Shiatsu Massage ...
and it's benefits for the body!

Shiatsu Massage uses various styles of Japanese massage techniques and occasionally will incorporate essential oils or herbal products to achieve different results. It focuses on pressure points and uses fingers, thumbs and palms of hands

Benefits of Shiatsu for muscles!

Like acupressure, shiatsu is based on traditional Asian medical theories that illness is brought on by an interruption in the natural flow of "qi" (energy) through the body.

Shiatsu is a Japanese style of bodywork, literally meaning finger pressure. It is a system of healing and health maintenance based on your body’s natural energy, called Qi (in Japanese) or Chi (in Chinese).

This energy runs all over our bodies in pathways called meridians. As the muscular-skeletal system is the foundation of Western massage therapy, the meridian system is that to Shiatsu.

The meridians run through the organs thus affecting one’s physiology, as well as oversee the emotional and psychological aspects of our beings.

Shiatsu massage facilitates the smooth movement of Qi throughout your body, thus better nourishing your organ systems as well as eliminating patterns that have taken hold in the body over the years due to stress, illness, and physical or emotional trauma.

These patterns can be the underlying source of ailments in the body. Applying moderate pressure to and stretching the meridians facilitates the free flow of Qi, promoting health and relaxation.

Shiatsu is an excellent stress reliever, and can be very effective in the treatment of sciatica, headaches, fibromyalgia, PMS, anxiety, stress management, insomnia, sinusitis, carpel tunnel syndrome,IBS, neck/back pain, and menopause, as well as many common ailments- without side effects.

In order to practice Shiatsu, it requires specific training in the meridian system and it’s attributes as well as the technique itself. Most states require a massage therapy license to practice this therapy legally, and you should have extensive training to safely and effectively help clients.

Benefits of Shiatsu Massage for Physical and Emotional Issues

Shiatsu massage offers a wide range of benefits, including stress relief, improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and increased energy levels. It can also help with pain management, digestion, and even some chronic conditions. 

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits of Shiatsu massage:

Physical Benefits:

• Stress Reduction:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can help reduce stress by targeting specific energy points, releasing tension, and promoting relaxation. 
• Improved Circulation:.Opens in new tabThe pressure and movements used in Shiatsu stimulate blood flow, which can aid in faster recovery and better overall health. 
• Muscle Relaxation:.Opens in new tabShiatsu effectively alleviates muscle stiffness and tension, promoting deep relaxation. 
• Pain Management:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can help relieve pain in areas like back pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. 
• Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can help improve flexibility and range of motion by releasing tension in the body. 
• Improved Digestion:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can support digestive health by stimulating acupressure points related to the digestive system. 
• Improved Sleep:.Opens in new tabBy promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Shiatsu can help improve sleep quality. 
• Arthritis Relief:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can help relieve arthritis pain by increasing lymphatic flow and reducing inflammation. 
• Migraine Relief:.Opens in new tabShiatsu can help relieve migraines by relaxing the body and increasing circulation. 

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

• Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Shiatsu can help alleviate anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and balance. 
• Enhanced Energy Levels: Shiatsu can help restore energy levels and make you feel more invigorated. 
• Improved Emotional Balance: Shiatsu can help promote emotional balance and well-being. 
• Increased Mental Clarity: By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Shiatsu can help improve mental clarity. 

Other Benefits:

• Supports Immune Function: Shiatsu can support immune function by reducing stress and enhancing the body's natural healing mechanisms. 
• Holistic Healing: Shiatsu aims to restore harmony within your body, mind, and spirit. 

Shiatsu Hand Massage

The treatment may be done on a table, in a seated position, or on the floor.

Most often, you will remain fully clothed (shoes may be removed), so wear comfortable clothing.

Typically, no oil is used for this bodywork treatment.

If you are pregnant, bruise easily, have wounds, skin conditions, or other medical issues, you should tell the therapist. These are conditions that may be contraindicated for massage therapy, and more specifically, shiatsu therapy.

To learn this technique, this DVD, The Art Of Shiatsu: Level 1 teaches beginning levels of this therapy. This highly-rated video provides a thorough training of Shiatsu, with simple illustrations for a full-body treatment, as well as more complex points for advanced practitioners.

This is a clip of that DVD:

This is one of the best videos for learning Shiatsu massage, focusing on instruction in the five main principles of Zen Shiatsu, Supine Shiatsu Techniques, Prone Shiatsu Techniques, Side-lying Shiatsu Technique, and Major Point Locations.   

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