Shiatsu massage is a form of Japanese massage that uses pressure and finger strokes on the body. Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese.
Shiatsu massage has many benefits, including reducing stress, improving circulation, and helping to relieve pain. It can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Shiatsu massage is often used as part of a complete treatment plan for conditions such as headaches, neck pain, and low back pain.
If you are considering trying shiatsu massage, be sure to consult with your health care provider first to make sure it is safe for you.
What Is Shiatsu Massage And How Does It Work?
Shiatsu has ancient roots in Japan, but it’s gained a lot of popularity in the Western world more recently. So, what exactly does the term “shiatsu” imply? It’s not simply about putting pressure on your fingers! Your therapist may also apply their elbows, toes, feet, and knees during treatment.
It’s the ideal method to relax your muscles, increase blood circulation, and get your energy flowing again.
Shiatsu is based on the concept of energy flow, also known as “Ki” or “Qi,” which refers to a natural substance that flows through your body. Any interruption in energy flow is seen by practitioners as causing illnesses and sicknesses.
It’s all about unblocking any blockages or imbalances in the Ki flow and revitalizing the body by giving vitality where it’s most needed.
The technique entails applying pressure to or stretching any sites along the lines of energy, referred to as ‘meridian channels.’
What Are the Differences Between Shiatsu and Other Massage Techniques?
There are five significant distinctions between shiatsu and other massage techniques, including:
You will not have to take off your clothes like with other massage techniques.
Tip:
Keep in mind that a shiatsu massage treatment should be done in clothing that is comfortable and loose.
The practitioner will request that you lay on the floor on a mat rather than a table. This makes it easier for them to apply pressure and move your body about.
The focus will be on your joints and connective tissue rather than your muscles.
Unlike Swedish massage, which involves inhaling the odors and absorbing them into the skin, shiatsu does not utilize oils. You’ll feel more invigorated and rejuvenated than relaxed and drowsy.
Acupuncture is a type of treatment that relies on ancient Chinese medicine ideas and employs meridians and pressure points. Although there are no needles used in contrast to acupuncture, it nevertheless draws on traditional Chinese medicine theory.
Improves Circulation And Lowers Constipation 1:
A shiatsu massage has been proven to improve circulation throughout the entire body, including the digestive system. Laxatives are the most frequent approach to treat constipation.
They can, however, have negative consequences such as constipation and fecal impaction (basically a large mass of stool that gets stuck in your colon or rectum so effectively that it’s difficult to push out). Why not give something with a lot of evidence showing it improves bowel function a try?
Reduce Stress And Tension:
If you’re giving a massage to someone who’s stressed and jittery, shiatsu could be beneficial. The approach has been scientifically validated in studies to enhance emotional and physical calm while reducing any bodily tension.
Stress and anxiety go hand in hand; when stress is prolonged, anxiety develops. Shiatsu may also assist here.
Shiatsu and acupressure have both been found to reduce anxiety in a comprehensive study. Another little research of 60 burns patients taken to a hospital in Iran revealed that shiatsu may raise levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that makes you feel calmer and more focused).
Not only that, but it also enhances dopamine (another neurotransmitter that makes you feel more driven, successful, and productive), which plays an important role in reducing anxiety.
Amazingly doing this type of massage can improve the time it takes for you to fall asleep, as well as sleep duration.
Another piece of research from the University of Alberta revealed young adult athletes recovering from concussion can gain better slumber from HSS.
Want to give it a go yourself?
DECREASES DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS:
The therapeutic benefits of a massage may go beyond what you realize.Massage has recently been dubbed an alternative therapy as it reduces cortisol (the most important stress hormone) and adrenaline, while boosting serotonin and dopamine.
Shiatsu massage was found to play a role in enhancing psychological well-being in a clinical study of therapies for depression in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Why isn’t It Utilized To Help More People With Mental Health Issues?
It’s far from clear whether it will be able to improve cognitive performance in depressed patients, and further study is advised to provide stronger evidence before it’s adopted as a cost-effective way of treating depression.
HELPS PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS RELIEVE THEIR PAIN AND ACHES:
The Arthritis Foundation suggests shiatsu as a technique to restore the body’s natural energy flow.
In a study from the University of Miami School of Medicine, researchers found that a blend of hands-on therapy from a therapist and self-massage reduced arthritis pain.
The study looked at adults who got a weekly massage by a therapist as well as daily self-hand massages. The techniques were combined to reduce hand pain by up to 57%.
Shiatsu Massage Side Effects
Shiatsu massage is considered to be an ‘inherently safe’ treatment in a systematic review.
It’s so nontoxic that Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer charity, endorses it as a complimentary therapy. What can you anticipate after receiving therapy?
The worst-case scenario is muscle stiffness, a headache, or tiredness. These symptoms should only last a few hours at the most, yet not everyone will experience them.
