Developed by the Chinese in around 530 BC, the Shiatsu massage technique evolved and later moved on to Japan, Southern Asia, and Korea, where it was predominantly practiced. Shiatsu is derived from the Japanese word `shi’ and `atsu’ literally meaning finger pressure. It does not stop with the use of finger pressure but also incorporates the use of thumbs, palms, knees, elbows, forearms, and feet. This massage technique is meant to unify the spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of its patients.
Shiatsu balances the body’s natural energy centers. It removes any blockages by applying pressure on the energy lines, or meridians, and promotes good health. It restores the normal flow of essential bio-energy in the body. The `chi’ brings in fresh, strong energy and bears away the spent energy along with the toxins. Shiatsu is done not only for relaxation but also to relieve a wide range of ailments and symptoms. Some of them are rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, migraine headaches, pregnancy, and ailments of the circulatory and digestive system.
A shiatsu massage therapist first makes diagnosis about how the energy flows, where it is blocked and where it is needed be released in your body. The therapeutic process begins with a gentle massage by stretching and manipulation of the skin to invigorate and relax the muscles. Gentle or high pressure may be used while massaging, but it is never painful. The session can last from four minutes to an hour.
When you go for a massage session, wear loose comfortable clothing such as linen or cotton. You may be asked to lie on a padded mat on the floor. It could also be a beaded mat or a futon. Allow yourself to relax and let the masseuse know about any medical conditions or areas of concern so that you can obtain the maximum benefit from the massage session.
Shiatsu stimulates blood circulation in the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues, and excites the sebaceous glands keeping your skin soft and supple. When shiatsu massage is applied on the hands and legs it gets rid of the symptoms of arthritis and eases muscular pain. It also lessens migraine headaches. It aids women during labor and also inhibits menstrual pain. The massage assists in proper digestion of food and the removal of waste products.
Tags: shiatsu massage, Shiatsu massage benefits, Shiatsu Massage Techniques, shiatsu massage therapist, shiatsu massage therapy
This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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