Japanese Shiatsu Massage

Japanese Shiatsu Massage

Though the historical roots of Japanese Shiatsu massage go back centuries, the practice first became widely popular around the beginning of the 20th century.

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Though the historical roots of Japanese Shiatsu massage go back centuries, the practice first became widely popular around the beginning of the 20th century. In 1940, the Shiatsu massage style got a big boost with the founding of the Japan Shiatsu College.

Shiatsu differs from traditional Western massage, which is actually usually Swedish massage, in its emphasis on a focused form of pressure, rather than the conventionally long strokes of Swedish massage. 

In Shiatsu, the fingers and palms are used to apply pressure to specific sections of the body, concentrating on one part at a time.  Eventually, the whole of the body can be covered, but a good Shiatsu will take a relatively long time to complete, especially as compared to the Swedish technique.

As with many forms of massage therapy, the theory is dubious - at least to western thought and research It centers on emphasizing energy points and imbalances for which there is no empirical scientific evidence. On the other hand, there's no question that Shiatsu has a healing effect. A good Shiatsu practitioner can definitely make a client feel relaxed, relieved of stress and full of energy.

The way these positive results are achieved is sound enough.

The skilled Shiatsu massage therapist detects stiffness and other muscle and joint problems, then applies pressure to those areas. A certain amount of experience and training is required to do it correctly, since excessive pressure can do more harm than good. With proper training and a little time, most therapists will achieve this level without any problem.

Varieties of Shiatsu - Jin Shin Jyutsu

There are several variations on the practice, most coming under the heading of acupressure

The practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu, for example, is based on a theory that pressure can change the direction of energy flowing through the body.  Here again the theory is without any known scientific foundation, but the practice appears to have real benefits.  Using a light touch, held for several minutes, knotted muscles can be stimulated to release.

When a muscle tenses, it can go too far.  It can tense up to the point of causing intense pain. This is a form of protection on the part of the body.  In this situation, the muscle proteins clamp together, if you will, to reduce any additional movement that could cause further injury. Loosening that knot helps the muscle regain a healthful, more flexible, state.

Focusing the pressure while using the thumb, finger tips and palms on specific areas can loosen stiff muscles, limber joints and stimulate good circulation.  All these have real, positive health effects.

There is ample evidence to show that increased blood flow, decreased muscle tension and proper joint movement have actual health benefits. Those suffering from arthritis, tendonitis and even just ordinary muscle ache commonly report feeling better after a good Shiatsu session. 

Nothing could be clearer proof than that.

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Page Updated 2:52 PM Saturday 3/23/2013