Shiatsu Massage Therapy - What You Should Know
Shiatsu massage is a popular form of Japanese bodywork derived from concepts in traditional Chinese medical practice including the concept of the flow of'qi' or energy . Shiatsu originates from a Japanese massage technique called title. This type of massage is also called Oriental or Acupressure Massage, since it is frequently applied in the presence of an acupuncturist, especially one who specializes in Chinese healing.
The concept of the anma system is that there are different meridian channels running throughout the body and each one has a corresponding'ki' (energy) area that may be tapped causing a transfer of energy to alleviate pain or treat a disease. Shiatsu massage therapists perform elongated moves over targeted acupressure points along these channels to excite them. In addition, patients are often given dietary suggestions as part of the treatment, which could include removal of caffeine and other stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine, as these substances stimulate the meridian channels and cause blockages that impair circulation. Many of the foods that we consume now contain a large amount of caffeine, even in the tiniest amounts, which are absorbed into the circulatory system and can inhibit the proper operation of the anma meridian channels.
In this way, Shiatsu massage helps to bring balance back to our own bodies by restoring energy flow and removing blockages that affect the energy flow. The acupressure points, or'sen nerve points', located in the back and neck area are considered to regulate the energy flow. Shiatsu practitioners believe that if these key meridian points are stimulated they'll open get more info up and allow vital energy to flow freely. When this occurs, the anma channels open up and the flow of energy is restored.
It's a fact that most Western physicians have never been completely convinced that Shiatsu massage is effective and that it is merely a new age fad. The fact is that this ancient form of treatment is very real and it has been used for several years in China. In actuality, Chinese herbalists have been prescribing this method of treatment for thousands of years. They have found that it helps to relieve pain and improve blood circulation and resistance levels. And just as western doctors have discovered the healing properties of acupuncture and herbal medicine, so have eastern medicine specialists.
Eastern medicine has long held the belief that energy or qi flows through meridians and that by stimulating certain meridian points they can open up the pathways of energy and increase the energy flow. Shiatsu massage is based around the notion that there are particular points along the meridians that when stimulated can open these pathways up and restore proper circulation. Shiatsu practitioners believe that by applying pressure along the meridians they could open up the blockages, return the energy flow and treat the symptoms of a disease or illness. The practice of Shiatsu has been around for centuries, but it is only in the last twenty years that western medicine is becoming aware of the benefits of this technique. In the West it is often called reflexology or acupressure.
Shiatsu massage has been used for pain relief by people from all walks of life, although it is particularly successful in helping pregnant women and burn patients. Since Shiatsu concentrates on opening up blockages along meridians as opposed to on fixing a sore muscle, it can be particularly effective at relieving pain. The acupressure points are stimulated in much the same way that acupressure is done by Native Americans. In spite of the additional sensitivity of acupressure points being found in sensitive areas, Shiatsu massage has been proven to be extremely effective for pain relief by lots of folks, especially those who have chronic diseases.
Many Shiatsu therapists claim that their customers experience feelings of joy, vitality and relief from stress and tension after a session. Others say they have noticed that their customers have a heightened feeling of well being and confidence following a session. If you suffer from some form of chronic pain, such as lower back pain, there's little doubt that you would enjoy the benefits of a shiatsu massage. If you are looking for a natural way to relieve chronic lower back pain, a fantastic therapist should have the ability to assist you cure your problem.
Shiatsu massage therapy isn't only an alternative healing method, however. It has been proven to help reduce the effects of stress, improve circulation, lower blood pressure and even reveal promising results in treating depression. Some people today feel that shiatsu massage therapy is a source of positive energy and that negative energy can be reduced using this technique. While there is much debate over the exact benefits of this technique, one thing is clear. Shiatsu massage therapy has the potential to do far more than just relax the entire body; it has the potential to help a person heal.