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Holistic Healing Power of Shiatsu Massage

Achinta 'Archie' Mitra — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:10:31 +0000

Optimizing or balancing the flow of energy ‘ki’ (Japanese) or ‘qi’ (Chinese) is the primary principle of Shiatsu massage therapy. It provides holistic healing by unblocking the flow of energy along the body’s meridian system. (Introduction to Shiatsu Massage Therapy)

Using the application of pressure and power of touch, shiatsu massage became popular and widely patronized by different people all around the world to get the benefits it was believed to provide as far as medical, mental, and spiritual well being is concerned.

There are fourteen meridians found in the body, twelve of which are used as channels or passageways for the healing of Shiatsu. They are:

Lung
Thyroids
Stomach
Spleen
Gall bladder
Small intestine
Large intestine
Liver
Kidney
Heart
Bladder
Circulation system

Shiatsu massage not only keeps the above organs healthy but also improves the wellness of the complete body and the mind. That’s why many regard Shiatsu massage as a holistic wellness approach to many common ailments.

Common disorders treated by Shiatsu massage

Herniated or bulging discs
Tennis elbow and other joint problems
Lower back and sciatica nerve pains
Migraines and headaches
Carpal tunnel and muscle pain disorders
Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disorders

Shiatsu massage and emotional healing

Reducing anxiety and stress
Increasing mental, spiritual, and mental well-being
Providing complete relaxation and clarity of thinking
Improving sexual pleasure and libido

For other benefits, see Important but Little Known Benefits of Shiatsu Massage.

Introduction to Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Achinta 'Archie' Mitra — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:54:53 +0000

Shiatsu (Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional hands-on therapy that originated in Japan. Shiatsu is regulated as a licensed medical therapy in Japan by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and elsewhere by various governing bodies set up by Shiatsu practitioners.

The official definition put out by the Japanese medical department of the Ministry of Welfare (current Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) in December 1957 is “Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one’s hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses. ”

Shiatsu is an evolving form, and its various styles incorporate (to differing degrees) aspects of Japanese massage traditions, Chinese Medicine practice, and “Western” anatomy and physiology.

Ever since Shiatsu massage therapy was introduced to the western world, millions of people have benefited from it. It is now popular worldwide and if you are reading this, you are probably interested to try it too.

Shiatsu Massage – For more amazing video clips, click here

But first, let’s see how Shiatsu massage can benefit you.

Philosophy of Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Shiatsu adheres to the philosophy that in order to have healthy benefits, the vital energy, ‘ki’ (Japanese) or ‘qi’ (Chinese), should flow through the entire body along its meridians (a series of pathways).

Other oriental health massage or therapy practices, like the acupuncture, also use the same principle of meridians, believing that blocking them stops the free flow of energy, which in turn may produce symptoms of diseases.

Application of Shiatsu Techniques

In Shiatsu massage, pressure is applied using the palms of the hand to unblock trouble spots throughout the body and allow the vital energy to flow freely. The body is stretched and manipulated to relieve pain points.

Shiatsu massage is applied with you in a lying down position, usually on a padded mat, at a floor level, or on a couch. If not, a Shiatsu massage chair may be used, which are becoming increasing popular because its convenience.

Shiatsu techniques include dynamic rotation, pressing of the palm and applying gentle pressure on the elbows, knee and the feet. Shiatsu massage is performed on you while you are fully clothed and does not use any massaging oils.

A typical massage session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The first session is usually longer since the Shiatsu therapist will need to know about your medical history, lifestyle and other health information. Follow up or subsequent massage sessions are typically shorter than the initial visit.

A normal Shiatsu massage course would take 6 to 10 sessions. However, some people prefer to continue their long after their initial condition is gone to enjoy the benefits of deep relaxation.

Shiatsu Therapy Styles

The Shiatsu practitioners often apply different treatment styles. These include:

Tsubo therapy focuses on the pressure points and uses needles, electrical devices, massage, and moxa, which is derived from an herbal plant and is believed to prevent and treat diseases via heat application.
Namikoshi Shiatsu is another style that puts more emphasis on the physical techniques like rubbing specific body areas and applying pressure to help the healing process.
Zen Shiatsu, is the third styles, which as opposed to other styles that focus on particular points, concentrates on the entire meridian system and is performed with both hands.

Who Benefits from Shiatsu Massage Therapy?

It is believed that this type therapy can help people suffering from migraines, arthritis, joint problems, muscular pain, stress, chronic fatigue, digestive and skin disorders. Currently there is little evidence to support the use of Shiatsu in the treatment of any diseases or disorders.

Results You can Expect After Shiatsu Therapy

After a massage session, most people feel rejuvenated with a new sense of energy that is at higher level than before. You should also feel more relaxed and experience more flexibility and mobility in your joints. Some amount of muscle soreness and mild headaches are normal side effects but should disappear after a few hours of rest.

Shiatsu massage therapy is safe as long as a qualified practitioner or therapist only performs it. It is deeply relaxing and releases the tension throughout the body, which can be very soothing when you’ve had a rough day.

Important but Little Known Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

Achinta 'Archie' Mitra — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:48:25 +0000

Shiatsu or acupressure massage, is a finger-pressure massaging technique that is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Some people also refer to it as a point-pressure massaging technique. Both Shiatsu massage therapy and acupuncture are founded on the meridian system of healing.

The Shiatsu massage therapist applies pressure with his/her thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the body that have been identified as trouble spots. This assessment is done prior to starting your first massage session.

In Shiatsu massage, there are no needles involved, only rubbing, squeezing and pressure are used to unblock energy and restore optimal flow along the meridian system.

Over the years, Shiatsu massage therapy has grown in popularity in the West as an alternative treatment. However, not much is known about some of the significant benefits enjoyed my many patients. They include:

Improvements to the Digestive and Circulatory System

The digestive system breaks down the food that we eat so that it can be absorbed into the circulatory system. It then carries the nutrients to the tissues to use and removes metabolic wastes. Shiatsu massage therapist applies a gentle pressure to improve cellular nutrition and circulation throughout the body. It does so by helping the system to easily digest the food and quickly eliminate waste byproducts. Shiatsu massage therapy can also improve metabolism, remove fat and increase stamina.

Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Muscle Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects one percent of the adult population worldwide. RA affects approximately 2.5 million Americans; a disproportionate number of them are women.

Shiatsu massage can alleviate some of the symptoms of RA, which occurs from a chronic inflammation in the body tissues and attacking the joint linings resulting in a high level of pain, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joints. Unfortunately, Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure; one has to learn to manage the disease and better control pain. Shiatsu acupressure massage can help the patient by alleviating these symptoms. Shiatsu massage is also helpful in improving the overall health and conditioning of other muscles by reducing pain and improving blood circulation.

Restore Skin’s Natural Glow

Shiatsu massage is known stimulate the circulation within the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues. The massage helps to open up the sebaceous glands, which in turn keep the skin moist and smooth thus restoring the natural glow. Shiatsu massage also helps to maintain the skin’s natural resilience and prevents wrinkling.

Reduce Migraines and Headaches

Migraines are usually caused by the rapid narrowing and widening of the blood vessels in your brain. This leads to severe pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, nausea and weakness. Many things like stress, hunger, foods that contain caffeine and nitrates, and sudden changes in weather, can bring on your garden-variety headaches. Shiatsu massage therapy can improve blood circulation and ease migraines and headaches while relaxing your whole body.

Decrease Labor Pains and Pregnancy Problems

Shiatsu massages can help women decrease labor pains, help turn the baby inside the womb and reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Even women who are not pregnant can benefit from Shiatsu, as it is known to help with menstrual cramps, irritability and depression.