What is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu massage is a traditional Japanese massage therapy. In an Shiatsu massage the therapist manipulates massages your body in a variety of locations, based on the condition or ailment. The goal is to relieve stress and invigorate the body. Before you start Shiatsu massage, it's crucial to know the background of the practice. This knowledge will enable you to benefit from this therapeutic treatment and determine if it is appropriate for your needs. The first step to begin learning about the origins of shiatsu massage is to understand what exactly the term signifies. According to the Japanese Red Cross Shiatsu is actually an abbreviation of "compression therapy" and was created by the Japanese in the 11th century. Shiatsu massages are performed by therapists who use finger and thumb techniques to massage your body. The aim is relaxation and stimulation of energy, which results in the feeling of relaxation and energy. The name "shiatsu treatment" was coined in the nineteenth century when the Japanese Red Cross began teaching the technique to patients suffering from various illnesses and many of them were attributed to stress. The treatment later became known as the "Morihei Ueshiba Foundation." The organization remains in existence to this day, with its headquarters located at the Aomori Prefectural temple. The most commonly used treatment for shiatsu currently is "tsumei" or "down-skin method." It is done by a certified makiwara (methapist) whose career is focused on analyzing and treating patients with various ailments. Shiatsu treatments are performed by trained and licensed japanese shiatsu practitioners who are also certified in acupressure as well as other forms of traditional medical practice. Therapists are able to conduct the treatments on their own after they have received special training by the health ministry in japan. If you're looking to become one of these licensed and trained therapists, you need to undergo instruction from a makiwara that is certified. You can take a specialized training course at an accredited japan shiatsu school to become a japanese-based shiatsu therapist. A highly-regarded Therapist can instruct you on the healing technique of Shiatsu from someone who has completed a shiatsu therapy course. Shiatsu therapists who are private are available. The Shiatsu treatment is based on the notion that there are energy pathways known as meridians which run through the body. Each meridian is assigned a gatekeeper which blocks the flow of qi. In this view the dysfunction of one meridian can cause the entire body to be affected. Shiatsu practitioners believe that by working on these energy pathways, qi will be controlled and result in a better physical state. Shiatsu therapists believe that problems caused by qi manifest physically as the meridians will be blocked. In this way the anma will rectify the anma and thus cure the illness. Shiatsu massage is different from traditional chinese medicine in that it diagnoses the condition by locating the dysfunction in the meridian. Traditional Chinese medicine addresses illnesses through symptoms and signs, but not by treating the cause. Shiatsu treatment addresses the root cause instead of simply treating the symptoms. This type of treatment aims to restore balance between the five elements (earth water fire wood and metal) by utilizing the correct energy forces. Sometimes, shiatsu therapy can be combined with acupressure and herbal medicine. Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is used to alleviate stress and muscle pain, and to encourage healing within the body. Because they aren't familiar with the movements that are used in Chinese medicine, some people use Chinese acupuncture without visiting an Shiatsu therapist. Shiatsu is also used to treat aches and pains that are associated with PMS. Shiatsu was also introduced to westerners through the instruction of Japanese practitioners such as Suzuki Kensaku. These teachers developed a specific modality of massage therapy which they taught at a school called the Tokyo Imperial University of Medicine. Today, a lot of Japanese practitioners still practice this traditional method of therapy.