercise benefits not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions. The bending and stretching of the body, neck, head, arms and legs in certain ways affects the energy flow along the meridians, releasing stagnation and improving the flow of Ki.  

Those who stretch regularly recognize its value in enhancing mood, clearing the mind and in promoting harmony, health and well-being. When stretching is added to the common sense approach to diet and sleep, the body is able to find its own natural balance and harmony – the key for radiant health and the foundation of preventive health care.

Meridee is a Shiatsu Practitioner based in East Leake, England. You can find her contact details on the Shiatsu Society website, alternatively I will happily pass details on to her from my own email address given on the ‘About’ page.

  You can see a Shiatsu Practitioner doing a Makka-ho stretch with one of her clients on Rias (Ria is based in London, UK) website:

http://www.motherhand-shiatsu.com/testimonials.htm  

Shiatsu-Do & the Makko-Hos by Meridee Pierson, 2007 (Part 3)

“ The Makko-Ho Stretches

The Makko-Ho stretches are a series of six exercises that involve specific stretches for each pair of meridians. They express the psychological quality of the meridian pairs, as well as stretching them physically, stimulating and encouraging the flow of Ki. [Makko-Ho Video http://www.makko-ho.com/video-of-makko-ho/ ].

The Makko-Ho stretches are a simple and short workout for the meridian system. The daily practice of these stretches encourages full health by balancing the flow of Ki throughout the body and by ensuring that blocked energy is dislodged, protecting the body from imbalances and stagnation.

Stretching makes clients aware of their own condition and puts them in touch with their own body. When they take responsibility for themselves by working directly with their own energy, and by being involved in their process of becoming better, changes take place faster and results last longer.

Regular stretching enables a person to stimulate and strengthen the flow of energy in the body, creating emotional and mental balance. Stretching promotes flexibility and suppleness, strengthens the physical body and prevents injuries.

Stretching is an ideal tool to get in touch with how we are feeling, to experience the flow of Ki in our bodies and to improve our general well-being. It can bring us to a point of greater balance, helping us maintain health and vitality on a daily basis.

 Specific Yoga postures invigorate certain meridians. For example, back bends energize the Yang aspects of the body generating heat and energy, while forward bends emphasize the Yin aspect, cooling and calming. When feeling sluggish or cold, back bends will give energy by stimulating the Kidneys – the foundation of Yin and Yang in the body. For insomnia or too much energy, forward bends are more suitable because they have a soothing and calming effect – emphasizing the yin aspects of the body. Right side bends and all twisting movements enhance the Liver and the Gallbladder while left side bends invigorates the Spleen.

 HOW TO STRETCH

In conventional stretching exercises, and in certain Yoga practices, the tendency is to force a stretch, to lock the joints and to focus on the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

When stretching to facilitate the flow of Ki throughout the meridian system the focus should be not just on the physical body, but also on the flow and on the quality of the energy in the meridians being stretched. When working with the meridians, the aim is to harmonize the entire energetic system by balancing and stimulating the flow of energy.

These exercises should be done with a smooth, flowing motion involving the mind, and in particular, the breath.

Breathing

Breathing is especially important when stretching and it should never be forced or held. The breath brings Kong Ki into the cells as well as awareness to any part of the body. The movement of the breath has a cleansing and purifying effect on the energy channels and by focusing the attention on the breath we can learn to control the subtle energies within the body.

The inhalation part of the breath makes the body contract while the exhalation makes the body relax. For this reason when we move into or out of a stretch we should do so on the exhalation part of the breath. On inhalation, tension can be felt along the meridian pathway while on exhalation Ki is released and the whole body can relax.

Breathing out is vital in these exercises. Unless we are able to exhale in an even and relaxed way, the next inhalation becomes tight and then instead of letting the energy flow smoothly into the meridians, we tend to halt the flow of this energy with tense breathing. Each extension of movement should be co-ordinated with exhaling as this makes it difficult to carry tension -injury comes from resistance and resistance from tension.

Learning to relax and release as we stretch is the most beneficial way to get the maximum effect from stretching exercises. Every time we exhale into a stretch we should be able to completely let go, allowing the body to relax and at the same time holding an image of the Ki flowing freely along the meridians we are trying to stretch.

When we completely relax into a stretch we are releasing Ki, clearing obstructions and improving the flow of energy throughout the body.

Intention

Intention and visualization are necessary when working with energy. With intention we can direct the flow of Ki in our bodies. The body also reacts well to visualization and imagination and by combining these with intention and breath awareness it becomes easier to contact the deep functioning of the subtle energy system.

The focus is to work with our Ki, with the subtle energy that flows in the meridians, and even if we are unable to physically make a movement or to move into a certain posture we can still use the mind and the breath to direct the flow of energy and to energize any part of our body.”

 You can also see 4 of the Makko-Hos at http://uctaikido.blogspot.com/2007/03/makko-ho-exercises.html