With its roots in traditional Asian medicine, the modern day practice of shiatsu massage uses a combination of assisted stretching with applied pressure, mainly using the fingers. Practitioners of shiatsu therapy emphasize the healing aspect of the treatment, which is said to address the whole person --- body, soul and spirit. Shiatsu back therapy may be helpful for releasing deep muscle tension resulting in total body relaxation.
Philosophy
Compared to other bodywork technique, shiatsu is most similar to accupressure, with the therapist applying rhythmic, gradual pressure to specific pressure points on the body. Along with the applied pressure, shiatsu practitioners focus on affecting the flow of energy, or life essence known as "qi" -- pronounced chee. Traditionally, shiatsu back therapy neither involves disrobing nor oil application. However, Western practitioners may choose to blend shiatsu techniques with other massage modalities such as Swedish or deep tissue, in which oils are applied on the bare skin.
Initial Phase
When your shiatsu treatment begins, the therapist may take a few minutes simply applying gentle pressure by placing one hand on your upper back in the region of your heart and the other on your lower back. In the initial hands-on connection, soft but intense pressure is used to initiate contact with these particular zones of the body. During this phase, the therapist may instruct you to focus on your breath by taking deep breaths in and taking slow, long, relaxed breaths out.
Warm-up Technique
Shiatsu practitioners use a stretching massage technique to warm up the muscles in your back. This technique is considered to be beneficial because it increases flexibility of the muscles, as well as stimulates blood flow and activates chi energy. Stretching is also a way of activating the meridians, which in ancient Chinese medicine are pathways that connect your skin, organs, muscles and bones into one unified organic body.
Pressure Massage
After a few minutes of stretching, the therapist will begin to apply pressure on specific acupressure points on your back using a combination of open hands and fingertips. Traditionally, shiatsu massage begins at the shoulders and slowly moves down each side of the spine to the lower back. Your therapist may occasionally ask you to take a deep breath in coordination with deeper pressure being applied to stubborn areas. Shiatsu massage generally ends the way it begins, with the therapist gently stretching the muscles in the back.
