Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu Massage- Shiatsu massages are a popular spa massage offered at most day spas including holistic day spa centers. This Shiatsu massage review is going to give you a general overview of what is a Shiatsu massage. Shiatsu Massage!
As an ancient form of holistic medicine, Shiatsu massage is a unique hands-on therapy that has been used to promote relaxation, while incorporating acupressure techniques for health optimization. The word Shiatsu, meaning “pressure finger,” describes the nature of this type of massage. In Shiatsu, the therapist applies pressure using his or her fingers, thumb, and palms, sometimes using the elbows and feet to produce more force. However, unlike other forms of massage, in Shiatsu, the therapists primarily applies a targeted pressure, often utilizing their finger pads more often than any other technique.
Shiatsu treatment generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes and is usually performed while the client is fully clothed. Pressure points, specific areas of sensitivity on the body, such as those where a cluster of nerves exists, are generally pushed or massaged rhythmically. The therapist uses a moderate to strong force, for a period of several seconds or longer. The price of a Shiatsu massage ranges greatly, but is traditionally a bit higher than that of the more commonly performed Swedish massage. Depending on who is performing the treatment, and where it is performed, it may fall between $65 and $200/hour.
Overall, Shiatsu has been proven as an excellent tool for decreasing stress and tension. However, theoretic effects also include the correction of imbalances in the body’s energy, to improve overall health. Shiatsu is used in efforts to treat a variety of conditions, including migraines, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, sciatica, muscular issues, and more.
Originating from ancient Asian culture, the theology behind Shiatsu surrounds the principles of chi, the idea that a force of energy within us unites the mind, body, and spirit. Existing evidence suggests that the Chinese performed body treatments to improve health using pressure points to activate the pathways of chi as early as 206 BC. However, it is estimated by some scientists that this concept was part of the Chinese culture as early as 8000 BC.
During the 16th century, chi had become as central to the Japanese culture as it was in China. It was in Japan, that Shiatsu originated. As a derivative of the concept of acupuncture, Shiatsu was started by a young boy named Tokujiro Namikoshi, who began using the massage techniques of stroking and pressure to heal his mother’s arthritis. In 1925, Namikoshi opened the first Shiatsu Institute of Massage Therapy.
For more than 100 years, Shiatsu has been practices as a way to induce relaxation and keep the body healthy by correcting imbalances of energy. Today, two types of Shiatsu massage schools exist. One of them is based on western anatomical and physiological therapy. It serves to teach principles based on a combination of traditional therapeutic wisdom and western scientific ground. The other type of Shiatsu school evolves from the practices of ancient Chinese medicine.
A certain amount of controversy surrounds the use of Shiatsu for health purposes. Any claims of “healing” or “preventing illness” are not readily accepted by medical authorities. In addition, the pressure used in Shiatsu has been described as painful by some, as it is localized to tender areas of the body. However, there are many who regularly enjoy the pressure and stress relieving effects that are associated with this ancient form of therapy.