Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Shiatsu massage therapy is a therapeutic form of Japanese massage. While the techniques used in this therapy are thousands of years old, they were only formulated into what is now know as shiatsu about 100 years ago and is still practiced today in clinics and spas.

Shiatsu literally translates as finger pressure. This is a Japanese form of massage, but is based on principles borrowed from Chinese Traditional Medicine. It is highly respected in Japan and used as complementary medical treatment. In the West, it is largely considered benign at best and as harmful quackery at worst. Though this therapy has existed for many years there has been little scientific research to show its effectiveness.

Though the names used in the therapy have changed to suit the Japanese language, it still uses the basic principles of Chinese Traditional Medicine.

This form of Oriental massage uses the same points as acupuncture to promote healing. Putting pressure on these points stimulates nerve endings and unblocks the body's ki/chi or life force.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) there are 14 meridians that run through the body. These meridians are like pathways that carry chi through the body. Each meridian is named for an organ that it runs through. If a meridian is blocked the chi can't flow through it correctly and this will cause dysfunction in your body. This Japanese form of massage works to unblock blocked meridians so that ki/chi can flow through them freely just like acupuncture.

Many massage therapists use these principles in their practices.

Shiatsu is usually done on the floor. You lay on a thin futon mat. You remain fully clothed. It's a good idea to wear something loose fitting and comfortable.

The therapist will use his/her fingertips to apply rhythmic pressure along your meridians. The therapy shouldn't hurt. Let your therapist know if it does and he/she will adjust the pressure to your comfort level.

It is not uncommon to feel some flu like symptoms after a treatment. Drink plenty of water and take it easy and you should be fine.

This therapy can be used to treat a variety of problems. Here is a list of a few:

• back pain
• whiplash
• neck stiffness
• joint pain
• reduced mobility
• muscle injuries

There are some critics of meridian based healing therapies. Some people say it's not based in science, but I think that if it's worked for so many people for so long there must be something to it.

In 2007, a study was conducted at the University of Leeds on the effects of shiatsu massage therapy. 948 people participated in the study from countries across Europe. The study lasted for 6 months. During this period clients had to answer a number of baseline questions four times during the course of the treatment to measure how well the therapy is working.

The results of the questionnaires showed that immediately after the session most of the people experienced the following positive results.

• more relaxed
• calmer
• more energized
• more able to cope in daily life
• more balanced

12 to 22 percent felt some negative effects that are considered transitioning effects. That means that immediately after treatment they felt worse, but with the passage of time their conditions improved.

3 percent experienced negative side effects that would be considered completely undesirable.

In the long term besides the positive emotional side effects listed above, clients experienced physical side effects too. These included.

• reduction of muscle tension
• reduction of joint tension
• improved posture

Findings showed that the use of shiatsu massage therapy as part of your health maintenance program could lead to a reduced need to use conventional medicine and a reduced number of days missed from work.

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