Shiatsu Foot Massage Techniques and Benefits

Standing on your own feet is an oft heard cliché which we may have heard at some time or the other. But in our ever so busy fast paced lives, we find no time to rest our weary feet. Here’s where shiatsu foot massage steps in. This massage will leave your feet revitalized.

Shiatsu means `finger pressure ‘in Japanese. This technique has been followed for centuries and is based on the philosophy that vital energy flows through various body points called meridians. The massage involves the use of fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to massage the body. Whenever blood circulation is stimulated through the process of massage, it releases essential nutrients and takes away the toxins. This purifies your systems and makes you feel refreshed.

Shiatsu foot massage therapy involves the application of pressure at the appropriate meridian points to promote the proper functioning of the related body systems. Initially, your feet are gently rubbed to loosen the feet and prepare them for a massage.

The feet are lightly stroked to induce the blood vessels to produce a little heat. This is called stroking, to get the blood flowing better. Then your ankles are massaged in a clockwise and anti clockwise direction to relax them. Your feet are then swiveled and pressure is applied to relieve fatigue in the ball of the foot. Knuckles are used from your heel to the toes in a kneading motion. To relax your toes the therapists will slip their fingers between two toes and pull them, squeeze them, and rotate them. There is yet another technique in which the therapist use their bare feet to massage your feet and the soles. For this you may have lie on a mattress. The therapists will stand with their back to you, placing their heel on your foot and their toes on the ground. They slowly work up to your toes.

To start with, the massage relaxes and revives your feet. It also reduces or puts off headaches. Eyes strain and stress are also lessened. It eases stomach aches and helps in improving the functioning of the kidneys, bladder, and the excretory system. It alleviates pain in the spine and improves posture. The massage stimulates the lymphatic system, thus clearing the toxins in your body. It also energizes the nerves that control the lungs and the complete bronchial system.

With all these benefits, you feel pampered and all the tensions melt away. Now, with zest and life in your feet, go ahead and stand on your own feet.

Tags: shiatsu foot massage, shiatsu foot massage benefits, shiatsu foot massage techniques, shiatsu foot massage therapy

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 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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Shiatsu Massage Techniques and Benefits

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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Benefits of Shiatsu Facial Massage

The face that launched a thousand ships, a famous figure of speech, would leave us craving for some such splendor in us. However, with the strain and stress that we go through each day in addition to the pollutants in our environment, having healthy skin seems more impossible each day. Fortunately, a shiatsu facial massage can ensure not only improved skin tone but also rejuvenates and relaxes facial stress.

In Japanese, `Shi’ means fingers and `atsu’ means pressure. This massage technique is exceptionally effective for achieving glowing, healthy, and younger-looking skin. The therapist uses his or her fingers, thumbs, and palms to loosen up tension. The massage also enhances blood circulation and replenishes the skin. A facial massage involves a blend of mild strokes applied on the face and neck region. It should be noted that no oils or lotions are used in this type of a massage.

The mild strokes applied by the therapist restore the flow of vital energy and correct imbalances within the skin.
Apart from the obvious cosmetics benefits of a facial massage, such as younger-looking, softer, healthier, and glowing skin, a shiatsu facial massage also helps alleviate health problems related to the face area. However, the most significant benefit of a shiatsu facial massage is the total relaxation of the mind and body that one experiences during and after the session.

A shiatsu facial massage also helps in enhancing blood flow to the face area, thereby improving skin tone. The mild, circular strokes help in relaxing the face and eye muscles, which, in turn, relieve stress and ease eye strain and stiffness of the neck. Shiatsu facial massages are also known to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from insomnia; this is because they reduce nervous tension and alleviate anxiety and its related symptoms.

Since a shiatsu massage ensure that all the trigger points are massaged correctly, it also helps in treating nasal congestion. In fact, this kind of massage has been known to be extremely effective for people affected by sinus problems.
Strangely, a shiatsu facial massage also improves and restores the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.

The benefits of a shiatsu facial massage are multi-fold; in fact, by applying pressure to the key trigger points, a facial massage of this kind can ensure that you remain stress-free, completely relaxed, younger-looking, and above all, healthy.

Tags: eye muscles, nasal congestion, shiatsu facial massage, sinus problems, total relaxation

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 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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Shiatsu Massage Chair and Relives Back Pain

Over the years, shiatsu massage has become popular as an effective and beneficial massage therapy. Having its origins in the Chinese art of acupuncture, in a shiatsu massage pressure is applied to the trigger points by using either the finger or the thumb. This kind of massage is widely used owing to its numerous benefits both for the body and mind. In particular, the shiatsu back massage relieves back pain, relaxes muscles, eases shoulder strain, and improves flexibility.
Perhaps, the first shiatsu massage chair was made in Japan. In fact, shiatsu was probably the first massage therapy that was successfully available as a massage chair. A shiatsu massage therapist essentially massages the trigger points located in the body so as regulate the energy flow; this is turn results in relaxation and rejuvenation. Similarly, a shiatsu massage chair has components that are able to apply pressure on the trigger points of the body, stimulating the muscles and reducing soreness.

A shiatsu massage involves different kinds of techniques to apply pressure to the trigger points; this allows the pressure level and type to be changed depending on the individual’s needs. A shiatsu massage chair is installed with software in which one can feed in requirements. The components that are installed in the shiatsu back massage cushion then apply pressure based on the information provided.

Shiatsu massage chairs are ideal for those who work long hours and suffer from increased anxiety and stress. The massage action of the chair smoothens out all knots in the muscles, reducing pain and alleviating tension. In fact, with today’s technological advancements, most back massage chairs are crafted such that the thumbs and fingers on the chair can provide excellent coverage and feel very similar to human touch.

The most significant benefit of a shiatsu massage chair is that it helps to alleviate back pain, apart from relaxing and refreshing the mind and body. Sitting back in the chair and allowing the robotic thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to the key points on your back is the perfect way to relieve strain and reduce stress. Moreover, since the massage chairs can be programmed to suit your needs, you can manipulate the pressure as well as the kind of action that is performed. Shiatsu back massage chairs have become widely popular for treating back pain and back related problems owing to their superior quality and versatility.

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