Massage therapy can be a great help to people who are dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury or who just want to relax and recharge. When a person thinks of a massage, they probably picture the traditional offering you might receive in a spa or luxury resort, but there are a number of specialized massage techniques which can help a person reach their health goals.
One such technique is called Shiatsu Massage, and it has several benefits when applied by a trained professional. As a massage therapist in the East Bay Area, I have helped people through the applications of the right technique for their needs. In the sections to follow, I will discuss Shiatsu massage by answering a few of the most commonly asked questions about this unique and beneficial style of massage.
What is Shiatsu Massage?
A Shiatsu massage traces its roots back to Japanese methods of healing along with the Chinese traditional view of medicine. For centuries, Chinese practitioners have treated the body under the theory of meridians, which suggests the body is made up of a network of energy channels. Modern medicine supports the idea of interrelated bodily systems and how one area can impact another, and Shiatsu puts this line of thinking into practice through the application of pressure on certain body parts with the goal of holistic healing.
What are the Benefits of Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu massage is all about releasing pressure via the body’s natural pressure points, so if you are feeling tense or stressed a Shiatsu massage can help you reach a state of relaxation. Natural benefits to bodily functions include improved circulation, an increase in flexibility, reduce inflammation and much more. Beyond physical benefits, a central goal of Shiatsu is to balance a person’s energy, known as Qi to traditional practitioners of this technique, which can help a person feel more at peace and even has been shown to improve clarity and decision making.
What Should I Expect During a Shiatsu Massage?
One of the biggest differences in Shiatsu massage and a more traditional massage is the experience of the person receiving the therapy. Instead of being in a quiet room, draped with a sheet, Shiatsu massages are administered in a comfortable environment with the recipient being fully clothed. Throughout the massage, your therapist will communicate with you to understand your level of pain and your real time reaction to the process. A therapist typically uses many areas of their own body, including fingers, hands and elbows, to address specific pressure points and address your body’s unique needs.
Many people experience relief from chronic pain in their initial session, but repeated Shiatsu sessions can allow someone to pursue their passions without worrying about pain. If you are interested in learning more about Shiatsu massage, booking your appointment today or you want to determine if Shiatsu is the best technique for your needs, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
