Shiatsu Massage
While almost any type of massage is beneficial, finding an experienced professional who offers the specific massage techniques that target your situation is a great way to relax and unwind. More and more people choose to release the tension built up after a stressful week of working and dealing with the ever increasing pressures of our world by visiting a spa for a massage and some much-needed relaxation.
One such type of massage technique is shiatsu which comes from two Japanese words — “shi” or finger and “atsu” or pressure. Originating in Japan but based on the Chinese meridian system, today, shiatsu is often used in combination with acupuncture to treat painful areas of the body. But before you panic, there are no needles required unless you opt to add the acupunture component!
Traditional shiatsu seeks to read the body as the well-trained therapist presses on key areas, known as meridians, finding evidence of imbalance and blocked energy or qi. Through the use of finger, palm and thumb pressure, the therapist works to stimulate the areas and restore balance to the system. Our more western understanding of what’s going on is that these techniques increase the flow of the circulatory and lymph systems in the body. This leads to the calming of the autonomic nervous system which relieves stress and can strengthen the immune system. By soothing an overactive sympathetic nervous system circulation is improved which, in turn, relieves stiff muscles and joints.
Although practices differ from one spa to another, shiatsu clients usually wear loose clothing and the treatment may be performed on a mat on the floor. Practitioners will use their fingers, palms and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body or they may employ other techniques such as tapping, squeezing and rubbing.
Shiatsu is designed as a holistic approach to restoring balance and healing to the body. The session should be done in an environment that is designed to provide relaxation mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Music is almost always used to create the desired ambiance. The attitude of the practitioner will be one of professionalism combined with deep respect for the spiritual nature of the work being done.
The benefits resulting from this type of massage from an experienced therapist are many. They may include any or all of the following:
- Muscle, joint and tissue relaxation
- Stress relief or reduction and more ability to cope with future stressful situations
- Release of toxins from the body
- Enhanced immune system and resistance to disease
- Increased flexibility
- Improved circulation
- Lowering and control of blood pressure
- Decreased levels of anxiety
- Balancing of energy (qi)
- Heightened spiritual awareness
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Tagged With acupressure, acupuncture, meridians, qi, shiatsu