Shiatsu is a Japanese version of a massage. The word means “finger pressure”. So Shiatsu is a finger pressure massage. This type of massage uses the holistic method. It is considered to be part of traditional Chinese medicine. In this case, the belief is that imbalances from natural energy flow cause people to become ill. Massage therapists that use this method use their fingers and pressure from their palms of their hands. They do this to open up pathways of energy. If someone’s nervous system is out of whack, Shiatsu is used to cure that or at least bring peace to that area of the body. It is also responsible for circulation improvement, relaxing muscles and gets rid of stress. This method is performed by adding pressure to the affected area using a rhythmic motion. It is considered to be a more localized pressure. The finger pads put pressure on the majority of this treatment and not the whole palm.
When applying this massage, there may be tenderness in some of the affected areas. This is described as “good pain”. However, if a client should feel real pain during this process, they should let their therapist know immediately. They can adjust the pressure that they are applying to the client and alleviate their discomfort. Shiatsu is used to alleviate a lot of ailments. Some of them are listed here:
PMS
Headaches
Stress
Injuries
Arthritis
Constipation
Indigestion
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Back pain
When you go for your Shiatsu treatment, it will be conducted on a low massage table or you will be lying on the floor. You don’t use massage oil with this particular massage. You also keep on your clothes. It’s a good idea to wear something comfortable when you come for your massage treatment. You should not consume any heavy meals before the Shiatsu treatment. This can cause you to feel sluggish and you won’t get the benefits from having the massage session. If this is your first session, it’s a good idea to get there at least 15 – 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will have to fill out paperwork and you don’t want to run into your time doing that. You also want to have a chance to relax for a few minutes, regardless of whether or not you’re filling out paperwork.
If you fall under one of the following categories, it is advised that you do not engage in Shiatsu:
Recently had surgery
Skin ailment that is infectious or wounds that are open
If you have inflamed or broken skin
Fractures
Osteoporosis – check with your physician
Cancer treatments
Pregnant women – check with your doctor
