Shiatsu Massage

Everyday, most of us are expose to the wear and tear of life. It usually affects our physical body, emotional, psychological and mental aspects of our self. If care is not given, it could even compromise our health and wellness. However, it is good to know that our body have the capacity to heal itself. It is a natural ability in our system that only works in proper condition.

Shiatsu is a therapy that was designed to strengthen the natural ability of the body to heal itself and to maintain our health and wellness. It is a soft and relaxing kind of therapy that can able to adjust your body and make it in tune and balance.

The word shiatsu literally mean as  finger pressure. It was originated in China together with other therapies such as acupuncture and massage. Chinese called it “anma” and was later adopted by Japanese. It gradually evolved and today it is no longer called anma but shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese word written in two characters shi, meaning finger and atsu, meaning pressure.

Sometimes, shiatsu is also called acupressure, though technically they have differences. Shiatsu like acupressure also stimulate acupoint with pressure using the fingers however, unlike acupressure ,  shiatsu is sometimes applied to a wider area using palms, elbows, knees and feet. Further, shiatsu also uses gentle stretch and manipulation techniques. Other types of shiatsu uses special breathing techniques and meditation.

In the traditional therapy, it is a common belief that the body has energy force or life energy called qi. Sometimes too much stress block the flow of energy in the body that causes diseases. According to Chinese medicines, energy flows in 20 pathways called meridians. The major purpose of shiatsu is to adjust the flow of energy and to distribute it evenly in the meridians to prevent disease or to support the healing of the body.

According to scientific explanation, shiatsu calms the overactive sympathetic nervous system, the system that activates the  fight or flight response of the body. Sympathetic nervous system is located in the spine and connected to the internal organ, blood vessels and the skin. It regulates  many functions of the body including digestion, excretion of urine and sweating. If over stimulated, the functions will be compromise and thus, resulted to many diseases and psychological problems. Stress is usually the cause of overactive sympathetic nervous system.

In calming the system trough shiatsu, the body condition will be returned to normal and all the other organs can function well. That's why shiatsu is called a complete form of holistic treatment.

Shiatsu therapy is recommended for those who have digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, stress, constipation, depression and many more. It is also good for those who are recovering from injuries, arthritis pain and premenstrual syndrome. For those who are not suffering from any pains or problems, shiatsu is also best for relaxation and pampering oneself.

However, special consideration should be taken to those who have specific conditions. Pregnant women, those who have osteoporosis and heart problems, should ask their doctor before receiving shiatsu therapy. Shiatsu is also not recommended to those who just had a surgery and have a skin problems such as open wounds, infectious skin diseases and bruises.

Living in balance is significant in maintaining our health. Shiatsu is one type of massage that could strengthen the balance of your body and could boosts the functions of your system.