Shinso Shiatsu
Shin So Shiatsu focuses on the assessment and treatment of all the meridian systems in the body. Tetsuro (Ted) Saito’s extensive mapping of the entire meridian complex is central to this approach. This task took him over fifteen years and represents the foundation on which he has developed many diagnostic and treatment protocols (see below). 
Masunaga's Heritage and Ted's Discoveries
Ted Saito's teacher, Masunaga sensei died at the age of 56. Not having had the chance to complete his work beyond the regular meridian system, Masunaga's work contained invaluable information of the diagnostic zones as well as the location of these meridians. Yet, much of the important background remained unexplained. Despite lifelong criticism, Masunaga's important contribution gave us the foundation necessary to make substantial progress as therapists.
It was at this point that Tetsuro Ted Saito occupied himself intensively with the meridian charts that Masunaga sensei had created in the Sixties. Nevertheless, certain issues had to be reconciled, for instance:
- Why does Masunaga's meridian chart show such unusual location of the meridian's in comparison of TCM acupunctural meridian charts?
- Do the Masunaga Meridians really exist?
- And if so, why are they not shown in the classical acupuncture charts?
- How and when can we use this system?
- What is the relevance and meaning of the Masunaga hara and back diagnostic zones?
- What happens in the meridian systems when one employs the use of Masunaga stretch positions?
- Why do these treatment positions create a more effective treatment?
During his research Ted discovered among many other phenomena, that all meridians change location according to their degree of energetic imbalance. This in itself is a major and revolutionary discovery. In classical TCM there is reference made to three different degrees of imbalance in the regular meridian system, according to the severity of the illness. But by no means is there mention of a literal change in the location of the meridians in accordance with their imbalance. In general, the TCM charts show the meridians in a first-degree position.
First degree describes a relatively normal energy level. As long as we are alive, regardless of how good we feel, human beings will always have some degree of energy imbalance. We always have some physical, mental or emotional weakness, which we may not necessarily be aware of if we are otherwise in good health. Nevertheless the meridian system is sensitive enough to pick up these minor energy imbalances and show us what kind of support we need in order to feel even healthier.
Second Degree describes a level of energy imbalance that is beyond normal and is also called “Ze Do Byo”. This degree of imbalance is sometimes referred to as “Meridian Disease”. If we have this level of energy imbalance, we will definitely feel some sense of illness, but the problems are superficial and are not yet serious.
Third Degree is called ‘Syo Sei Byo”. This level indicates the deepest energy imbalance in the regular meridian system. Very often these patients have organ problems. The regular meridian system may not be able to regulate this imbalance by itself; the energy may start to flow over into the extra meridian system. The location of the energy flow changes according to the degree of energetic imbalance.
Masanaga’s charts show most of the meridian locations in the third position. Diagnosis and exact location of the meridian system at the present time can be easily sensed with the finger test. ”A clear and accurate diagnosis is the most important part of a meridian shiatsu treatment, only then can we work effectively and solve the underlying problems,” explains Ted. ”If we work at the deepest level of imbalance all the other imbalances will clear up automatically. If we work at the surface only the problems will reappear after a short time, or in a different form.” When a meridian system is at a level of imbalance where it cannot regulate itself anymore, a deeper system engages and takes over. If that meridian system cannot hold the balance, yet another deeper system is engaged and so on. If we treat at the level of the deepest imbalance, the more superficial meridian systems will be balanced too.
Ted’s approach includes, therefore, not only the twelve regular meridians but also diagnosis and treatment of the deeper meridian systems.