Hara Shiatsu Therapy

(CHI NEI TSANG)

Overview
Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) also known as Taoist Massage works with the energy-flow of five major systems: energy-meridian, fasciae-tendon-muscular, nervous, vascular and lymphatic.
The navel area, the centre where all systems meet, connects - or separates - our upper and lower parts, left and right, front and back, inner and outer, mind and body. Here we feel our emotions, the causes of internal blockage and distortions, which often manifest as symptoms elsewhere. Many recipients of Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) have reported relief of some of these symptoms.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Source: Chi Nei Tsang, by Mantak Chia (referrred below as CNT pp 000-??? For terminology and techniques outside the "generally understood" shiatsu register and not self-explanatory in the context.)

Classical Oriental Medicine
Taoism, Five Elements, Classic 14 Meridians

Theory of Winds
Energy blockages arising from organ obstructions and congestion in the abdomen can result in knots and tangles at the centre of the body’s vital functions, impeding the flow of Qi, the life-force or bioelectromagnetic field described by Deepak Chopra as energy-intelligence. Emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, depression and worry are related to different organs. When the Qi of an internal organ is in a state of imbalance, it emanates toxic wind. Diagnosing the energetic condition, the practitioner uses intention and touch to influence the participant’s Qi and "chase the winds".

Wind is an energetic vibration which, whether toxic or the vital source of life, enters the being through the "mountains", which include the pointed bones of the nose, coccyx, fingers, toes, knees and elbows. Winds drain out through "marshes" such as the anus, vagina, eye of the penis, pores of the skin, mouth, armpits, backs of knees and front of elbows. The mouth, navel, palm, sole and perineum are among the two-way conduits. A practitioner disperses or directs winds through marsh or mountain, often using supplementary meridians or points.

When obstructed the internal organs store unhealthy energies that can overflow into other systems and manifest as negative emotions and sickness. In search of an outlet these toxic energies create a cycle of negativity and stress, festering in the organs and overflowing into the abdomen, the body’s garbage dump. The energetic centre of the body at the navel becomes congested and seem cut off from the rest of the body.

Principles of Protection
Avoidance of depletion or contamination of practitioner’s own energy-field. CNT pp 59-117

Contraindications
Conditions for which Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) would be unsuitable or dangerous

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic knowledge:

Knowledge of the external manifestation of “normal” Winds:

Heart: warm and energetic
Lung: cool and dry
Liver: warm and dry
Spleen: warm and moist
Kidney: cool and moist

Information gathering;
Observing the Body: Looking, Feeling and Asking (CNT117-140)
Hara
Body Structure
Navel shape
Hand-scanning internal organs

TREATMENT

Knowledge
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Location
Internal Organs
Front Mu or Bo points
Source Points
Meridian Start and End points

Handling Techniques (CNT pp 165-201)
Spiralling
Scooping
Rocking
Kneading
Shaking
Patting
Elbowing

Skills
Opening Wind Gates and Chasing the Winds (CNT pp 143-163)
Detoxifying Skin and Intestines (CNT 165-201)
Tonifying organs (CNT 203-227)
Detoxifying organs (CNT 229-255)
Lymph Detoxification (CNT 259-273)
Centering Balancing and Flushing (CNT 277-292)
Common Ailments (CNT 295-334)
Working Procedures (CNT 337-349)
Stress Management (CNT 353-361)

TRAINING

Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) Practitioner training is in four parts:

Specialist Training

Self Development

Theoretical Learning

Practical Application

Accreditation of Prior Learning
Recognised Diploma in Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Tuina, gives exemption from Classical Oriental Medicine modules of Theoretical Learning (i.e. non-specialist training)

ASSESSMENT

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training the candidate is expected to:

Know
Classical Oriental Medicine
Theory of Winds
Principles of Protection
Contraindications
Four Forms of Diagnosis
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
Location and Functions of Internal Organs
Location and Functions of Front Mu or Bo points
Location of Source Points
Location of Meridian Start and End points
The answer to any question taken from the source reference

And be able to Do, as defined in source reference
Handling Techniques
Opening Wind Gates and Chasing the Winds
Detoxifying Skin and Intestines
Tonifying organs
Detoxifying organs
Lymph Detoxification
Centering Balancing and Flushing
Common Ailments
Working Procedures
Stress Management

And to Show
By presentation of case-studies the ability to put theory into practice