All About Shiatsu Massage Techniques

Shiatsu is a massage technique that uses the power of touch and applying pressure. This type of therapy comes from ancient Japanese culture however was adapted into Chinese medicine practices and uses the principles of the meridian healing system.

The Meridian healing system focuses opening up the body and increasing the blood circulation. The Qi pronounced chi is to flow throughout the body to produce high amounts of energy to balance out the needs of the body.  There are twelve Meridians that are associated with organs of the body in the Meridian path of healing such as the kidney, liver, spleen, stomach, heart, lungs, bladder, gall bladder, the small and larger intestines, the body temperature regulator, and the pericardium. All of these organs provide the path for the energy of the body to flow when the body is not immune to illnesses.

Shiatsu therapy is also helpful towards those that suffer with arm aches and tension, long term usage of repetitive movements such as a keyboard, writing, computer mouse, and other any other repetitive motion devices.

When the body is imbalanced it causes the immune system to become weak and vulnerable to contracting diseases. If an individual experiences a loss of energy, this will show that the body is weakening, the organs are losing their ability to function properly and tissues of the body are slow failing. So the Qi (chi) flow loses its capabilities to flow as freely.  The massage therapist will be able to assist in completing the process to boost the immune system in the body.  The massage therapist uses a pressure method using the fingers, thumbs and palms to massage the area based on the required amount of applied pressure is needed on the affected area. It uses massage techniques that include rubbing, squeezing, and tapping in order to release the blocked energy in the body.

Shiatsu massage therapy is used to treat many disorders such as:

· Back pain

· Sciatica nerve pain

· Bulging/herniated discs

· Whiplash injuries

· Headaches

· Migraines

· Frozen shoulders and back problems

· Joint pain

· Carpal tunnel

· Tennis elbow

· Abdominal pain

· Stress and fatigue

· Anxiety disorders

· Muscle pain disorders

· Dizziness and weakness

· Vertigo

· Gastrointestinal disorders

Shiatsu is known for curing medical disorders and preventing those health disorders from progression any further. Shiatsu massage can help restore back full function of parts of the body that were affected by a health issue. Shiatsu massage provides a long list of additional benefits such as:

· Provides complete relaxation

· Gets rid of toxins and wastes from the body

· Prevent diseases

· Blood circulation improves

· Reduces overall stress and anxiety

· Balance the ki (chi) in the body

· Increases energy, mental and spiritual well-being

· Increase mobility and flexibility in the body

· Balancing menstrual cycles

· Relaxes the musculoskeletal body structure

· Increase sexual exuberance

· Clears the mind of cloudiness

With all of these benefits Shiatsu massage continues to help with relieving a long range of health illnesses that helps with restoring the mobility for the entire body. If there is pain in the body it means that there is discomfort and an imbalance present. The technique of Shiatsu focuses on the pressure that is applied to the body in a slow process, and if the individual is experiencing pain in the session, the licensed massage therapist will lessen in the applied pressure. It is important to talk with a physician before attempting any of these treatments as this will help to best determine the type of techniques to try on your body.

Resources:

http://www.holisticonline.com/shiatsu/hol_shiatsu_intr.htm