Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage has existed for over 2000 years ago. Shiatsu is sometimes called acupressure as derived from ancient Chinese form of healing method. It was widely spread since the time it was exported to Japan and other parts of Asia. It is literally translated as “finger pressure”.

The word “Shiatsu” was derived from the two Japanese words: “shi” which means fingers and “atsu” which means pressure. Shiatsu massage uses fingers, thumb, palm, knuckles, elbows, knees, and feet in massaging. It uses firm focus stroke on the body to loosen up tight muscles.

Our body has believed to have 14 meridians. Those meridians correspond to the major organs of the body and considered to be the channel of energy or chi flows. These meridians are the following: stomach, small and large intestine, spleen/pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, heart, lungs, sex, and triple heater. When there is a balance flow of this energy, it means the person is in good health. However, blocked or hindered chi flow causes illness. To remove this blockage, a person might try a shiatsu massage. Shiatsu massage unifies spiritual and medical aspects of the body. When it is flowing freely, it brings fresh and strong energy. It carries away spent energy together with the toxins.

A shiatsu practitioner first makes diagnostic test to the client. It is to assess where chi flows and where it may be blocked. They will ask if you have any ailments, and then do light massaging to identify which pressure points are stiff or tender.

After finding out the client's problem area, the shiatsu practitioner gently and firmly applies pressure using the fingers, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows.

Two meridians are central, pulling chi through the torso. The other twelve meridians occur in pairs along the symmetric halves of your body. These do not control the organs but are associated with the function. Each symbolizes the organs.

Most people enjoy shiatsu massage as much as the enjoyment of a hot stone massage. You have to expect some differences. Shiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints and manipulating pressure points. When these points are pressed, the feeling is somewhat intense or slightly uncomfortable, unlike any massage. Many believe that Shiatsu is both preventive and heals minor illnesses.

On the other hand, an experience of a hot stone massage has a lot difference. The hot stones have believed to have various healthful effect to a person. It loosens up tensed muscles and helps in good blood circulation as the heat goes into the bloodstream and flushes out toxins. The heated stones are placed on triggers points of the body before the massage session. The heat penetrates into deep body tissues and open up so the blood circulates around the body.

The circulatory system is responsible in carrying freshly oxygenated blood from the heart and lungs to the rest of the body. When the blood flows normally, the person is healthy. Poor circulation causes peripheral vascular diseases because the arteries that normally distributes blood from the heart are blocked. This blockage creates muscle discomforts and leads to poor health.

If Shiatsu massage has meridian channels, hot stone massage has energy key points on the body. With hot stones during massage, stiff and rigid deep muscle tissues will loosen up as the hot stones are placed and glided around the body. But there are contraindications in a hot stone massage. Pregnant women and those who have high blood pressure should not engage in this massage session.

A person who is experiencing muscle discomforts, psychological, and emotional problems, may try the benefits of a hot stone massage. You will experience the full relaxation that your body needs. Although it is not a substitute for the traditional medical and psychiatric care, it can be an essential part of your treatment plan.