Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a perfect way to de-stress your muscles, work on targeted painful areas, stretch your body, re-center and get back in tune with your inner self. It will help relax and reinvigorate your muscles and, undoubtedly, your spirit.

Shiatsu is a form of natural healing that originated within the oldest healing methods known to humanity: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shiatsu therapy was developed by Tokujiro Namikoshi and follows similar principles to western massage using the principles of anatomy and physiology. ("Shiatsu" is Japanese for "finger pressure.")

The unique quality of Shiatsu is that it emphasises efficient bodily movement and perception from one's true physical and spiritual centre. Proponents believe it alleviates disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles.

How Does It Work?

Shiatsu is based on the same principles as acupuncture but without the needles, concentrating on meridians or energy lines.Shiatsu follows the Eastern law of the five elements, which are wind, earth, water, fire and wood. These elements correspond to different areas of the body, where energy may be depleted.This also involves the balance and interplay of yin energy -- negative or passive -- as well as yang energy, which is positive and active. The interplay of these forces within the body determines the state of balance one may feel. If you're feeling off balance, this may be for you!

The idea, as in acupuncture, is to balance the life energy in the body which is disturbed when we become ill. Through a series of finger pressures all over the body along the meridians or pathways, Shiatsu can rebalance the body's energies, regulate the function of the organs and improve circulation. By releasing the body's natural energy flow, our self-healing process is able to take place. Shiatsu practitioners often use their elbows, knees and feet as well as their fingers during therapy, but they seldom use the palms of their hands unlike other traditional Western contact therapies.

Shiatsu can even detect energy imbalances before there are any symptoms, and as such Shiatsu is used widely as a wonderful preventive therapy which will leave you relaxed and feeling rejuvenated.

What To Expect?

When visiting a practitioner of shiatsu massage, wear thin, loose, comfortable clothing, such as cotton or linen. Expect to lie flat on the floor, a beaded mat, or a futon, so your muscles relax as much as possible. Be prepared to tell the masseuse what you would like worked on. If you have headaches, try to remember if they occur in the morning, after eating spicy food, reading for a long time, or vigorous exercise. Make sure to inform the masseuse of any westernized medical treatment you are receiving, as well.

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