Shiatsu massage was first developed in Japan and is the counterpart of acupressure in China. "Shi" stands for finger, and "atsu" stands for pressure. Thus, instead of using needles it uses finger pressure to restore vitality and improve functionality throughout the body.
Shiatsu massage follows the belief that each of our bodily organs is connected to different energy channels called meridians. These meridians are like turn-on and turn-off switches, where most concentrations of nerves are. When pressure is applied to these points, "chi" or energy is stimulated to its corresponding organ. For instance, the pressure points in our w nerves are highly concentrated. Applying regular pressure in this area relaxes and stimulates the associated organs, reducing the risks of heart attack and hypertension.
Most of the time, Shiatsu massage is applied to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The therapist can use a combination of his fingers, thumbs, palms, or wooden massage tools to apply pressure. It may also include gentle stretching and manipulation techniques.
Though Shiatsu massage is an ancient technique, it is now widely used and respected all over the world. In fact, most hospitals use Shiatsu massage as post-complementary therapy for patients who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, and chronic disorders like arthritis.
How is Shiatsu Massage Done?
Like any other massage technique, the therapist must first asses your conditions. For example, if you have a lung disorder like asthma, the therapist will check for imbalances at any of your meridian points, especially in your arm where a high concentration of nerves is connected to your lungs. This is a simple process. The therapist applies light pressure to the corresponding nerve meridians. If you feel pain at a particular area, then an energy imbalance exists. Sometimes the therapist has to check more than one meridian point, searching for other existing conditions.
The essence of Shiatsu massage is touch. Your therapist can use the power of her hands to deliver different approaches such as pressing, shaking, hooking, rocking, joint rotations, vibrating, grasping, patting, and other hand massage techniques. Each is applied more than 3 to 5 minutes on certain areas where pressure is needed the most.
The patient is normally advised to wear loose clothing. However, there are times that the patient will be asked to remove garments for areas that require deep pressure manipulation, such as the back, the thighs, and the knees.
Depending on which area needs to be treated, the patient will be asked to lie face-down, or to sit on a futon or chair. The session typically lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. The therapist can also follow through with a Swedish massage or Thai massage. This further relaxes the patient and restores balance of "qi" flows.
During the session, patients may feel "good pain." However, over time, these pains become more tolerable. This means that circulation is beginning to improve, which will soon relieve pain and boost energy levels.
The number of Shiatsu massages one may need will vary. Normally, it takes more than 6 or 8 sessions before achieving the full benefits of the technique, which can mean 2 to 3 months of therapy. Once the patient has received full relief, they may undergo Shiatsu massage once a month for follow-up.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
The benefits of Shiatsu therapeutic massage depend on how well your therapist has mastered the technique, which focuses on finding the root cause of a problem and healing it. Shiatsu is a non-invasive and holistic approach to heal the body and boost the mind. It can be used to treat all chronic disorders such as stress, muscular pains, fatigue, migraines, anxiety, and much more.
When the right amount of pressure is applied to meridian points, endorphins are released. Endorphins are responsible for our "happy hormones" and serve as a natural painkiller for those who suffer muscle pains and chronic disorders such as arthritis. Once endorphins are released, the patient usually feels immediate relief of pain.
Shiatsu massage also improves blood flow. Better circulation can promote faster healing, due to the increased supply of oxygen. Your skin will benefit - looking young and smooth with a healthy glow. Why? When pressure is applied to the skin, it improves the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for keeping skin smooth and moisturized. Shiatsu massage can also enhance flexibility, treat injuries, lower blood pressure, help with insomnia, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve our immune system.
Eugene Wood is a NYC Licensed Massage Therapist, who also has an office in Wantagh Long Island. Learn more about the healing powers of massage by visiting his website.
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