Shiatsu-Do & the Makko-Hos by Meridee Pierson, 2007 (Part 4)

“Zen Approach

Meridians can manifest as being either Kyo (depleted, empty or under active) or Jitsu (in excess, full or hyperactive). The presence of pain and resistance with a particular stretch is indicating a Jitsu condition and at the same time is letting us know that there is a Kyo aspect somewhere else in the body

The Makko-Hos can be helpful exercises to give to shiatsu receivers especially if they work with their most Kyo meridian first before working the most Jitsu meridian. In this way it can tonify the meridian and draw attention to the fascial connection within the channel. The Kyo meridian stretch is likely to be easier than the Jitsu meridian stretch. They can be helpful to monitor your own Ki in any particular meridian and enable you to feel blocked or weak Ki. These areas can feel stiff and during the stretch but may also be weak if there is a hyper-mobility of the joint with a lack of support.

Stretching is widely associated with Shiatsu where it plays a considerable role. Stretches are an important part of the treatment routine. They open up the channels and activate the Ki which in turn helps diagnosis and makes the treatment more effective.

It is unnecessary to force a stretch that is difficult and uncomfortable as the Jitsu aspect is fulfilled only when the energy deficient Kyo is tonified. While difficult stretches shouldn’t be forced something still needs to be done so that they become easier. The key is to bring the focus to the Kyo (or neglected area) for which the Jitsu is calling our attention to. For example, when we do the whole series of the Makko Ho stretches we always find one or two exercises that are more difficult (Jitsu) and one or two that are easier and comfortable, allowing us to completely relax (Kyo). By spending more time with the easier stretch, the Kyo aspect is being tonified and as a result the difficult exercise will become easier.

In the same way, when we stretch to the right and then to the left, there is usually one side that is more difficult than the other. The side that is more difficult is the Jitsu side. Again, instead of forcing the difficult side we should spend more time on the direction in which the movement is easier which relates to the Kyo or Ki deficient side. Breathing and drawing in Ki to this area tonifies the Kyo which in turn will make the movement to the Jitsu side easier.

It is important to get a feel for the meridians in our own body, to experience the flow of Ki and to feel the tensions and blockages being worked out through the various stretches.”

Shiatsu-Do & the Makko-Hos by Meridee Pierson, 2007 (Part 1)

” When a man is born, he is soft and flexible;

When he dies he becomes hard and rigid.

So it is with all things under heaven.

Plants and animals are soft and pliant in life,

But brittle and dry in dealth.

Truly to be hard and flexible is the way of dealth:

To be soft and flexible is the way of life.”

Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

 INTRODUCTION

In this dissertation I aim to explore the benefits of doing the Makko-Ho stretches regularly and to look at the meridians they stimulate.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

I plan to investigate and discuss the similarities and differences between western and eastern approaches to stretching.

I also wish to explore the changes The Makko-Ho stretches have made to a small group of my clients and colleagues who have done them over a period of time to see whether they affect the wellbeing of the individual. I will later compare these changes with the expectations that Masunaga suggested they would achieve.

WESTERN APPROACH

The importance of exercising for maintaining health is recognized all over the world – the body must be used in order to function properly. Nowadays people have become more sedentary and some people have practically stopped using their bodies. Modern conveniences create comforts which can result in an unhealthy under-use of the body, leading to problems such as physical weakness, accumulation of tension, fatigue, low resistance to disease, aches and pains, stiffness and poor postural habits.

Besides lack of exercise, stress is another factor so common in today’s modern lifestyle.The mind and muscles are kept tense all the time trying to keep up with the fast pace and complexity of modern life. The body and mind are denied the opportunity to recharge which leads to a variety of stress related symptoms.

Slow, gentle exercises (like stretching) help to loosen and relax the body, promoting a state of mental and physical well-being. Movement and exercise are key factors in life and the way we use our bodies has broad effects on our well-being.

In the west stretching is recommended prior to and after exercise to warm the body up as in keep fit. The aims of warm up exercises or stretches are;

• The preparation of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

• The mobilisation of joints and soft tissue extensibility to prevent injury.

• The stimulation of reflexes in perspective to help with balance and co-ordination skills.

• To increase the core temperature of the body and muscles by increasing blood flow.

• The psychological preparation of the body prior to competitive sport.

Following exercise cool down stretches are thought to be even more important than warm ups as they:

• Aid the removal waste products of CO2 and lactic acid from the body.

• To lengthen and relax tight tired muscles by stretching.

• To aid the gradual return of normal heart rate, body temperature and breathing.

 

The Stretch Reflex

Our muscles are protected by a mechanism called the “Stretch Reflex”. Any time we stretch the muscle fibres too far, either by bouncing or by over stretching, we are also stretching the muscle spindle. The muscle spindle is a proprioceptor that relays information about the musculoskeletal system to the central nervous system. It is found in the muscle fibres and it detects changes in the muscle length and in the rate of change.

When the muscle is stretched, the muscle spindle records the change in length, and the speed of the stretch, and sends signals to the spine which conveys this information. This triggers the Stretch Reflex which is the attempt to resist the change in muscle length by sending a signal to the muscle to contract. This basic function helps to protect the muscles from being injured. The more sudden the change in muscle length, the stronger the muscle contraction will be. Therefore, when we stretch too far or too fast we tighten the very same muscles we are trying to stretch.

Holding a stretch as far as we can go, or bouncing up and down, strains the muscles and activates the stretch reflex. This causes pain as well as physical damage due to the microscopic tearing of muscle fibres. This tearing leads to the formation of scar tissue, or fibrosis in the muscles with a gradual loss of elasticity and the muscles becoming tighter and sore.

When stretching, if we relax, it is best to only go to the point where we feel a mild tension and hold the stretch for a prolonged period of time. As we hold the muscle in a stretched position the muscle spindle becomes accustomed to the new length and as a result it reduces its signalling. Gradually we can train our stretch receptors to allow greater lengthening.

Stretching when done correctly is not painful. Pain is an indication that something is wrong. A stretch should never be forced and the amount of movement possible differs naturally with each individual. Gentle, slow, careful stretching is peaceful and relaxing and will produce substantial gains in flexibility.