Human Gross Anatomy Workshop at the University of Hawaii was held in Hawaii this March! Here we have report from our therapist, Mariko 😀 Thanks Mariko!
The three-day workshop in Hawaii was fun, interesting and educational. Professors and instructors were
knowledgeable and energetic enough to lift my spirit up. It was truly an amazing experience!
The cadaver I studied was a 64 year old woman with a knee surgery, colon cancer, hysterectomy, breast
removal and diabetes. When we began to open up her abdomen area, we observed that her liver was very
bumpy and enlarged due to the cancer spreading from her colon. Her omentum, a layer of fatty tissue that
covers the entire stomach, came together at the bottom of the liver. Our instructor explained that it was
unusual and may be connected to her liver metastasis because the function of the omentum contributes to
body immunity. It was amazing to see how organ systems are all interacted to each other and how they
develop self-repairing systems.
The professors shared their passion of learning human anatomy. My instructor explained the valves of
the heart called mitral valves, that were his favorite. He expressed how these tiny, cute valves work
precisely to regulate blood flow. I find them as fascinating as he does. Also another instructor taught us
how interesting the process was of narrowing down muscles that were the cause of the pain. We learned
that pain can be felt on a pulled muscle because related muscles can be shorten. As an example, pain on
rhomboid area can be released by eliminating serratus anterior contraction. Larger muscles generate the
movement and smaller muscles support and adjust to function well. Where are associated muscles of the
prime mover located? Which nerve innervates these muscles? Where are the origins and insertions of
muscles? Which direction do muscle fibers go? Do you feel the muscles? What is your favorite muscle and
organ? And why do you love them? It is all about HUMAN ANATOMY!!! All your knowledge makes your
practice more effective and fun.
I also realize that all important landmarks of the body are covered by basic shiatsu points. At my final
assessment for the basic shiatsu treatment with Kiyoshi-Sensei 10 years ago, I asked him when I would be
able to feel what was going on inside abdomen. He said that the skill can be possibly developed in 10 years.
I still have not reached that level yet, but this experience in Hawaii definitely helped me to visualize body
structure underneath the skin during my everyday practice. My journey as a Shiatsu therapist will be
continued!!
Lastly I would like to thank all who have encouraged me to attend the workshop and the directors of JSC
and Japan Shiatsu College for giving us this great opportunity.
Mariko Watanabe
