Shiatsu Massage – Flourish Good Health

There are different kinds of body massage and each has its own health benefits. One of the most favorites of many including me is the Shiatsu massage.

Just like the Western massage, Shiatsu promotes health, relieves stress and focuses on the body of the person being treated. It is known as a Japanese style healing technique although it uses Ancient Chinese medicine and acupressure in relieving stress and eliminating toxins from the body in a natural way.

“Shi” stands for finger and “atsu” means pressure. Finger pressure is used instead of needles. The organs of our body are connected to the meridians (energy channels where concentrations of nerves are).

Shiatsu massage has been widely known and respected in many parts of the world. Many hospitals use it as therapy for patients who have experienced heart attack, stroke and other chronic disorders. Applying the right amount of pressure to the meridians reduces the risk of hypertension and heart attack by stimulating the associated organs. Energy circulation is believed by most Chinese to one of the best ways to having good health.

Before performing the acupressure method (patting, holding, shaking, pinching, vibrating, rolling, joint rotations, grasping, hooking and plucking), stretching must be done first. Palms of the hand and soles of the feet are the most common area applied with Shiatsu massage. In addition to fingers, the massage therapist also uses his or her thumbs, palms, hands or massage tools made of wood to apply pressure.

Let’s find out how Shiatsu massage is done….

1. Assessment of Conditions

It is a must for the therapist to assess the conditions of the person to be treated. Assessment is done by applying light pressure to the corresponding meridians. There is an energy imbalance if you feel pain at a certain area.

2. Undressing

The patient is asked to remove upper and lower clothes with underwear or a loose towel left. Then they are asked to lie down on a futon or Shiatsu mat on the floor. Undressing makes it more comfortable for the therapist to access areas of the body where acupressure is necessary.

3. Working on the 12 Meridian Points

The massage therapist will then work on your 12 meridian points. Areas wherein pressure is most needed, pressure is usually applied for more than 3-5 minutes. Typically, the session lasts from 45-60 minutes. It is normal to feel pain while pressure is applied to certain areas but it is “good pain” which is tolerable.

There are some normal side effects after the Shiatsu therapy session. These include stomach ache, diarrhea, headache and depression because of the release of body tensions and toxins from your body. These effects last only for 1-2 days.

In order to enjoy and experience the true benefits offered by Shiatsu massage, you must do it regularly and must be done by a master or expert therapist.