What is Shiatsu Massage?
Unlike the other 4 types of popular massage, Shiatsu looks to the East for its origins and traditions. Shiatsu is Japanese. It is often called a form of Chinese Acupressure. Its name, in fact, means “finger Pressure.” While considering some aspects of modern Asian medicine, it is principally traditional in its approach to human physiology. Moreover, it does focus on the overall concept of the interconnection of all parts of the human being: body, mind, spirit, emotion. The mind and body are an indivisible whole.
The technique of Shiatsu relies on knowing the interplay between the Yin and the Yang. A practitioner also has to be aware of the importance of the interconnection between the life force or Ki and the body. The Ki flows through the meridians or channels. Along these channels there are Tsubo or Acupoints. If the Ki continues to flow without blockages an excess or a deficiency, then the body is healthy and balanced. If there is an excess (Jitsu) or lack of Ki (Kyo), there are pains, illnesses, and other health issues.
A Shiatsu practitioner is a giver. He or she applies pressure on the acupressure points to balance the body energy and to promote good health. One technique is called tonification. It is a slow and gradual pressure. Applied to the Kyo Meridians, it helps increase the energy of the Kyo meridians. Another variation induces relaxation of the Jitsu. The basic techniques or strokes of Shiatsu to accomplish this are palm pressure, thumb pressure, finger pressure and elbow pressure. Yin is soft touch and lingering pressure while Yang touch is invigorating and revitalizing.
The benefits of Shiatsu include bringing relief from the symptoms. It helps to ease chronic pain. A Shiatsu Massage Therapy treatment can stimulate the hormone system improving digestion and reproductive systems. Its major intent, however, is to restore balance of the ki to insure the body is healthy.
While these are the most popular types of Massage Therapy, they are not the only ones. There are a wide variety of types. These include both Eastern and Western traditional massage and more modern and eclectic versions. Both East and West have contributed to the growing demand for CAM.
About This Post