Shiatsu massage is a form of healing originating in Japan based on traditional Chinese medicine with some influential western therapies.
This massage uses the power of touch and pressure to balance the body’s energy flow. The Japanese word “shi” means finger and “atsu” means pressure. This is where this massage gets its name, but it has its roots in Chinese medicine.
What is the Shiatsu process like?
Shiatsu works to improve overall health by affecting the internal energy system. Used as either a primary or complementary therapy, shiatsu combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore muscle and bone structure. Poor posture, joint problems, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis are treatable with shiatsu.
For this massage, pressure is applied usually with the thumbs for varying amounts of time. Shiatsu regulates the nervous system activity and stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. This modality is often done through the clothes or over a sheet and utilizes the fingers, thumbs, and palms along various pressure points to heal the body. Applying pressure to these points promotes energy flow and corrects imbalances found in the client’s body.
