A combination of pressure, stretching, and other techniques to release blockages in the energy channels

In his Zen shiatsu practice, Masunaga used a combination of pressure, stretching, and other techniques to release blockages in the energy channels and restore balance to the body and mind. He also incorporated aspects of traditional Chinese medicine and other healing practices into his work.Shizuto Masunaga was a Japanese therapist and teacher who made significant contributions to the development and popularization of shiatsu in the West.

Masunaga studied shiatsu with Tokujiro Namikoshi, the founder of modern shiatsu, and became one of his top students. After studying with Namikoshi, Masunaga went on to develop his own unique approach to shiatsu, which he called Zen shiatsu.

Masunaga’s approach to shiatsu was heavily influenced by his study of Zen Buddhism, and he believed that the body was an interconnected system of energy channels or meridians. He also believed that physical and emotional tension and stress could manifest as blockages or imbalances in these energy channels, leading to pain and illness.

In the years since its development, shiatsu has spread around the world and has been adapted to suit the needs and preferences of different cultures. Today, shiatsu is practiced in many countries, and it is often used in conjunction with other forms of traditional and alternative medicine to promote healing and wellbeing.

Masunaga’s teachings and techniques were widely influential in the West, and he traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America to teach shiatsu and other forms of bodywork. His legacy continues today, and many shiatsu practitioners still incorporate his ideas and techniques into their own practices