Shiatsu, the Ancient Healing Art of Touch-How to Benefit from it and Use it Yourself

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage that uses finger pressure and palm or elbow movements on the body. The word Shiatsu comes from the Japanese words shi meaning “finger” and atsu meaning “pressure.” Shiatsu is a type of massage therapy that involves the use of hands, thumbs, fingers and even elbows to manipulate pressure points on the body. It is a form of acupressure which means it manipulates pressure points in order to heal by stimulating blood flow. Shiatsu can be used to relieve pain, improve range of motion and promote relaxation.

The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Shiatsu massage therapy is a type of massage that uses different pressure points on the body to work out tension. The therapist uses their hands, palms, and fingers to apply pressure on the muscles and joints in the body. Shiatsu massage therapy can help with pain relief, reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and provide other health benefits.

How to Give a Shiatsu Massage

The Shiatsu massage is a Japanese bodywork technique that involves the use of thumbs, fingers, and palms to apply pressure to specific points on the body. The pressure is applied in a deep circular motion and typically flows from the centre of the body outward. It is believed that Shiatsu massage can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce stress levels, and promote relaxation. A Shiatsu massage can be administered by oneself or by another person. The most common positions are seated or standing behind someone else who is lying down on their back with their feet flat on the floor. With one hand placed under each side of the person’s spine for support, thumbs are then used to apply pressure in various locations along their back.

How to not dress for the Shiatsu Massage

If you are going for a Shiatsu Massage, make sure that you wear comfortable clothes. It is important that the clothing be loose enough so that the therapist can easily move around your body and apply pressure to different areas as needed. Please contact me on whatsapp on: 068 144 3527 or view our Facebook page

Shiatsu and pain relieving benefits

Pain Relieving Benefits

Shiatsu assists in pain relieving qualities with the secretion of endorphins. Endorphins are chemical messengers within the brain which act as a natural analgesics, suppressing pain as well as regulating the body’s response to stress and determining your mood. The high that runners and swimmers get is the result of the release of endorphins during physical exertion. Shiatsu stimulates the release of this natural pain killer. Enkephalins are found in high concentration in the brain as well as in the cells of adrenal medulla. In response to pain, norepinephrine, a hormone that is activated in fight-or-flight response is released along with endorphins.

The reason why Shiatsu is so successful is the fact that first of all the whole body is treated and then the treatment proceeds by treating the places that reflect symptoms of a disease. For instance, if you suffer from pain in your right knee, the therapist will also treat your head, shoulders, neck, and lower back. The left knee will get at least as much attention as the right knee, as the left knee is now put under more pressure.

Origin of pain

The origin of the pain is not always caused by the painful area, but could just as well be found somewhere else in the body. Back problems, for instance, are a well-known symptom of organs that are out of balance. The Shiatsu massage brings the whole body back in balance in a natural way.

Shiatsu is based on the idea that the patient must be treated, not the illness.

Almost all complaints and disorders can be treated with Shiatsu. Examples are for instance: back troubles, headaches, and stress, breathing and digestion problems. In case of overtiredness, emotional problems and stress-related complaints, Shiatsu can also have a positive influence. Dopamine: Often called the "happy hormone," dopamine results in feelings of well-being. A primary driver of the brain's reward system, it spikes when we experience something pleasurable.

The Meridians (energy lines)

(American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (aobta.org) "The meridians form a network — like a system of roads, highways, and country lanes. Acupoints are found at the major junctions, crossroads, overpasses, bus stops and traffic lights. The subtle art of assessment and treatment requires the selection of specific meridians and acupoints that can be used to unblock traffic jams and enhance the free flow of traffic that results in homeostasis."