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 and the Makka-hos by Meridee Pierson (2007) Part 6

 The Governing Vessel

The Governing Vessel is another important meridian that runs down the centre of the spine. It exerts an influence on all the Yang channels and it can be used to strengthen the yang of the body as well as to strengthen the spine. This meridian and the spine strongly influence each other in strength and balance. Keeping the spine flexible and strong has a direct and positive effect on the Governing Vessel and keeping the flow of energy in this meridian has a beneficial effect on the spinal column and spinal cord. A problem in one can cause a problem in the other.

The spinal column holds a key position in the development of general health both on physical and energetic levels. Through its direct affect on the spine, stretching exercises not only maintain good physical health but reawaken a new awareness of life and vitality.

 By simply stretching our bodies once a day, gradually the spine begins to be more erect, the internal organs are strengthened, the meridians are stretched and the flow of Ki is improved.

Overall health is contingent upon the flexibility of the spine – the healthier the spine is, the healthier the person is. Stretching maintains a healthy flow of Ki in the meridians, improving flexibility, easing muscular tension and improving blood and lymphatic circulation.

In our efforts to keep flexible it is helpful to understand what happens on a physiological level when we stretch. 

 When we are affected by stress, shock, toxins or emotional problems the meridians can become blocked, creating imbalances and preventing a healthy flow of energy which in turn can cause disease. Stretching can help remove blockages and improve the flow of Ki in the meridians.

When stretching we should be able to experience the flow of energy along the meridian lines. It is helpful to visualize the meridian path along the body as well as to focus our attention on the various functions of the meridians we are trying to stretch.

 FINAL RELAXATION

It is important and essential to finish any stretching routine with 5-10 minutes of deep relaxation. Stretching exercises can be very powerful and deep relaxation is a complementary balance just as important as the exercises themselves.

Stretching exercises work directly on all twelve meridians to release tension and blockages. When we go into a deep relaxation after these blockages are released the body can completely let go and the Ki in the meridians can balance itself, flowing from areas where there is an excess of energy into areas where there is a deficiency.

The reason why relaxation is so important after stretching or after receiving a Shiatsu treatment is because we are encouraging the body’s homeostatic mechanism to balance and heal itself.

 RESEARCH

For this dissertation I  asked  twelve of my clients and fellow shiatsu students to do the Makko-Ho exercises for a period of two weeks or longer, with completing a questionnaire prior to and after doing the exercises.

I used MYMOPS questionnaires which have been published in the BMJ 1996. 

The strengths of the MYMOP questionnaires are that they are patient or client centred.

• They are applicable to any problem.

• They are brief and have high response rates.

• They use the clients own words.

• They have been validated using orthodox and complimentary therapies.

• The questionnaires which have been used are an effective tool in quantifying symptoms.

Overall the results of these have been positive. The findings of the group of 12 people who completed the questionnaires demonstrated a decrease in troublesome symptoms and an increase in wellbeing. In the small group of people involved two common themes ran through the group. Namely, muscular-skeletal disorders and difficulties with sleep.