History
The actual history can be traced back as far as 3000 years ago Physical therapy including massage & breathing exercises were attributed to the people of central China .
The earliest records of Chinese medicine are in the Chinese Book :-Huang Di Nei Jing or The Yellow Emperors Classic of internal medicine in around 100-300BC by unknown authors It mentions using methods of massage as treatment and specifies 12 techniques as to how they can be applied to certain conditions. From Chinese archeological excavations dating back 3000 years oricle bones told of Ancient shamens who were known to heal people using massage manipulations or "An Wu" as it was called in the Zhou dynasty (700 - 481 BC) there are texts on development of Chinese medicine which mention a Dr Bian Que working of a system of combining acupuncture and massage simultaneously. Massage therapy flourished in the Sui and Tang dynasties (AD 581 – 906) A text was written known as the " Six classics in the Tang Dynasty" which listed conditions which could be treated using massage techniques. Bringing Massage therapy into mainstream treatment. From here it began to spread across the borders to Japan , Korea , Vietnam and Islam. Methods of guiding the chi energies were introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk in the 6th Century.
In China in the Song and Yuan Dynasties (Ad 960 – 1386) an intensive analysis and development was undertaken of Massage therapies in the bone setting departments and pediatric departments of the Institute of Imperial Physicians where it became the major form of treatment. It has gradually influenced thought in the treatment of children's disorders.
The Japanese refined and adapted these techniques. the various styles of physical therapy emerged into 3 main forms Amma, Western massage and shiatsu. Shiatsu emphasises correction and maintenance of bone structure, joints, tendons, muscles and meridian lines whose malfunctioning distorts the bodies energies and autonomic nervous system causing disease. by applying continuous steady pressure, we can control the reaction of the sympathetic nerves and work the parasympathetic nervous system. Structural realignment in Japanese treatment is called Seital.
Katsu (or kuatsu) is known as the techniques to resuscitate and revive often in an emergency. Kuatsu has been eclipsed because of its secretive nature as traditionally only high ranking students of Martial Arts were allowed to learn the revival techniques. In some instances sworn to secrecy so as not to reveal the system to outsiders. In the 1880s when Ju Jitsu was firstly introduced to the United Kingdom the Victorians flocked to the arenas where Marquis of Queensberry rules versus the Japanese system of unarmed combat thrilled audiences in a Music Hall environment. The systems of Ju jitsu, Judo and Karate were adopted with enthusiasm with the setting up of training schools in such arts in London , however few English understood or embraced the revival systems known to these Japanese exponents of Martial Arts such as Yukio Tani. He among others travelled to our very different culture to bring their Art to the West. Kuatsu was not adopted as readily as in other European countries such as France, Spain and Germany . The Classic Text describing this system was written at the turn of the century by H I Hancock known as "The Complete Kano Ju Jitsu" with a whole section describing points and methods of revival. Since then Text have been published mainly in French and notably by Robert Lasserre and more recently Eric De Winter. The English seemingly not interested in the importance of the ancient techniques and applications of this rare life saving Art that should exist as it always has, along side of the knowledge of points of combat and self defence. The Japanese system of Aikido has a word or character called Katsu jin ken or " saving the life of ones enemy" Kuatsu is the rare expertise that allows those proficient in Martial Arts the ability to relieve pain and and administer in a Samaritan manner, thereby making the other indebted to them, in accordance with the Bushido code of ending thereby hostility. The knowledge of Katsu covers not only the ability to reduce pain and restore function to injured area but has an overall therapeutic effect throughout the body an based on the pressure points stimulated throughout treatment. Other systems with similar basis of origin include Ki - atsu using energy techniques, Kappo or kwappo specifically involving Sei-Fuku. In Zen Shin Katsu while its origins in the traditional revival techniques are respected with due acknowledgement of the legal implications of its practice in the modern day. The development of wider aspects of Katsu & pressure point therapy have found a firm place in the relief of many chronic and acute muscular and skeletal pain and in conjunction with the theories of Traditional Chinese Theory can be applied to give relief and improvement to many more conditions.
Shiatsu has evolved along side of Kuatsu. Shiatsu is a similar system with its basis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its emphasis on manipulation administered by pressure using thumbs fingers and palms without any other mechanical means onto specific points. The aim is to restore health and well-being. The main instigators of Shiatsu development and recognition in Japan were Tokujiro Namikoshi in 1925 whose method integrated specific reflex points relating to the central and autonomic nervous system embracing Western view points. Also Shizuto Masunaga who also taught at the Japan Institute Shiatsu Institute for 10 years. He reinforced the links back to traditional Chinese Medicine and energy / meridian line sensitivity. Using specific acupressure points rather then reflex points. Most all systems of shiatsu incorporate elements of both western (Namikoshi) elements and that of the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In both diagnosis and treatment.
Tui Na was developed during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368 – 1644) in China which is continued to present day. Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques faltered in the beginning of the twentieth Century as the chasm between thoughts on Western Medicine’s symptomatic approach and Traditional Chinese Philosophy. Western trained Doctors were against the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine completely, but this proposal was rejected by the National Medical Assembly in 1929. In 1934 –35 during the Long March many soldiers lives were saved by the Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine who has no drugs, surgery or Medicines available to them. Mao Ze Dong had previously not supported its use but from this point recognised the benefits on and its practice was encouraged. Tui Na continues to flourish in China and with more research into Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs and integration alongside of Western thinking. Holistic approaches to Health and well-being can be accepted as an allied therapy to the western approach to medicine.
Taking parts from "The Chinese Massage Manual ( the Healing Art of Tui Na) "by Sara Pritchard, "Shiatsu the Complete guide" by Chris Jarmey and Gabriel Mojay. The "Web that has no weaver" by Ted Kaptchuk, OMD
For more information
info@zenshinkatsu.co.uk