The Benefits of Shiatsu

Modern medicine certainly has treatments that are effective for certain diseases. However, we have too quickly forgotten that there are many alternative medicines, some of which are very old. But others, more recent, is the case of Shiatsu, which dates back nearly a century. Indeed, these natural medicines have no side effects and are gentle. This is why more and more people use them to avoid taking allopathic medicines in particular. We will see in this article the main points concerning this medicine from Japan and in particular the benefits that it can bring on the physical level, but also on the mental level. We take stock of shiatsu and its benefits.

 

Origin of Shiatsu

Many experts say that shiatsu evolved from anma, a traditional form of Japanese massage founded by Akashi Kan Ichi in the 14th century.

Although shiatsu is considered a form of Japanese massage, some sources say that it originated in China.

Tokujiro Namikoshi, who lived from 1905 to 2000, is often considered the inventor of modern shiatsu. He developed his personal skills in shiatsu massage while helping to treat his mother's rheumatoid arthritis. He founded the Japan Shiatsu College around 1940 and to this day he is remembered for making shiatsu an independent treatment method in Japan. Graduates of Namikoshi College created other branches of Japanese Shiatsu massage, including Shiatsu Meridian, Zen Shiatsu and Hiron Shiatsu.

 

What is shiatsu, what are its benefits?

Shiatsu is a kind of corporal and therapeutic work that comes to us from Japan. More precisely, shiatsu is a manipulative therapy developed in Japan that incorporates techniques of anma (traditional Japanese massage), acupressure, stretching and Western massage.

Thus, there are different types of shiatsu, all of which refer to movements developed in Japan in the early 1900s. It was at this time that traditional treatments resurfaced.

Shiatsu is a therapy designed to support and stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself. Shiatsu has many benefits for the body, both physical and mental.

The goal of shiatsu massage is to improve the health of the whole person, including physical, emotional and psychological well-being. It is often used as a preventive treatment or as a complement to conventional treatment.

It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping and stretching techniques and is performed without oil through light and comfortable clothing.

Shiatsu means "finger pressure" in the Japanese language, but massage techniques may include a therapist using more than just their fingers.

Massage therapists may also use their palms, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure. Shiatsu was born out of the integration of traditional Japanese manual therapies with modern Western medical knowledge.

 

 

What are the basics of shiatsu?

One of the fundamental concepts of Chinese / Japanese medicine is Qi (or chi ). It is the vital energy of our body that underlies all its functioning.

Qi flows in specific pathways called meridians. The shiatsu therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians, called vital points. Health is present when Qi is abundant in the meridians and the flow is not obstructed.

When the Qi becomes deficient or unbalanced or when the flow is obstructed, symptoms appear. Apparently minor signs appear, such as regular colds and flu, weekly or daily headaches, body and muscle aches or digestive difficulties. These are indications of Qi imbalance. Shiatsu then has the mission, with its techniques, to stimulate and harmonize the flow of Qi throughout the body.

 

The benefits of shiatsu on your health and well-being

It is a non-invasive therapy that can contribute to general well-being. Adherents believe that it has both preventive and curative effects.

Reduced stress and anxiety

Massage therapy is generally known for its ability to reduce stress tension and anxiety states. If you have had a particularly tense week, an overbooked schedule and some family or work problems, a shiatsu massage will be well suited to help you relax and regain a calmer state. Shiatsu massage is an excellent choice to reduce occasional or chronic stress.

Natural pain relief

Shiatsu massage is known to help relieve all kinds of pain. Research has even shown that it can help relieve the pain felt by burn victims. A clinical study of 120 burn patients published in 2014 found that shiatsu on the hands and legs of burn patients reduced pain. In addition, the researchers conclude that it can be recommended with analgesics to reduce the dosage.

Treatment of certain internal conditions

Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of many internal, musculoskeletal (back pain, joint pain) and emotional conditions.

It is believed to reduce muscle rigidity, stimulate the skin, aid digestion and influence the nervous system. In addition, it is an alternative medicine to treat a wide range of chronic conditions. These include headaches, fatigue, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and digestive disorders.

 

 

Improved energy flow

Practitioners will tell you that this massage modality works to improve the health of your entire body by positively affecting its internal energy system.

Using the TCM principles of acupressure and meridians, Shiatsu massage therapists apply pressure and massage the body in a very precise manner.

By stimulating these meridians and the acupressure points along these lines, Shiatsu attempts to achieve its ultimate goal of eliminating blockages. In addition to this, Shiatsu aims to promote a healthy flow of the body's vital energy, also known as qi or chi.

The effect can be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative, depending on the purpose of the session.

 

Shiatsu, acupuncture and swedish massage

Acupressure is a type of tactile therapy that follows the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. Acupuncture and acupressure focus on stimulating certain points throughout the body, called acupressure points or pressure points. Acupressure uses finger pressure while acupuncture uses needles on these specific points.

Sometimes shiatsu is called acupressure massage, but according to some people, it is a unique form of massage therapy with many benefits.

There is no doubt that both acupressure and shiatsu massage focus on acupressure points and encourage a healthy flow of energy in the body. But many shiatsu practitioners place more emphasis on the body's meridian lines than on pressure points. To learn more about the benefits of acupressure, read our article on acupressure mats and their benefits.

In TCM, meridians are considered to be pathways, channels in the body that carry energy, and each of the twelve main meridians corresponds to a specific internal organ.

Swedish massage is another common form of massage therapy. So what are the differences? Practitioners tend to focus on meridians and pressure points to remove energy blockages in the body and improve overall well-being. Swedish massage, on the other hand, also focuses on the entire body and aims to improve circulation as well as physical and mental health.

Japanese Shiatsu massage is often considered more therapeutic, while Swedish massage is considered a more relaxing massage option. A Swedish massage with light to firm pressure will involve long, smooth strokes as well as kneading and tapping.

Swedish massage and shiatsu massage are known to reduce stress and improve blood circulation.

 

 

The Shiatsu Therapist

The shiatsu therapist is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony in the body, even before physical signs appear. Simple but subtle changes are indications of an imbalance that, left alone, can progress to a point where symptoms appear. Balance can be restored through proper assessment and regular sessions. Practitioners can also offer recommendations on lifestyle and activities.

 

How does a shiatsu session take place?

At the beginning of the session, the practitioner assesses the client to determine the patterns of imbalance that may be present. It is important to assess the state of the Qi so that the practitioner can offer the client the most effective therapeutic session.

Then, the practitioner designs a plan that will give the client the most therapeutic benefit possible based on individual needs.

Neck and shoulder massage. Shiatsu uses a variety of manual techniques including pressure, kneading, soothing, tapping and stretching to access the body's vital Qi.

In cases where the client's energy is low or insufficient, the practitioner uses specific techniques to improve and energize the Qi.

When the client is stressed or anxious, the practitioner uses techniques to disperse "excess" energy. In this way, Qi is regulated. Shiatsu acts to relieve conditions, restore balance and promote health.

A regular maintenance program is an excellent way to maintain well-being and improve vitality. This program varies depending on each person. One shiatsu session per month has many benefits that can help maintain balance for some people. But for others, a very stressful job, family demands, a hyperactive lifestyle, lack of exercise or other factors may require more regular shiatsu sessions.

 

Some precautions

If you have cancer (no pressure on the cancerous areas), if you are pregnant, if you have blood problems, or if you are currently taking medication such as blood thinners, consult your doctor before a shiatsu massage session.

Finally, it is important to remember that massage should not be performed on areas of skin that are potentially fragile or with a wound.

 

In conclusion on the benefits of shiatsu

Shiatsu has benefits on a number of ailments including modern life such as stress and anxiety. Instead of taking tranquilizers and antidepressants, it is better to use natural medicines such as Shiatsu. Clinical studies are being conducted by researchers who are beginning to demonstrate the beneficial effects of this technique. Further research is still needed for irrefutable scientific validation. It is only a matter of time. We are convinced that shiatsu will be recognized as a natural therapy that helps some people for better health and a good physical and mental balance.