Shiatsu massage therapy
Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese healing technique. The term is made up of two Japanese words: ‘shi’, which means finger, and ‘atsu’, which means pressure. Shiatsu literally means pressure using fingers. It is a therapy which is given by pressuring certain points in your body using the fingers.
Shiatsu has for long been used to treat the common physiological and psychological ailments. This is performed by applying slight pressure on the various pressure points of the body. This therapy is considered the Japanese version of the popular Chinese therapy of acupressure. Some of the disorders that can be treated using Shiatsu massage are cramps, nausea, anxiety, depression, stiffness, arthritis and headaches.
Shiatsu Theory and Practice
Shiatsu theory and practice are based on two principal schools of thought. The first one is the theory of the anatomy and physiology and the second is based on ancient Chinese medication. In Japan, this is considered a legal alternative to medicine and there are licensed parlors where shiatsu is practiced. Because of its western and Chinese influences, shiatsu massage therapy is also considered one of the most progressive massage therapies.
Due to its many benefits, shiatsu massage has become extremely popular. Already considered a viable treatment option for many minor disorders, shiatsu treatment can both be received as well as learn. For those who want shiatsu massage training, there are a lot of training alternatives available. There are many different licensed training centers all over the world where you can learn the shiatsu massage technique and the course would include training in shiatsu theory and practice. Before learning how to perform the massage, you will first be familiarized with the anatomy of the body and the various pressure points which can be triggered to treat various disorders.
In the shiatsu massage technique, stress is laid on the two meridians of the body. These two meridians, one which runs along the back of the body and another which runs along the front, are considered vital in understanding the pressure points. Once your problem area is diagnosed, pressure is applied on your knees, toes, feet, and then on the elbows, knuckles, palms, and thumbs. It is believed that the two meridians draw the chi in the body and regulate it. These are connected to each other through a series of trigger points through which the chi energy flows. When pressure is applied on the trigger points, a healthier amount of chi begins to flow through them, flushing away the pain or the discomfort caused due to the specific disorder. |
