Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy that may help reduce stress and contribute to overall wellbeing. Proponents believe that it has both preventative and remedial effects. Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions.
Full Answer
What is shiatsu massage, and why do you need it?
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- What is Shiatsu massage?
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- 1. Your needs
- 2. Size
- 3. Your health status
- 4. Your budget
- 5. Extra features
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What is Shiatsu good for?
Some of the amazing benefits of this type of massage include the fact that it’s:
- A n excellent technique for pregnant women because it eliminates blockages in the pelvis and hip, improving mobility for giving birth.
- Highly recommended for lumbar problems, sciatica, and other back pain.
- Recommended for people with very strong muscles because blockages can be reached more easily through shiatsu maneuvers than with normal massage.
What is Shiatsu Therapy?
What Is Shiatsu Massage Good For
- Restoring the Body’s Energy Flow. Restoring the body’s flow of qi energy is the primary reason for shiatsu massage. ...
- Improves Blood Circulation. ...
- Helps with Chronic Pain. ...
- Helps with Sleeping Disorders Like Insomnia. ...
- Aids with Internal Conditions Like IBS and Menstrual Problems. ...
What to expect from a shiatsu session?
- low mood
- poor appetite
- sleep problems
What does the Shiatsu treatment involve?
Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing.
How is Shiatsu different from massage?
Massage therapy works primarily with the muscles; shiatsu focuses on the joints and fascia (connective tissue). Fourth, while massage therapy is most often performed with the client lying on a massage table, a shiatsu session is done on the floor, with the client lying on a comfortable mat or other padded surface.
Does Shiatsu hurt?
Shiatsu is generally not painful. It provides specific and firm pressure. However, there may be areas where the practitioner will apply more pressure. It is typical for people to experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) for 24–48 hours after the session.
Does Shiatsu really work?
In addition it used a volunteer sample. Long (2008) conducted a prospective observational study of 948 patients of Shiatsu practitioners in 3 different countries[7]. Significant improvement in symptoms, especially for tension or stress and structural problems (effect size 0.66 to 0.77) were demonstrated.
How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu works by applying finger and palm pressure at the acupoints to improve a patient’s wellness, by reducing stress and improving the flow blood. Like all forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy, Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is Shiatsu massage?
Shiatsu, literally meaning “figure pressure,” is a Japanese massage modality that was invented by Tokujiro Namikoshi during the 1920s. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is considered a form of acupressure massage. Shiatsu is historically believed to have been derived from a traditional Japanese massage style ...
How to practice Shiatsu in the US?
In order to legally practice Shiatsu in the US, you will need to. Become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Earn a Certification of Specialization in Shiatsu. Keep in mind that US Department of Education (USDE) classifies Shiatsu as an Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT), rather than a form of Massage Therapy.
How to get Shiatsu certification?
To earn a Shiatsu certification, you will need to earn one from a reputable educator, such as an acupuncture school.
When did Shiatsu start?
Shiatsu Develops. The story of Shiatsu begins in 1912, when a gifted-child by the name of Tokujiro Namikoshi purportedly healed his mother’s rheumatism using only finger and hand massage techniques. His reputation as a gifted-healer spread and Namikoshi continued to treat people using his unique style of massage.
When did Shiatsu become popular?
During the 1950s, Shiatsu exploded in popularity and became a worldwide phenomenon. In 1957 the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare officially licensed the Japan Shiatsu School to teach Shiatsu massage, but considered it to be a subset of Amna.
Is Shiatsu a healing modality?
Regardless of view, there is clinical-evidence that Shiatsu and acupressure are effective healing modalities for a range of disorders and illnesses.
How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu stimulates and harmonizes the flow of Qi throughout the body. The Shiatsu therapist is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony in the body, even prior to physical signs appearing. Simple yet subtle changes are indications of an imbalance that, left alone, may progress to a point where symptoms appear.
What is Shiatsu massage?
Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing. "Shiatsu" translates as "finger pressure.". There are different styles of Shiatsu, all of which have roots in one of three systems ...
Where is Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork Therapy located?
Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork Therapists (ABT) are located throughout the United States, often in the vicinity of a school. The highest credential for Shiatsu and ABT is the national certification exam for Asian Bodywork Therapy administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Which professional organization represents Shiatsu and Asian bodywork therapists exclusively?
The professional organization that represents Shiatsu and Asian bodywork therapists exclusively is the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). The AOBTA website has a Find a Practitioner page.
What is the flow of Qi in Shiatsu?
Qi flows in specific pathways called meridians. The Shiatsu therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians called Vital Points. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When the Qi becomes deficient or out of balance, or the flow is obstructed, symptoms arise.
Is Shiatsu therapy anecdotal?
Most of what is available in terms of evidence in the U.S. is anecdotal, or it is from the experience of Shiatsu clients and therapists. However, schools and individuals are beginning to organize research studies for Shiatsu. There is some research on the efficacy of Shiatsu therapy currently being conducted in Europe.
Is Shiatsu a non-invasive therapy?
Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy that may help reduce stress and contribute to overall wellbeing. Proponents believe that it has both preventative and remedial effects.
Does Shiatsu Therapy Really Help?
There is scientific evidence supporting the fact that Shiatsu therapy is effective in treating numerous health issues. Shiatsu therapy has been found to be particularly effective in the management of many acute and chronic conditions including:
Who Can Benefit from Shiatsu Therapy?
Shiatsu therapy is acknowledged to be an important part of both preventative and rehabilitative health care programs. People of all ages including infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly experience lasting beneficial results from Shiatsu massage.
Why do people use Shiatsu?
Shiatsu massage is thought to maintain yin and yang harmony. Because the blockage of such meridian pathways can cause illness, Shiatsu massage uses pressure to open them up. Much like acupressure, this massage focuses on certain pressure points of the body.
What does Shiatsu mean?
The word shiatsu literally means “finger pressure” because of how practitioners use mainly their digits to massage, but thumbs, palms, and even feet can also be used. Shiatsu massage therapy has components that can be explained by Chinese ideology of qi and uses aspect of Western physical therapy to manipulate the body.
What is the meaning of qi in Shiatsu?
The concepts of energy flow, or qi ( ki in Japanese), meridians, and pressure points made up the reasoning behind this massage technique. Shiatsu uses the spiritual intuition of the practitioner to figure out where in the body exists a blockage of energy. A diagnosis consists of more than just asking where the pain is.
How long does a Shiatsu massage last?
In detail, Shiatsu massage includes a variety of actions to holistically massage one’s body. A session lasts an average of 60 minutes. The client lays prone, or face down, upon a Japanese futon or padded surface on the floor.
What is the origin of Shiatsu?
As a massage technique that originated out of traditional Japanese massage tradition called anma, Shiatsu has evolved with the influence of Chinese medicine and Western science.
Where is Shiatsu practiced?
The acupressure targeting, finger kneading massage therapy of Shiatsu has been a long-standing practice in Japan.
When was Shiatsu first used?
History of Shiatsu Massage. The original tradition of massage therapy in Japan is called anma, which was created by Akashi Kan Ichi in the early 1300s. Acupuncturists later popularized it in the 17th century. This massage was known by the way it was performed: a series of pressured kneading of the muscles.
What is Shiatsu therapy?
In Japanese, the word ‘Shiatsu’ means ‘finger pressure’, referring to a form of therapeutic bodywork to ease your tired muscles and bones. Shiatsu therapists use various muscle manipulation methods such as stretching, pressing, and kneading to relieve body pain and muscle soreness.
What is the purpose of Shiatsu?
Purposes of Shiatsu. There is an inseparable link between the human body and mind. Bad postures or physical pain can affect our mental state and vice versa. Massaging and meditation can heal our bodily and mental discomfort, respectively, and help the other entity to heal.
How does Shiatsu help you relax?
The Shiatsu body-massaging techniques help the mind to relax. They reduce conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. Due to promoting a sense of calmness, these massages can also help the receivers to get a restful sleep. Stress also triggers many physical problems, and Shiatsu can alleviate them.
What is chiropractic massage?
The Chiropractic Massage improves your spinal movement and bodily functions by combining Shiatsu and chiropractic techniques. Also, you can choose from four packages of varying duration and price. Another program is Bodycare that promises a real taste of Shiatsu in Japan.
How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu practitioners apply deep pressure using their thumbs, fingers, palms (and sometimes elbows, knees, and feet) on the points connected to the ‘meridian’ route. They work on a continuous sequence so that the pressure can stimulate these points, allowing the qi to flow freely through the meridians.
When did Shiatsu come to Japan?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCD) made its entry to Japan during the early Middle Ages around 700 AD. It promoted several healing practices but Shiatsu was the modified versions of acupressure and Tui Na or Tuina (which means ‘push-hands’).
What is Zen Shiatsu?
It involves lifting the blockages in the meridians so that qi from too full areas (known as jitsu) to empty areas (known as kyo). Therefore, Zen Shiatsu is more about restoring the balance of qi in the body.
Overview
- Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing.
Significance
- In the U.S., Shiatsu is one of the main therapies within the larger profession of Asian Bodywork Therapy.
Medical uses
- Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions. It is thought to reduce muscle stiffness, stimulate the skin, aid digestion, and influence the nervous system. Shiatsu is used to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, fibro...
Effects
- The effect may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative, depending on the goal of the session.
Introduction
- One of the fundamental concepts of Chinese/Japanese medicine is Qi (pronounced \"chee\"). This is the vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning.
Health
- Qi flows in specific pathways called meridians. The Shiatsu therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians called Vital Points. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When the Qi becomes deficient or out of balance, or the flow is obstructed, symptoms arise. Seemingly minor signs emerge, such as regular colds and fl…
Benefits
- The Shiatsu therapist is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony in the body, even prior to physical signs appearing. Simple yet subtle changes are indications of an imbalance that, left alone, may progress to a point where symptoms appear. Balance can be restored with proper assessment and regular Shiatsu sessions. Shiatsu practitioners may also offer lifestyle and acti…
Assessment
- At the beginning of the session, the practitioner evaluates the client to determine the patterns of imbalance that may be present. It is important to assess the \"state of the Qi\" in order for the practitioner to give the client the most effective therapeutic session. Then the practitioner designs a plan that will give the client the most therapeutic benefit according to their individual needs.
Treatment
- A regular maintenance program of Shiatsu is an excellent way to maintain wellness and improve vitality. This schedule will vary for each person. One Shiatsu session per month may work well to maintain balance for some. But for others, a high-stress job, family demands, an overactive lifestyle, lack of exercise, or other factors may require Shiatsu sessions on a more regular basis.
Publication
- Shiatsu is Japan's primary manual therapy, and there is ongoing research that is published in Japanese journals. This research is usually not published in English, and may not yet be available to the American audience.
Research
- In the U.S., Shiatsu is often considered a subset of either massage therapy or acupuncture, and thus, the main research grants for therapeutic bodywork have been focused on massage and other energy therapies. Most of what is available in terms of evidence in the U.S. is anecdotal, or it is from the experience of Shiatsu clients and therapists. However, schools and individuals are b…
Organizations
- The professional organization that represents Shiatsu and Asian bodywork therapists exclusively is the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). The AOBTA website has a Find a Practitioner page.
Location
- Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork Therapists (ABT) are located throughout the United States, often in the vicinity of a school. The highest credential for Shiatsu and ABT is the national certification exam for Asian Bodywork Therapy administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Practitioners who pass this exam become a Dipl…
Certifications
- In addition, graduates from a Shiatsu program are eligible to take (if all requirements are met) the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).