Shiatsu Japanese Massage
Shi means finger and atsu means pressure in Japanese language. Shiatsu is a Japanese massage which means finger pressure. Shiatsu works on the body’s energy flow (Qi in Chinese and Ki in Japanese) that circulates through our bodies to correct any homeostatic imbalances in the body. Qi is the body energy or life force that is believed to circulate through our bodies in specific energy channels, pathways or meridians.
Shiatsu massaging differs from all other massages practiced in Western countries. It exclusively uses pressure and stretching. It does not use kneading, friction or flowing strokes.
Shiatsu: How does it work?
The massage therapist uses fingers, palms, knuckles, elbows, knees and thumbs to apply pressure to acupressure points called as tsubos on the meridian to generate Qi or energy. This is as good as acupucture without using needles along the body’s energy channels.
The therapist should apply pressure when the receiver exhales as this is the time he/ she is most relaxed. Thumb and palm pressure techniques are safest and easiest to control. The therapist should always keep both hands in contact with the receiver – one hand to apply pressure and the other hand near the area being treated.
A shiatsu massage session lasts for almost 1 hour and the actual treatment takes 35 to 45 minutes.
The diagnosis process involves four steps similar to the Chinese method of diagnosis:
- Bo-shin or Looking
- Setsu-shin or Touching
- Mon-shin or Asking
- Bun-shin or Sense diagnosis which involves intuitive abilities of the therapist.
Shiatsu treatment incorporates various techniques to release energy blocks which cause specific problems and for pain relief. The therapist may rotate and manipulate several body parts to relieve specific pain problems or stimulate points to improve circulation, digestion and chest problems. He/ she may apply pressure with fingers and often rub specific points to open up a blocked meridian.
Shiatsu therapy procedure lasts for 4 to 8 sessions preferably every week. More therapeutic sessions may be needed to treat chronic imbalance. This is also a preventive therapy which helps you maintain good health. This motivates a lot of people to continue with Shaitsu sessions for general health and well-being, even after initial treatment course.
Benefits of Shiatsu
Shiatsu massage helps to improve overall health as it relieves stress, calms nerves, stimulates circulation and boosts immunity. It specifically benefits stress related tensions, anxiety, illnesses, insomnia, skin irritations, constipation, back pain, headaches, digestive and reproductive systems.
Besides these, shiatsu corrects posture and behavioral imbalances and improves the mind-body connection. Sometimes even one shiatsu session can cure a problem as it stimulates energy flow along channels. This should be followed with regular exercise, a healthy diet and positive lifestyle changes.
It is recommended to be given by a qualified therapist rather than self shiatsu therapy. Shiatsu is safe and highly beneficial both for the giver and receiver and useful even for pregnant women. Shiatsu massaging effectively complements other medicinal approaches for treating various cancers, heart disease, HIV and AIDS.
