A Beginner's Guide to Acupressure (Shiatsu Technique)

The art of Shiatsu-also called acupressure massage- is an Eastern technique of healing and relaxation that has been successfully used for centuries. In Japanese, the word "Shi" means finger and "atsu" means pressure. Based upon the ideal that channels of energy flow through the body, Shiatsu was developed to keep these channels flowing freely to maintain maximum health.

Patrick McCarty's book, A beginner's Guide to Acupressure (SHIATSU Technique), is a concise guide to the basics of Shiatsu. McCarty clearly explains what Shiatsu is, how it came about, why it is used, and how it is used. Using easy-to-follow illustrations, the author shows you how to relieve headaches, back pain, stress and other common ailments. In addition, he provides a simple system of diagnosing possible organ problems, and offers nutritional guidelines based upon the macrobiotic diet.

About the Author

Patrick McCarty has studied Natural Health techniques for 20 years and has counseled in Macrobiotic Shiatsu since 1977. He received training in Oriental Medicine at the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a certified shiatsu instructor and practitioner recognized by the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (AOBTA). Patrick co-authored two books with Shizuko Yamamoto, The Shiatsu Handbook and Whole Health Shiatsu. He co-directs the East-West Center for Macrobiotics, an natural health education center in northern California. He is co-founder and editor of the International Macrobiotic Shiatsu Society's newsletter "Healthways." He and his wife, Meredith McCarty, travel extensively to give workshops in alternative health and to sponsor learning vacations.

Introduction

Over the last several years I have had the good fortune to meet and work with many interesting people here in the U.S., Japan, China, Latin America and Europe. In these places, I have either taught shiatsu classes or given treatments in this unique massage form. From this exchange between friends I have learned much more than I have taught. But isn't that the purpose of teaching? Not only have I learned about the techniques of shiatsu and its effectiveness. I have learned about life. Massage has a way of bringing you into contact with others. It also is an effective way to know yourself.

My studies and collaboration with Shizuko Yamamoto, one of the world's foremost natural health consultants and originator of "Barefoot Shiatsu", has set my direction in therapy to follow the Way of Nature. Together with my study of traditional Chinese medicine in the People's Republic of China and work with Ms. Yamamoto, my interest has been guided to emphasize preventive healing practices. Practices that place the individual as an integral part of nature. Without this fundamental understanding ture healing will escape us.

The purpose of this manual is to serve as a basic guide to Barefoot Shiatsu. For those who have taken a shiatsu course it will act as a reminder of both the spirit and technique of shiatsu. For the many who have not yet participated in classes this book can serve as a step-by-step guide, and hopefully stimulate your interest so that sometime you will want to continue your studies in this unique art form.

Without nature we could not exist. It is the simple things in nature that bring the greatest joy. Shiatsu follows the way of nature. Practiced with the right spirit, shiatsu can bring us all health and happiness. It is my hope that this will happen for you.