Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy
Shiatsu massage originated in Japan and utilizes the hands and palms--particularly the thumbs--to massage the body at specific points and treat many different conditions and encourage relaxation. Although often referred to as a form of massage, shiatsu is actually a form of energy work that balances the energy pathways in the body. The benefits of shiatsu depend upon the reasons for the visit and the duration of the therapy. Shiatsu practitioners report that people who go for regular treatments reap the most benefits, but that even one session can help relax the client and begin to clear the blocks in the energy.
What are the principles of Shiatsu?
One of the fundamental concepts of Chinese/Japanese medicine is Qi (pronounced "chee"). This is the vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning.
Qi flows in specific pathways called meridians. The Shiatsu therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians called Vital Points. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When the Qi becomes deficient or out of balance, or the flow is obstructed, symptoms arise. Seemingly minor signs emerge, such as regular colds and flus, weekly or daily headaches, body aches and muscular pain, or digestive difficulties. These are indications of the imbalance of Qi. Shiatsu stimulates and harmonizes the flow of Qi throughout the body.
The Shiatsu therapist is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony in the body, even prior to physical signs appearing. Simple yet subtle changes are indications of an imbalance that, left alone, may progress to a point where symptoms appear. Balance can be restored with proper assessment and regular Shiatsu sessions. Shiatsu practitioners may also offer lifestyle and activity recommendations.
What happens in a Shiatsu session?
At the beginning of the session, the practitioner evaluates the client to determine the patterns of imbalance that may be present. It is important to assess the "state of the Qi" in order for the practitioner to give the client the most effective therapeutic session. Then the practitioner designs a plan that will give the client the most therapeutic benefit according to their individual needs.
Shiatsu massage of neck and shouldersShiatsu uses a variety of manual techniques, including pressure, kneading, soothing, tapping, and stretching to access the vital Qi of the body. In the case where the client's energy is low or deficient, the practitioner uses specific techniques to enhance and vitalize the Qi. When the client is over-stressed, wound-up, or anxious, the practitioner employs techniques to disperse the "excess" energy. In this way, the Qi is regulated. Shiatsu works to alleviate conditions, restore balance, and promote health.
A regular maintenance program of Shiatsu is an excellent way to maintain wellness and improve vitality. This schedule will vary for each person. One Shiatsu session per month may work well to maintain balance for some. But for others, a high-stress job, family demands, an overactive lifestyle, lack of exercise, or other factors may require Shiatsu sessions on a more regular basis.
Shiatsu as a Cure
If you are already suffering with one or more health conditions, illnesses or diseases, Shiatsu may be able to help restore your body to its former, healthy condition. By applying Shiatsu massage techniques to the appropriate points along the meridians, an amazing array of disorders can be diminished and even cured.
Back pain and whiplash injuries, joint pain and reduced mobility, sports or work injuries, asthma and allergies, depression and insomnia, and digestive disorders are just some of the diverse conditions that may be cured with Shiatsu. Once again, careful attention to the mental or emotional aspects of illness as well as the physical manifestations enables Shiatsu practitioners to achieve success where other healing therapies may have failed.
You do not have to choose between Shiatsu and the supervised care of your Western medical practitioner in order to seek or benefit from Shiatsu's ability to cure disorders, illnesses and diseases. Shiatsu can be used as an alternative healing therapy when other methods have failed, or as an adjunct or complementary approach to curing your condition.
Maintaining Health with Shiatsu
In addition to helping prevent disease and cure illnesses, Shiatsu is a wonderful means of maintaining your health. Ensuring the proper flow of Ki throughout the body has an incredible array of benefits on individuals, both mentally and physically.
Regular Shiatsu treatments can calm and soothe the nervous system and support normal functioning of internal organs as well as the skin and immune system. It can also enhance breathing, and promote physical as well as mental and emotional flexibility. Shiatsu massage promotes restful sleep and strengthens sexual drive and pleasure. With its comprehensive approach to health, Shiatsu has a broad range of positive affects on both men and women.
Additional Benefits of Shiatsu
Whether you seek Shiatsu treatments as a preventative, cure or as a means of maintaining your good health, you will enjoy many additional benefits you never planned or expected to experience. You will feel more centered and balanced, and you will find it is easier to concentrate and enjoy work and recreational activities.
Shiatsu feels wonderful, and the positive experience is uplifting, invigorating and relaxing. Shiatsu helps individuals understand that like Ki, our health condition fluctuates continually. Good health involves balancing mental, physical and emotional health on a continual basis. We will never ultimately achieve a permanent state of good health, but we can strive to maintain the balance good health involves through Shiatsu.
Advantages of Shiatsu Massage Technique
The best thing about a shiatsu massage is the instant rejuvenating results it provides, and this is what makes it wonderful.
1: Instant Relief from Muscle Aches
Because Shiatsu massage techniques focus more on the stress and tension points, this encourages blood circulation and ultimately provides relief for any muscle ache.
2: Makes Skin Soft
Shiatsu massage helps in blood circulation in the capillaries that make your skin’s tissues soft and smooth. Moreover, it stimulates the secretion of sebaceous glands that helps to keep your skin hydrated and fresh all the time. This collectively helps to prevent wrinkles on your skin, make it glow and improve its elasticity.
3: Relaxation
The relaxation you feel receiving a shiatsu massage is amazing. It makes you feel calmer and more relaxed. It also helps to relieve all the stress and tension by improving blood circulation through proper techniques on the stress points.
4: For Pregnant Women
It is quite fascinating to know that shiatsu massage techniques have been used since the ancient times for alleviating symptoms like menstrual cramps and depression among the pregnant women. Moreover, it helps the women in labor and aids the babies inside the womb to turn. Furthermore, it also prevents the morning sickness and sickness which is quite common during the pregnancy period.
5: Improves Circulatory and Digestive System
Receiving a shiatsu massage daily or thrice in a week, you will notice an improvement in your circulatory and digestive system. I personally feel that I’ve been better at digesting food after receiving a shiatsu massage. This helps to get rid of waste products in your body.
Similarly, through stimulating the circulatory system, you will feel an increase in your stamina and overall body energy with an improved metabolism.
6: Prevents Arthritis
Inflammation of tissues is a common issue, especially among people who work throughout the day. When pressure is directly applied to the stressed points, it helps to relieve the soreness and reduce inflammation of tissues. Ultimately, this lowers the muscular pain!