Proper Body Mechanics & Self Care

TODAY'S PRACTICE CUE
When executing a deep forearm glide, palmar compression, or thumb trigger point sequence, never attempt
to force the compression using isolated chest or tricep contractions. Instead, run through this structural
checklist:
Check your BOS: Widen your stance significantly, stepping into the space. Drop your weight through
1.
your knees and feel completely rooted into the floor.
Shift your COM: Do not bend from your waist. Instead, sink your hips lower and project your Hara
2.
bodily forward toward the target plane of the table.
Align the LOG: Let your descending line of gravity align perfectly with your stacked skeletal structure
3.
(shoulder directly stacked over the elbow, which rests directly behind the contact tool).
John Davis
Master Teacher

RAPHA H.I.T. SYSTEM
Body Mechanics Principles

• Tip of the Day
JOHN DAVIS, MASTER TEACHER

MASTERING THE TRIAD: BOS, COM, AND LOG
In the Rapha Holistic Integrative Techniques (H.I.T.) system, we treat the human structure as a mechanical engine
governed directly by the laws of classical physics. To deliver profound, deep-tissue structural pressure without
exhausting your hands, straining your wrists, or compromising your lumbar spine, you must consciously align three
core biometric landmarks on every single stroke.

sequence:
BOS (Base of Support): The geographical area beneath you bounded by the outer perimeter of your feet.
By transitioning into active martial arts stances—such as a rooted front stance (Zenkutsu-dachi) or horse
stance (Kiba-dachi)—you dynamically expand your BOS, creating absolute structural stability.
COM (Center of Mass): Your absolute spatial balance point, anchored deep within your Hara (the
physical center of gravity located in the lower abdomen, approximately two inches below the navel).
LOG (Line of Gravity): The intrinsic, invisible vertical vector running perfectly straight down from your
structural COM straight into the earth.

THE PRINCIPLE IN ACTION: THE STACKED LEAN
To generate effortless, penetrating pressure, you must consciously project your LOG so it shifts toward the leading
edge of your BOS directly facing the client. By shifting your COM forward, you orchestrate a controlled, structural
"fall" into the tissue frame.

Instead of relying on isolated, exhausting upper-body muscular compression, you are harnessing the raw,
unyielding physics of gravity itself. True martial arts body mechanics dictate that the arm does not push; the center
delivers weight through an unbending, skeletal alignment.

Rapha H.I.T. System • Master Teacher John Davis

Holistic Integrative Techniques H.I.T.
Tip of the Day centers on a fundamental truth of bodywork: true power comes from your center, not your muscles.
​In Shiatsu, relying on arm and shoulder strength leads to rapid fatigue, muscle strain, and a superficial, piercing pressure that can feel jarring to the receiver. Because Shiatsu is traditionally performed on a futon mat on the floor, mastering your body mechanics is the ultimate way to protect your joints while delivering a deeply therapeutic, grounding treatment.
​The Golden Rule: Move from your Hara
​The core of Shiatsu body mechanics is the Hara—your center of gravity located in the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel. Instead of pushing or pressing down with your hands, you lean your entire body weight forward from this central point.

RAPHA PROPER BODY MECHANICS TIP
Saturday 23rd May 2026

TIP OF THE DAY: THE KNUCKLE RULE + FRONT STANCE RESET

H.I.T Fix – 60 Second Reset Before Your First Client Today:

1. Check Your Knuckles – Stand in front of your table. Let your arms hang.
Knuckles should line up with the table edge. Too high = you’ll shrug. Too low, you’ll lean.
“You only got one life with this body, use it wisely.” Adjust the table, not your spine.

2. Drop Into Front Stance – One foot forward, back heel down, knees soft.
Hips square to the table. This is your power position.
H.I.T. Rule: If your back foot lifts, you’re leaning. If it stays planted, you’re moving from your legs.

3. Work From The Dantien – All pressure comes from shifting weight forward in Front Stance, not pushing with your shoulders.
Effleurage = shift forward. Return = shift back.
4. Breathe Like You’re In The Dojo – Exhale on the power stroke. Inhale on return.
If you’re holding your breath, you’re holding tension.

Today’s Mantra:
“Move the body, not the back. Shift the weight, not the waist.”

Protect your hands. Protect your career. Protect your future.
Each One Teach One.

H.I.T. SAFETY RULE: “Good body mechanics is not optional. It’s professional survival.”
H.I.T. RULE: “You can’t pour from an empty, broken cup. Fix your body mechanics first.” Each one Teach one.