Author: Anja Jelena Krajcer
Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork technique that combines Eastern wisdom with a Western scientific approach. It incorporates elements of traditional Chinese medicine, the theory of the five elements, as well as knowledge of anatomy and physiology. The treatment always includes work on energy meridians and applying pressure with the palm and thumb. The goal of this therapy is to activate and balance the vital force/energy in the body so that the client feels better – physically, mentally, emotionally…
If we reduce a shiatsu treatment to its most basic element, it would be TOUCH. Shiatsu involves conscious touch. The therapist applies pressure with the thumb/palm/elbow with a specific intention, a guiding principle that directs the treatment, a reason for pressing in that exact spot with that particular intensity. As shiatsu practitioners, we aim to help clients relieve pain, balance emotions, and help them breathe deeply again. All of this is an integral part of the therapy.
However, based on my own long-standing experience as a shiatsu practitioner, I believe that people come to shiatsu treatment because they are chronically lacking touch in their lives. We communicate too little with those close to us, and even less with those we are less close to, through physical contact. There is too little interpersonal physical contact in most cases, and we miss it, often without realizing it. This deprivation of touch is exacerbated by modern lifestyles, which involve less in-person socializing and more communication via social media. Over generations, we are becoming increasingly distant from one another, but the need for physical contact has not disappeared. We miss the hugs of partners, parents, and children as they grow older, and the touch of friends. We miss someone taking our hand and going for a walk. We miss someone stroking our hair while watching TV, or massaging our back after a long day…
It is precisely this LACK that brings people to various types of massage and bodywork techniques, where they will pay someone to “pamper them a bit,” give them attention, press a painful spot to relieve the pain, stroke their back, or simply lay hands on a body that is crying out for attention.
This is my personal perspective on the fundamental reason why my dear clients, over the years, have come to me. Too often, we neglect ourselves, and others neglect us too. But touch truly has a healing role, and we should communicate in this way more often. I believe we would all feel better!
Yours,
Anja
For Anja’s treatments at Studio Hara in Čakovec or Varaždin, you can book an appointment at: harajogastudio@mail.com or via mobile: 0917547584.