Facts about Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a finger pressure massage therapy whose origin is traced to the East. It refers to “finger pressure” where “Shi” means finger and “atsu” pressure. It is a traditional massage therapy which is non-invasive and deeply relaxing. It involves the use of fingers and the thumb to apply pressure to the body parts.

It also incorporates some gentle stretching of the body for the ultimate relaxation. Shiatsu therapists use their fingers and thumbs to apply pressure on parts of the body in a regular and continuous sequence. The fingers are dominant in this massage and this applies more pressure than in other massages where the palm is mostly used. It is closely related to acupuncture though fingers are used to apply pressure instead of needles. Over the years, this practice has graduated to professional therapy.

It is applied mainly to relax the body and mind from daily lives stress. It is also done to enhance a balanced energy flow through out the body for the promotion and maintenance of good health.

It is believed that people get sick if the energy flow in the body is not systematic. Applying shiatsu will relieve people of sickness and body pains. The benefits of shiatsu are varied. It is known to calm nerves that are otherwise overactive. This leaves people with relaxed muscles, low stress levels and an improved blood and lymph circulation. This brings peoples’ immune systems alive as well as the healing power which they possess naturally. It brings harmony within the body’s physical functions that include muscles, the nervous system, bone structure, the circulatory system and internal secretions. People will suffer less from blood pressure related ailments. They will experience increased vitality, energy and stamina. Muscle stiffness will be a thing of the past.

Shiatsu is used as an alternative medication for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, headache, premenstrual syndrome, constipation, fatigue, muscle pains and depression. This therapy can be administered on the floor or on a massage table. It is highly recommended due to its health benefits though people who suffer from blood clots are discouraged on its use. This is because the pressure may lead to clotting and this may worsen the condition. Patients with heart conditions should consult their doctors first to get a go ahead. People with skin conditions that are highly contagious must also keep away from this therapy. This is because they could end up infecting those who are administering the therapy and it may also be painful for them. People with open wounds and rashes should focus on healing them first before indulging in this treatment. It will also be uncomfortable for people who have just come from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It should only be administered if the doctor recommends so. Pregnant women wishing to have shiatsu should consult their physician for advice and if they are to have it anyway, it should be done by a professional pregnancy masseuse.

In Canada, we have professional therapists who are licensed by the Ministry of Health to operate as Shiatsu therapists. They are registered under the Registered Shiatsu Therapist (R.S.T) body after successfully completing their training. They are qualified from intense study and practice and they have mastered the art of this finger massage. Therapists who administer this massage therapy must ensure that their clients are free from abdominal hernias, unhealed wounds, bruises, recent fractures and inflamed skin. People intending to have this deep massage experience must ensure that they keep off heavy meals before the therapy. They should also get to the clinic or spa minutes before their scheduled time to have sufficient time for preparation. They need to be in loose clothing to facilitate the relaxation of the body. These massage therapy sessions last about 45 minutes to an hour.