Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese form of massage that incorporates finger touch on various points of the body to balance the "chi," or life force energy. Shiatsu is sometimes referred to as acupressure. According to the Shiatsu Society, shiatsu practitioners aim to align the body's inner energies with the physical body structure to ward of disease and maintain wellness by means of pressure and manipulation. Shiatsu offers a wide range of benefits.
Relaxation
Shiatsu massage follows many of the same tenets as acupuncture, and aims to find various meridian points in the body to provide stress relief by applying pressure, instead of needles, to those points. Practitioners claim that the gentle pressure applied to the points of tension allow clients to relax and release negative thoughts and feelings that often cause stress. As with most massage, shiatsu is typically performed in a quiet environment often filled with soothing music. The manipulation techniques employed by shiatsu massage therapists can relieve tight muscles and stretch tense ligaments. Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) report that massage generally works to relieve anxiety by reducing blood pressure and lowering heart rate.
Pain Relief
Shiatsu practitioners identify various pressure points associated with painful areas on the client's body. Researchers at the Institute for Traditional Medicine report that shiatsu therapists work in a meditative state so they can become aware of when they touch on a point that affects their patient. They stay on the point and deliver additional pressure to relieve pain. NCCAM doctors report that many medical practitioners turn to various massage modalities, such as shiatsu massage, to help patients with chronic pain issues. Cancer patients and those with lower back pain often find relief from shiatsu's gentle pressure treatments.
Disease Prevention
Shiatsu practitioners are trained to find areas in the body that are imbalanced, and manipulate or apply pressure to the spots to restore a healthy balance. According to the Institute for Traditional Medicine, shiatsu massage strengthens the immune systems and increases blood and lymph circulation, which can help prevent illnesses.
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