Shiatsu massage therapy is a form of gentle, manual manipulation and stretching that has commonalities with physiotherapy and chiropractic. The word shiatsu, which is Japanese in origin translates to finger pressure and references the different pressure techniques involved with this form of massage that are applied using the fingers and thumbs.
Basis of Shiatsu Massage
Although shiatsu massage has commonalities with Traditional Chinese Medicine, like working in harmony with the energy lines believed to run throughout the body, it's more closely associated with relaxation in the West. However, the techniques used in shiatsu massage are still based on the theory that manipulating and applying pressure to these energy lines enables life force energy to flow freely through the body and that free-flowing energy is the key to good health.
This life force energy-often referred to as chi, qi or ki-is believed to be responsible for maintaining the body's balance of yin and yang, opposite energies that cannot exist without the other. An imbalance between yin and yang are thought to contribute to the development of any number of health issues or illnesses; this belief system includes the idea that the body's systems and internal organs are associated with different qualities of yin and yang. Like thai massage and acupuncture, the primary goal of shiatsu is to maintain the flow of life force energy, thus balancing yin and yang.
Shiatsu Massage Techniques
Shiatsu massage techniques are similar to thai massage in that they're performed while the recipient is positioned on a mat on the floor versus the massage tables used in Swedish massage, for example. Instead of the long, gliding strokes and superficial muscle stimulation that might come to mind when you think of massage, shiatsu techniques are almost entirely limited to applied pressure and stretching.
Shiatsu practitioners use their fingers and thumbs, but may also their knuckles, elbows, knees or even their feet to apply pressure to the area being worked on. Each point where pressure is applied is believed to clear blocked energy and restore the flow so that any areas where energy is lacking are brought back into balance.
Although shiatsu is a hands-on method of healing, recipients sometimes experience benefits that go beyond the physical. Some people report intense emotional reactions during or following treatment-reactions like crying, laughing, feeling of intense relief or deep peace. How you react, if you do, will relate to what kind of work you have done and any energy that's released during the session.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
Shiatu massage is best known for its relief of stress-related ailments like headaches, back aches and general muscle tension. Stress reduction and relaxation are the main reasons people choose shiatsu massage. Shiatsu techniques can also be directed toward relieving symptoms of specific health conditions; respiratory ailments like asthma, digestive complaints and chronic conditions like arthritis may be targeted. Proponents of this form of massage say regular treatments promote relaxation, muscle and organ health, and an overall sense of well-being.
Getting a Shiatsu Massage
A shiatsu massage typically lasts about an hour. When you get a shiatsu massage, it's recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers. You may also be given the option of changing into a robe when you arrived. Shiatsu massage doesn't incorporate the use of oils, so you'll remain clothed with the exception of your feet. At the beginning of your session, you may be led through a series of passive or active stretches by the massage therapist.
You may be asked if you have specific results you hope to experience during the massage and your practitioner will adjust or tailor his or her technique to meet those needs. During your session, you'll be asked periodically to comment on the pressure being applied and any pain or discomfort you're experiencing.
The pressure used during the massage will be localized, that is limited to the specific area being treated. It will be applied in a rhythmic manner and it may vary from gentle to intense. If it becomes painful at any time, tell your massage therapist and he or she will reduce the amount of pressure. Pressure points are typically held for only a few seconds, though the amount of time pressure is held may vary according to how big the energy block is that therapist perceives.
 | Westerner see the benefits of Shiatsu massage in terms of how it triggers the release of endorphins, which will reduce the experience of pain, making it a popular form of massage among those seeking pain relief, stress relief, |
 | The practice and application of Shiatsu theory is rooted in the Asian methods of acupuncture, started over a thousand years ago in China and prevalent in all of Asia. |
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure massage, that focuses on zoning on key pressure points and tender spots in the body. When performed in a whole-body massage, shiatsu heps to relieve tension, reduce stress, increase joint and muscle flexibility, and unblock energy. |
Shiatsu is a healing art, originating in Japan, which uses the power of touch and pressure to enable each of us to contact our own self-healing abilities. In a Shiatsu session the practitioner uses pressure with thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows, knees and feet, to induce deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being. |
The history of Shiatsu therapy harkens back to the ancient practice of acupuncture, but applies that theory of pressure point stimulation in an entirely unique manner. |
