One the oldest known forms of massage therapy is shiatsu massage. This specific technique was developed and refined in Japan. The roots of shiatsu massage are linked back to China over 2000 years ago. Shiatsu borrows the use of acupoints from Chinese medicine. The Japanese added the concept of energy flow through the meridian lines. Practitioners of this massage technique seek to alleviate blockages of energy flow to restore balance and harmony.
There are some similarities between shiatsu and acupressure. The difference mainly lies in the placement of the massage. Acupressure is mainly performed over the act you point. In the case of shiatsu, the massage will extend over a greater range and extend beyond just the acupoints.
Shiatsu also involves the stretching and manipulating of different muscles and soft tissue areas. The typical movements in shiatsu massage are using increasing pressure in a rhythmic pattern. Holding pressure is also used with the hands and a gradual pressure release.
When the body comes under pressure, it can start a chain of events which leads to muscle stiffness and tension. In ancient Oriental medicine, there is strong believes in a life force which circulates through the body. Many of peace natural treatments are used to restore the balance of this energy in the body.
Shiatsu massage therapy soothes and relieves the muscles. The practice of shiatsu massage teaches that energy flows throughout the body. It is thought that this energy can become blocked in the body. When this occurs, the body is out of balance. Targeting these areas of blocked energy is central to shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage uses a simple multi-technique. The hands are used to wrap around a given area and gently squeeze. This technique provides three things for the user including the sensation of squeezing pressure, tactile feel and warmth. These three critical elements are thought to help revitalize the spirit.
Shiatsu has modernized with the times. Traditional shiatsu is very specific in its application. Many modern practitioners also include other types of movements such as vibration, grasping, and shaking. These have been integrated with many of the traditional practices.
There are many massage techniques which are being discover in many remote villages. More and more these massage techniques are being brought to light. Shiatsu massage is commonly practiced throughout the world. We shall see how other massage techniques continue to be integrated with others.
One of the more popular massage therapies in a world in is shiatsu. International spas offer shiatsu treatments as part of their standard fare. Almost every massage therapy school plans courses in shiatsu massage treatments.
Technology is also having an impact on shiatsu massage therapy. Massage chairs are being programmed to perform different aspects of shiatsu massage. These shiatsu massage chairs can perform many of the same elements of shiatsu. The mechanical replication of hand movements is quite extraordinary.
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.
