Shiatsu Massage Therapy Nearly every country in the world has developed a form of massage that is fairly unique to itself and some have invented more than one. Shiatsu is a Japanese variation of massage and the word means ' finger pressure' in English. It is one of the more vigorous types of massage. Shiatsu is probably based on the Chinese idea of meridians and acupuncture although this kind of massage therapy uses acupressure instead of needles. For the rest the philosophy is quite similar. Applying pressure to various points on the meridians is intended to restore balance to the body's life force. The massage therapist does this by applying pressure, maintained for a number of seconds, to various points that he or she determine to be the correct ones to achieve their goal of helping you feel better. Proponents of shiatsu say that it improves circulation, which delivers more oxygen to the affected area, which relieves muscle pain and stiffness. Unlike Swedish massage therapy, which makes use of broad sweeping, relaxing strokes by and large, shiatsu makes use of sustained pressure, which can be a little uncomfortable or even painful. The customer has the option of telling the masseur to use less pressure, but at the risk that the therapy will be less effective. This is the dilemma for both the patient and the masseur. More may be attained more quickly through a little pain, but the same can be gained over several milder sessions. In general, it is worth allowing the masseur to take control, but register your distress / pain by exhaling as if you have been struck. Shiatsu massage does not employ any oil and is a mild kind of therapeutic massage in a comparable vein to Thai massage, although it is less enthusiastic than its Thai cousin. However, shiatsu, like Thai massage, is a fantastic cure for joint pain, including backache, constipation, poor digestion. stress and insomnia. Because shiatsu is a forceful massage technique, it is not recommended for people with cuts and bruises, delicate skin or any skin illnesses at all. It is OK to go to a session having eaten something light like a small salad, but most individuals find it better to fast until after the massage is over, because there may be some abdominal massage of the stomach, although you can ask to forego that. Shiatsu may be performed on a massage bed or, more usually in the East, on a thin mattress on the floor. A typical session will last an hour and the massage might be carried out with clothes on or only a towel. The main thing is to feel relaxed before you begin, even if you do not later. The room should be well-ventilated with reasonable (natural) lighting. Shiatsu is not one massage therapy but a number of them, so if you go to northern Japan, you will probably encounter another type from the south and certainly a different sort from New York or London. This is not a difficulty, it is normal.
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is at present concerned with the cost of massage therapy school. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our web site now at Classes For Massage Therapy