In this article I will present shiatsu, Japanese massage, equivalent of the Chinese method of acupressure. Word shiatsu orginates from the Japanese words %26quot;shi%26quot; and %26quot;atsu,%26quot; meaning %26quot;finger pressure.%26quot; This finger pressure technique is sometimes confused with the acupuncture, but has nothing to do with needle pokes. Shiatsu massage a.k.a acupressure feels more like applying pressure and tapping along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of chi.
History of Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu originated in Japan. The term itself was first used in a book published in 1915, Tenpaku Temai's Shiatsu Ry%26#333;h%26#333;.
In 1940 Tokujiro Namikoshi founded the Japan Shiatsu College. He systematized a form of Shiatsu therapy based more on Western anatomy than traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. In Japan, Namikoshi's system enjoys special legal status; the story is told that at the age of seven, he developed a technique of pressing using his thumbs and palms as he tried to nurse his mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.
The 'founder' himself treated many high profile persons such as politicians, as well as celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali. This way, Shiatsu massage became known not only in Japan but also abroad.
Namikoshi's system is referred as derivative shiatsu.
Tadashi Izawa established Meridian Shiatsu, incorporating Meridian Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine into his Shiatsu therapy.
Zen shiatsu is the one that is most popular in North America and Europe: Zen shiatsu may be strenuous, adding yoga-like stretches to help open the meridians. Professionals who practice this technique apply heavy pressure, using their full body weight when they press the points. Therefore this technique isn't an at-home technique.
Tao Shiatsu is a form of shiatsu, which involves concentrating the mind and making supplications to the Buddha. It was introduced by Ryukyu Endo, a Buddhist priest.
In barefoot shiatsu feet are used to rub and press the points. Practitioners say this method delivers even more pressure.
What is shiatsu massage and how is performed?
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage. It is often confused with acupuncture and actually has some similarities. Just like acupuncture, shiatsu massage is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that illness is a result of imbalances in the natural flow of energy through the body. Therefore shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of energy. When energy flows freely, chi brings fresh and strong energy, while carrying away energy that was spent, or in other words: blocked chi must be cleaned and restored.
Shiatsu massage unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body, while some western massage techniques, as mentioned before, are combined with the view that energy circulates along channels or popular called in shiatsu massage: meridians. There are fourteen meridians running the length of your body. Two meridians are central, driving chi through your torso. First is the Governor, which is along your back, and second is the Conception, which is down your front. Other twelve meridians are: stomach, small and large intestine, spleen/pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, heart, lungs, sex, and triple heater. They occur in the mirrored pairs along the symmetric halves of your body. These meridians both control your organs and are also associated with the function and symbolism of each organ.
During shiatsu massage therapists applied pressure using fingers, thumbs and palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence. Pressure feels localized: certain pressure points may feel tender, but people usually describe it as good pain.
First the therapists will make the diagnosis, she or he will ask you if you have any specific ailments. Then gentle massage on pressure points that run along meridians will be done in order to see which pressure points are stiff or tender. When diagnosing your problems areas, the therapists will continue with shiatsu massage. When visiting a practitioner of shiatsu massage, expect to lie on low massage table or on the floor. It is important to tell the the therapists what you would like to be worked on- what is your problem. Also inform him or her if you are receiving any westernized medical treatment. Unlike other forms of massage, with shiatsu no massage oil is applied, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment. Therefore wear comfortable clothing.
Benefits of shiatsu massage
Scientific explains that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress. Other benefits of shiatsu massage are:
- deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- stress reduction and management
- releases toxins from the body
- disease preventative
- increased flexibility
- improved blood circulations
- reduces blood pressure
- reduces mental anxieties
- balances ki (chi)
- calms nervousness
- increases mental and spiritual awareness
Shiatsu is used for following conditions:
- relaxation
- depression
- recovery from injuries
- back pain
- neck and shoulder pain
- headache
- premenstrual syndrome
- anxiety
- tiredness
- insomnia
- stress
- arthritis pain
- constipation
- poor digestion
However, certain type of people/ patients should not use shiatsu massage. People with open wounds, infectious skin disease or rash should not apply shiatsu massage; shiatsu shouldn't also be applied over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures. Patients right after surgery or right after chemotherapy or radiation (unless recommended by your doctor) shouldn't use shiatsu massage. People with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before having shiatsu. People having problems with blood clots should avoid using shiatsu massage, because there is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. People with heart disease and pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting any type of massage or bodywork.
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