Introduction
If you are constantly troubled by stress or pain, it pays to treat yourself to a much-needed break and take care of yourself. And nothing is better than a relaxing shiatsu Japanese massage by Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage to nurture your well-being.
Shiatsu massage follows a holistic approach to healing. It can be done on its own or mixed with Western massage therapies like Swedish massage.
You might already be familiar with Shiatsu massage therapy, but if you are unsure what it involves, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we show how this practice works, its remarkable advantages, and who can benefit from it.
What Is a Shiatsu Japanese Massage?
Shiatsu, which means “finger pressure,” is a practice created by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1920s. It works on the belief that energy or Qi flows through the body via meridian lines.
When this energy becomes blocked, it can cause physical or psychological discomfort. Shiatsu massage alleviates pain, enhances energy flow, and addresses different health conditions by applying rhythmic pressure throughout the body.
Shiatsu therapy draws its roots from traditional Chinese medicine and is considered a type of acupressure massage. It was influenced by a Japanese massage method called “Amna,” which is based on “Tuina,” a Chinese massage technique.
What sets shiatsu treatment apart from other forms of acupressure is its exclusive use of finger and thumb massage methods. Some therapists may also use the palm of their hand or other body parts.
In 1955, shiatsu was recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health. Its popularity grew further when celebrities like Marilyn Monroe experienced its benefits.
Benefits of Shiatsu Japanese Massage
Though Namikoshi invented Shiatsu massage to treat his mother’s rheumatism, this practice goes beyond joint and muscle health. Its remarkable benefits include:
- Non-Invasive – Japanese shiatsu massage can be performed with clothing on, making it non-invasive. Additionally, it does not use oils, allowing the therapist to precisely control the pressure and placement to address specific areas of discomfort or tension.
- Alleviate Various Health Problems – Shiatsu massage stimulates the body’s innate healing abilities. It restores the proper function of the circulatory and nervous systems and muscle and skeletal structures. This practice tackles various health conditions, including sinusitis, bronchitis, poor posture, and chronic neck and back pain.
- Boosts Skin Health – Besides stimulating blood flow, shiatsu treatment can influence the glands secreting your body’s natural oil. It makes your skin smoother while preventing wrinkles and imperfections.
- Help With Menstruation and Pregnancy – Shiatsu therapy has been used to alleviate menstrual cramps. On top of that, it can induce labor for overdue women and alleviate pregnancy discomforts such as swelling and morning sickness.
- Restore Energy – The everyday hustle and bustle can leave you stressed and drained, and shiatsu Japanese massage can help you bounce back quickly. It balances energy flow, rejuvenating your senses and leaving you calm and relaxed.
How Does Shiatsu Japanese Massage Work?
In a shiatsu massage, a therapist applies gentle pressure on specific meridians. A session can be finished in an hour, and the number of sessions needed for the best results may vary depending on your condition.
Principles Followed
The therapist must be careful not to cause overstimulation during Japanese shiatsu massage. They follow three principles, which are:
Vertical Pressure
Shiatsu massage should provide consistent and downward pressure applied along the body’s meridians and acupoints. It stimulates blood flow and Qi movement, releasing blockages and restoring harmony to your body.
Stable Sustained Pressure
The pressure used in shiatsu treatment is consistent and prolonged. This way, it can deeply penetrate the body’s inner parts, triggering the parasympathetic functions of internal organs and ultimately inducing a relaxing effect. It is typically applied for two to seven seconds, although it can be shorter or longer depending on the technique.
Supporting Pressure
We do not consciously exert physical effort when maintaining a specific posture, yet we can sustain it for a long time. That is because the muscles help carry the weight. The same principle applies when we prop ourselves while holding another person, known as supporting pressure. It can be done by leaning on you rather than pushing or using sedating pressure with one hand while the other provides support and tonifying pressure.
Techniques Used
During a Japanese shiatsu session, therapists use various methods, such as tapping, holding, stretching, kneading, and soothing motions to access your body’s Qi. If you are overstressed, they may incorporate more stretches, rotations, and joint mobilizations to improve the Qi and disperse negative energy.
At times, the therapist might ask you to adjust your position so that they can target meridians where they may be blocked or stuck energy.
Meridian Pathways To Remember
Meridians are energy pathways throughout your body, and each is linked to a specific organ, encompassing their functions. There are 12 meridians used in shiatsu massage therapy, including:
- Lung Meridian
- Pericardium Meridian
- Heart Meridian
- Colon Meridian
- Triple Warmer Meridian
- Intestine Meridian
- Urinary Bladder Meridian
- Stomach Meridian
- Liver Meridian
- Spleen Meridian
- Kidney Meridian
- Gall Bladder Meridian
Who Can Benefit From Shiatsu Japanese Massage?
If you are overstressed, dealing with persistent migraines, or having difficulty sleeping, shiatsu Japanese massage by Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage can end these woes and refresh you. But this treatment is not just limited to that—it can also help people suffering from muscle tension, joint problems, and digestive issues, among others. Furthermore, women seeking comfort during menstruation or pregnancy can benefit from shiatsu massage.
Conclusion
Shiatsu massage therapy can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul, whether you seek relief from specific ailments or want to maintain a state of holistic wellness. Its gentle yet effective techniques promote deep relaxation and restore balance to your body’s energy flow.
Enjoy the complete benefits of shiatsu Japanese massage by booking a session at Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage. Our accessible Makati and BGC branches are open daily, and we offer exclusive promos you should not miss.
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