Definition of Shiatsu Massage
By Sara Ryan [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sara_Ryan]
Shiatsu massage is an art of using finger pressures on different areas of the human anatomy to promote and enhance a healthy condition both physically and emotionally. Acupressure techniques are used in a shiatsu massage. This type of massage therapy originated and was developed in Japan as an alternative and complementary medicine similar to other methods of massage therapies. It traces back its roots from the traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture techniques.
Shiatsu is a popular and common practice in Japan where each family has at least one member who is trained and skilled in this kind of natural healing method. Women were usually the practitioners of this method especially during the earlier years it was developed and introduced to the public. The Japanese believe that it has many healing benefits to our whole body and for this reason it has spread its popularity all over the world.
In shiatsu, they refer to a person who is not healthy as an individual with imbalanced chi in their body. Balanced energy or better known as chi in the Chinese and Japanese culture is their basis for a healthy condition in a human being. Imbalanced chi is believed by many to be the cause of sicknesses which lowers our resistance against diseases which is why shiatsu is deemed by many to be an effective chi balancer as it helps unblock any clog in the meridian points. It is also believed that blocked chi on the meridian points are the main causes of health failure among many people.
During a shiatsu massage, the massage therapist uses massage techniques called shiatsu acupressure on different parts of the patient's body. Basically, the points being covered by acupressure are the same spots used when using acupuncture technique. Shiatsu acupressure usually targets the 12 meridian points in the human body. During the session, the patient will feel a bit of pain as the massage therapist applies different pressure on these points. The patient will be asked to change positions from lying face down, on his or her back, and sideward. Like any type of massage therapy, this change in body position allows the massage therapist to have a full control and access on the entire part of the patient's body. Your therapist will also use all his body as he or she puts pressure during the therapeutic massage.
Unlike other methods of massage therapy though, shiatsu uses zen shiatsu which is also a diagnosis process done on the patient physically by feeling the pulse, checking the tongue, as well as studying the psychological health of the patient to know their overall health and to identify the problem. It is also a form of meditation practiced by the massage therapist which is believed to help in having a good mind and body coordination.
Like any other type of therapeutic massage, there are preparations and precautions that the patient needs to know before actually getting a shiatsu massage session. A doctor's advice is also deemed as the first and foremost action that the patient needs to do before taking the step in having a shiatsu session.
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