Shiatsu Massage Then and Now

Shiatsu is one of the oldest forms of massage therapy. Although, it is a distinctly Japanese massage therapy, its roots can it is back to China. Basis of shiatsu is using acupressure points. Shiatsu views the body holistically. According to these principles energy is thought to flow through the body. This massage therapy detects blockages of energy flow and seeks to release these blockages in the body.

Acupressure massage is also an offshoot using acupoints. It is different from shiatsu massage and that it only concentrates on the acupressure points. Shiatsu, on the other hand, seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body using specialized movements and actions.

There is a focus would shiatsu on relieving tension in the soft tissue areas. Relief is given by using increasing pressure to relieve tension. Also, invigorating tapping actions are also used to enhance blood flow.

Both shiatsu and acupressure follow the principles regarding energy flowed through the body. This is common practice in Oriental medicine. There is strong belief in a life energy and force which permeates throughout the body. Conflicts with this energy cause turmoil in the body.

Those who practice shiatsu learn to look for blockages of energy in the body. They are taught that energy flows throughout the body. Sometimes the body gets out of balance because of circumstances. This is when the body needs help to get back in balance. Shiatsu massage targets restoring this balance for the vitality of the body.

Shiatsu uses a compression or holding massage. This is simply using the hands to hold around a given muscle or part of the body. Hands provide both touch and warm. This gentle squeeze it is done to initiate the healing process in the body.

Shiatsu involves a very subtle techniques and movements. These have evolved throughout the centuries and continue to this day. Practitioners of today use other variants of techniques in addition to the mainstream shiatsu techniques.

It will be interesting to see how many of these different massage techniques such as shiatsu evolve in the future. Massage therapists have the ability to learn techniques from all over the world. These practitioners will continue to experiment and blend techniques.

It is quite amazing to see massage techniques going global. One may travel the world and find shiatsu massage offer and most spas. The popularity and restorative powers of the shiatsu massage make it one the premier treatments.

Shiatsu massage therapy is evolving along with technology. Many massage chairs today can perform critical elements of shiatsu massage. Massage chairs are able to locate and targeted acupressure points located throughout the body. Massage treatment is then focused in these areas for customize relief.

Although shiatsu relieving, it is also very invigorating. Use of rapid tapping to soothe and loosen the muscle muscles is effective. The targeting of acupoints to help unblock energy seems to effectively restore the balance back to the body. The holistic approach use with shiatsu massage is central to its effectiveness to relieve tension and stress.

It is quite extraordinary that the early practitioners of shiatsu quickly discovered the complex relationships in the body. Their ability to target acupoints to relieve stress and tension is quite amazing. There is much to be understood by Western medicine from many of these long-standing traditional treatments.

Massage Therapy
Shiatsu Massage