Zen Shiatsu Concepts & Definitions
What School is Zen Shiatsu Based On?
Principles of Zen Shiatsu Bodywork
The Importance of Zen Being
Putting it All Together
Next Steps
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Lesson 2: What school is Zen Shiatsu based on?
Masunaga Therapy is also known as Zen Shiatsu. It was developed by Shizuto Masunaga, a graduate of the Japan Shiatsu college. In 1974 he introduced a form of Meridian Shiatsu.
Zen Shiatsu is a return of the values of Traditional chinese medicine, in comparison with anatomically or physiology based Shiatsu.
Masunaga advocated a return to Chinese Taoist practices.
Taoism, "path" or "way", propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought focuses on health, longevity, immortality, wu wei (non-action) and spontaneity. Reverence for nature and ancestor spirits is common in popular Taoism.
Shizuto Masunaga founded a Japanese institute called Iokai Center. This center continues to the present day, propagating Masunaga's methods. Zen Shiatsu practioneers are widely found in the US and the UK.
