Shiatsu massage is a physical therapy that supports and strengthens the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself. Shiatsu, a Japanese word made up of two words, “shi” = finger and “atsu” = pressure, literally means “cure with the touch of fingers.” Shiatsu is a Japanese by-product of Traditional Chinese Medicine used for thousands of years to promote health and longevity.
It is based on the theories of Acupuncture. While Acupuncture uses needles, Shiatsu primarily uses thumb pressure to achieve harmony between the mind and body. Shiatsu also employs the use of the hands, knees, and feet. Techniques involve holding, rocking, stretching, and are combined with various manipulation techniques.
What Does Shiatsu Feel Like?
The spirit of Shiatsu is communicated through the quality of “non-intrusive” touch. This quality of touch allows one to receive care and warmth by invoking the body’s natural healing responses. The focus of the contact is directed along energy channels called meridians. The object is to restore or balance the Ki (Chi), life force/energy, found within the body’s meridian system.
How Does Shiatsu Work?
Shiatsu may be used to promote and stabilize physical and psychological health. Treatments have a regulatory influence on the autonomic nervous system, improving organ function, and reducing muscle tension. Shiatsu supports the self-healing process.
It looks at the illness and symptoms of the disease as an imbalance of energy as a form of treatment. The treatment stimulates, relaxes, invigorates, decongests, and gives an overall sense of body/mind/spirit well-being. Shiatsu not only works on the visible symptoms of imbalance but also at an even deeper level, the energetic level, the root of all irregularities.
