Shiatsu massage
therapy is a pressure-point massage designed to regulate the flow
of life energy in the body. With a shiatsu massage pressure is applied
by thumb, fingers, palms or feet to the body's surface to stimulate healing
of body and mind. Shiatsu massage produces deep relaxation, increases
energy levels, and brings the body back to balance.
Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure, is a finger pressure massage
technique that is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Shiatsu massage
therapy and acupuncture are founded on the Chinese meridian system. The
shiatsu massage therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and
palms to specific areas of the client's body that have been determined
during an assessment period prior to the shiatsu massage session. There
are no needle pokes involved with Shiatsu massage therapy. Massage techniques
like tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and applied pressure are applied along
the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal
flow of ki.
A shiatsu massager (practitioner) asks the patient to lie on a flat mat
on the floor, while wearing loose clothing. The shiatsu massage practitioner
then use his/her hands, elbows, knees, and feet to work on balancing your
meridians and chakras. The shiatsu massage therapist applies pressure
to the appropriate points to correct the injuries or imbalances. Through
touch, two way communication greatly benefits the patient. Shiatsu massage
works on the whole being, from the physical to the spiritual, so during
and after the shiatsu massage treatment a patient may experience a variety
of reactions- crying, laughing, joy, stillness. These reactions are a
sign that the body is breaking through old energy patterns.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
- Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- Stress reduction and management
- Releases toxins from the body
- Disease preventative
- Increased flexibility
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces mental anxieties
- Balances ki (chi)
- Calms nervousness
- Increases mental and spiritual awareness
- It feels GREAT!
Shiatsu massage treatments are given for a variety of maladies, from respiratory problems, to digestive problems, to headaches and leg cramps, and can bring relief to a number of everyday afflictions. And today, shiatsu massage is gaining popularity in the West, and is practiced in the United States and Europe.