Shiatsu Massage: What's in it For You?

Shiatsu is the application of finger pressure to various points along the "meridian lines" of the body. The intent is to manipulate the body's "Ki" flow to bring about beneficial results. Shiatsu and Acupressure (and acupuncture) are closely related in that they all manipulate these meridian points and thereby the energy flow in the body.

In Shiatsu, much like other forms of massage, one can use not just fingers, but elbows, palms, knees, or even feet (thumbs, palms, and fingers are used in the traditional methods.) Combined with a solid knowledge of pressure points Shiatsu works well to relieve pain, relax the body, and promote healing. Some have even used Shiatsu for migraines, but that will vary greatly with the individual.

So what are the benefits of shiatsu massage? Shiatsu practitioners are trained in diagnosis as well as therapy. The intent of Shiatsu is to prevent illness as well as to  assist recovery and aid healing. Shiatsu is a "whole body" system, so its use will help the immune and circulatory systems, bone structure, muscles, and the overall health of the body.

The origins of Shiatsu are fairly recent in that Shiatsu was developed in Japan in the 1900s, but it's based off principles that are thousands of years old. In many ways it can be looked at as a variation of acupressure, or acupuncture without the needles.  The Japan College of Shiatsu was established in 1940. Shiatsu itself became accepted in the 50's and is growing worldwide. Today Japanese Shiatsu Practitioners have to go through a government licensing program.

Several variations on Shiatsu methods have developed over the years. One is Grigorian Method Shiatsu, by Dr. Grigore, Shiatsu master. This is a unique whole body treatment that is focused on the skeleton. It combines joint motion and "range of motion" movements with pressure points. The client is passive, loose, and relaxed. It is a preventative therapy for inflammatory disease as well as a good method of recovery and body maintenance.

Another is Zen Shiatsu, originated by Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981.) This combines the traditional Shiatsu techniques with the meditative state of the practitioner. This zen meditative state allows the masseur to better feel the body responses to the treatment. The Zen Shiatsu Therapist uses his hands to detect the imbalances of the body and attempts to restore those imbalances. These responses influence the rest of the treatment.

Aromatherapy is frequently used with Shiatsu massage. While not formally part of shiatsu therapy the aromatherapist brings added benefit to the Shiatsu session. Note, that just having a pleasant scent in the massage room is not Aromatherapy.

Acupressure Training in Shiatsu can be had at a variety of online and offline massage training centers. Either check in your phone book for local centers or go online and search on "acupressure training" or "shiatsu training." You'll see a good number of sites come up under either of those terms. Since it's difficult to learn Shiatsu from a book, if not impossible, a good shiatsu teacher is highly recommended.

An alternative to a Shiatsu Therapist might be a Shiatsu massage chair. These chairs attempt to reproduce the effects of a Shiatsu massage, though I don't imagine that they're very good at manipulating Ki flow. They do provide a pretty good massage, though, and can be very comfortable. Try one and see if it's worth your time.

by Greg Mee

Learn more about Shiatsu Massage and Zen Shiatsu, as well as other alternative healing topics, at http://www.gems4friends.com

Summary:
Shiatsu is the Japanese system of manipulating the body's pressure points using fngers, thumbs, and palms. The intended effect is to promote healing, aid in recorvery, and improve the overall wellness of the body.

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