Massage … it’s so relaxing isn’t it ?!
Have you ever had a massage and wondered about the techniques being used by your practitioner ?
Massage has so many different variations, from Swedish to sports massage. Shiatsu massage is one of the many techniques that promotes general health and wellness, while also treating specific medical conditions.
What is Shiatsu ?
Shiatsu is a form of Oriental massage, based on Traditional Japanese massage and integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice with Western physiology and anatomy.
Shiatsu combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore energy balance in the body (Qi or Ki – pronounced Chee). Pressure is applied to specific points to promote energy distribution throughout the body and to correct disharmonies in the energetic components of the body.
Shiatsu benefits include :
• Improves posture.
• Reduces acute and chronic neck and back pain.
• Stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems.
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate.
Shiatsu aims to treat the root cause of disorders and conditions while enhancing overall health. Sessions often result in increased range of motion and improved coordination. Utilized as either a primary therapy or complementary therapy, Shiatsu restores the nervous and circulatory systems, improves muscle elasticity and bone structure, and contributes to mind and body wellness.
These are some of the techniques a massage therapist might use in a session :
• Pressure (with fingers, hands, elbows and even feet)
• Kneading
• Soothing
• Light tapping
• Gentle stretching
A little bit of history …..
A massage therapist named Tamai Tempaku developed Shiatsu in the early 20th century as a way to revive the healing aspect of the massage typically used by those practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, which had evolved to have more of a focus on relaxation. He incorporated the Western sciences of anatomy and physiology into his practice and added principles from chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
Shiatsu aims to improve the patients flow of Qi, which is a person’s natural energy system that runs along internal pathways called meridians.
This is a traffic metaphor often used to describe Shiatsu :
“The meridians form a network — like a system of roads, highways, and country lanes. Acupoints are found at the major junctions, crossroads, overpasses, bus stops and traffic lights. The subtle art of assessment and treatment requires the selection of specific meridians and acupoints that can be used to unblock traffic jams and enhance the free flow of traffic that results in homeostasis.”
The free movement of energy and achievement of balance are the goals of Shiatsu treatment.
What conditions does Shiatsu help?
Besides making you feel relaxed and energized, what is Shiatsu massage good for treating?
Shiatsu is a type of massage that can be used to help a variety of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions, for example :
• Muscle stiffness
• Digestive problems
• Nervous system ailments
Shiatsu also aids in the treatment of many specific health issues :
1. Migraines and other headaches : Reduces tension, depression and anxiety, and has been shown to diminish the intensity, duration and reliance on medication for sufferers
2. Muscle pain, including lower back and joint pain : Helps facilitate blood flow and circulation, aiding in healing injured muscles
3. Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia : Relieves tension and stress, improves sleep, and reduces muscle and joint pain, all of which plague chronic pain sufferers
4. Stress and anxiety: Increases relaxation and soothes body tension and pain, while increasing the release of serotonin and dopamine
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Decreases cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine, which can calm some of the condition’s symptoms
6. Pregnancy discomfort : Elevates mood, increases blood flow and range of motion, helping relax and prep mothers-to-be for childbirth
7. Sleep issues, including fatigue and insomnia : Promotes relaxation and reduces stress, leading to more ZZZs
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