Shiatsu Massage TherapyWhat is Shiatsu massage therapy?The technical definition of the word Shiatsu is finger pressure. (‘shi’ meaning finger and ‘atsu’ meaning pressure). This is the most basic definition, and it lends an idea as to what Shiatsu massage therapy is all about. Shiatsu massage therapy is an ancient form of healing that involves applying pressure to various points on the body combined with other massage techniques. Known also as acupressure (not to be confused with acupuncture), shiatsu massage therapy is intended as a healing method, not just a relaxation tool. It was founded on the traditional Chinese belief in Qi (pronounced chi). Qi is the natural energy that flows through all living things. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, it is believed that this energy creates health and well-being, and if this energy flow is disrupted in some way (disruptions can be caused by many things, including negative thoughts, tension, and more), the body will react in illness and bad health. Shiatsu massage therapy is used to continue the proper flow of Qi and prevent illnesses, as well as to heal and restart the proper flow when it does get interrupted. The main goal of Shiatsu massage is to bring the body back into its natural balance and let nature continue its course. How does Shiatsu massage therapy help the flow of Qi?Shiatsu massage therapy helps the continuation of the flow of Qi based on the meridian system. Meridians are pathways in which the Qi flows throughout the body. There are twelve main meridians throughout the body, and these each connect to specific organs. When the flow of Qi through a meridian is disrupted in some way, the organ that correlates to that meridian will not function properly. The meridian system is not only used in Shiatsu massage therapy, but is used in many other therapies as well. There are over 300 acupoints all over the body that practitioners are aware of and manipulate using Shiatsu massage therapy to help regulate or repair the flow of Qi. Practitioners of Shiatsu massage therapy not only apply
pressure to some of these acupoints, they may use many other methods
of manipulating them to correct the flow of Qi in a person’s body.
This can include such things as rubbing, pinching, squeezing, tapping,
and more. How was Shiatsu massage therapy formed?While Shiatsu massage therapy is known to be a Japanese form of healing, it was actually adopted from Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Japanese took some methods from the Chinese and combined with it some of its own techniques, creating a new form of healing known today as Shiatsu massage therapy. What happens during a Shiatsu massage?While each practitioner will incorporate his or her own techniques, the most common attribute of Shiatsu massage therapy, or acupressure, is the focal point on acupoints. Each practitioner may try to heal differently depending on the illness or each individual’s flow of Qi, but it is to be expected that there will be manipulation of these points on the body. In most situations, the Shiatsu patient will lie either on a mat on the floor, or will lie on a table. During Shiatsu, the patient is usually clothed (wearing loose-fitting clothing), so this makes Shiatsu massage therapy appealing for individuals who are too modest to get a massage because they don’t want to have to be undressed. The surrounding atmosphere is usually calm and relaxing, possibly with soft music or silence and dim lighting. During the therapy, the practitioner will place their hands on many of the pressure points on the body. They may manipulate them in a variety of ways during the Shiatsu massage treatment, all meant to heal the body. What are the benefits of Shiatsu massage therapy?The most obvious benefit of Shiatsu is the healing and relaxation that it provides, and the continuous flow of energy throughout the body. But, there are other benefits as well, and just a few are listed below:
Whether you are in need of healing, are trying to prevent conditions from occurring, or simply need to relax, Shiatsu massage therapy can help. Schedule your Shiatsu massage today! |