Though Shiatsu massage is popular throughout North America and Europe, it's not legal. It is a simple question to answer but the subject is controversial in a number of Asian countries. Shiatsu is an unscientific form of Japanese massage that is based on fundamental theories from the traditional Chinese practices, such as the concept of qi (pronounced "Kwee") meridians believed to reside in the power lines of the body. This meridian system is thought that the body can recover itself from injuries or over-worked caused by external influences. Shiatsu massage also teaches that the skin mirrors an individual's thoughts. Traditional teachings state that human bodies are comprised out of five meridians which act as energy paths that run through our bodies. It is believed that the Yang flow is just one of the energy pathways. If this energy flow is blocked, it leads to ailments such as headaches, back pain and stress. It is believed that the body contain seven major channels, each one connected to the organ. Shiatsu is a technique that works on meridians by employing a variety of techniques, based on the results obtained from the hands of the masseuse. The goal is to eliminate the energy negative that has been built up by the blockage of these energy channels. Shiatsu practitioners assert that they can unblock the meridian channel by applying the right pressure. This will remove any negative energy. Before any of the techniques can be used on the patient, they must be thoroughly discussed with the patient and their medical history taken into consideration. There are many forms of pressure employed, including Swedish, deep tissue, acupressure and Swedish plus. The Shiatsu massage can be mistaken for traditional Chinese medicine and is sometimes believed to be the same thing. However, the truth is that both are completely different and can even produce very distinct effects for the individual being treated. Shiatsu is also commonly referred to as acupressure, the traditional Chinese medicine of the Japanese and is used for many ailments including trauma and stress. Though it's utilized to treat a broad spectrum of illnesses, this treatment isn't the same as Shiatsu. The practice has been in use since the beginning of time in China. The practice is currently being used in Western countries by different therapists. Shiatsu massage is performed with a variety of techniques and hand movements. However, some basic elements are common to all. The massage involves applying pressure to specific points in the body for treatment of certain ailments. The majority of the time, this includes the wrists, shoulders, elbows, legs and feet. Shiatsu massage can be used to help restore balance and harmony back to these meridians. In the past, shiatsu therapists were thought to be expensive and only professional therapists with lots of experience were able to pay for their services. However, today it is more affordable and is easily accessible to everyone who would like to receive an appointment for a massage. It is possible to find a range of massage parlors that offer Shiatsu massages. There is even the option of a DVD to show people the methods. Shiatsu massage is particularly well-known in Japan which is where it was first introduced years ago. It remains practiced until this day. It is often used today to help prevent injury, stress as well as illness. Shiatsu therapists have Japanese experience, which means they are aware of the best way to carry out this kind of therapy. The majority of therapists aren't skilled in Japanese culture and so it is important that you be sure the therapist you're looking at is well-trained in Japanese cultural practices as well. Therapists should be able to comprehend and accept your needs regardless of what it may be. Shiatsu Therapists utilize techniques such as fingers, pressure on the hands as well as holding hands to revive energy flow throughout the body. The aim of this therapy is to bring back energy flow to all areas of the body, and also to ease the mind as well. To stimulate the various glands and points within your body, Shiatsu practitioners apply both gentle and firm pressure. This helps to restore the balance of energy and encourages healing. Shiatsu massage helps to relieve tension in the muscles and to promote general health and healing in the body. Make sure that your practitioner is licensed and been proven effective.