Nearly each country in the world has developed a form of massage that is fairly unique to itself and some have invented more than one. Shiatsu is a Japanese variation of massage and the word translates as ‘ finger pressure’ in English. It is one of the more vigorous types of massage.
Shiatsu is probably based on the Chinese idea of meridians and acupuncture although this kind of massage therapy uses acupressure instead of needles. For the rest the philosophy is quite comparable. Applying pressure to certain points on the meridians is intended to restore balance to the body’s life force.
The massage therapist does this by applying pressure, maintained for several seconds, to various points that he or she determine to be the right ones to accomplish their aim of making you feel better. Advocates of shiatsu say that it improves circulation, which delivers more oxygen to the affected area, which relieves muscle pain and stiffness.
Unlike Swedish massage therapy, which makes use of broad sweeping, relaxing strokes by and large, shiatsu makes use of sustained pressure, which may become a little uncomfortable or even painful. The client has the option of telling the masseur to use less pressure, but at the risk that the therapy will be less effective.
This is the dilemma for both the patient and the masseur. More can be achieved more quickly through a little pain, but the same could be gained during several milder sessions. In general, it is worth allowing the masseur to take charge, but register your discomfort / pain by exhaling as if you have been struck.
Shiatsu massage does not use any oil and is a mild kind of therapeutic massage in a similar vein to Thai massage, although it is less enthusiastic than its Thai cousin. However, shiatsu, like Thai massage, is an excellent cure for joint pain, including backache, constipation, poor digestion. stress and sleeplessness.
Because shiatsu is a forceful massage technique, it is not recommended for individuals with cuts and bruises, delicate skin or any skin diseases at all. It is OK to go to a session having consumed something light like a small salad, but most people find it better to fast until after the massage is over, because there may be some abdominal massage of the stomach, although you can request to forego that.
Shiatsu can be performed on a massage bed or, more usually in the East, on a thin mattress on the floor. A typical session will last an hour and the massage may be carried out with clothes on or just a towel. The foremost thing is to feel relaxed before you start, even if you do not afterwards. The room should be well-ventilated with reasonable (natural) lighting.
Shiatsu is not one massage therapy but several, so if you go to northern Japan, you will probably encounter another type from the south and certainly another sort from New York or London. This is not a difficulty, it is normal.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the thai massage parlor video. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our website now at Classes For Massage Therapy