Shiatsu is a form of Asian massage with roots in ancient Chinese medicine similar to acupuncture and acupressure. The massage not only works on the physical structures of your body, it is intended to open and balance the flow of energy in your body to restore emotional and mental health. Here's what to expect if you have a shiatsu massage.
The Massage Is Therapeutic
Traditional shiatsu isn't a relaxing massage that uses body oil on bare skin. Instead, it is more about therapeutic massage using the hands and fingers to apply pressure to specific points on your body. It's often possible to remain fully clothed for this type of massage as long as you wear loose clothing. You'll usually …show more content…
A shiatsu massage therapist uses the same philosophy when providing you with a treatment. Areas of tension are noted where there is too much energy and areas of weakness with too little energy are of concern too. The goal of the massage is to open up the energy channels in the body so there are no blocks. When energy flows smoothly as it should, you should experience fewer problems with emotional issues, muscle tension, and medical problems involving organs and tissues.
Firm Pressure Is Used
While gliding and gentle strokes promote relaxation in massage treatments, firm pressure can bring about therapeutic changes. A shiatsu therapist uses their fingers, palms, and elbows to apply pressure to specific points. In this way, shiatsu is similar to trigger point massage that applies pressure to specific points to break apart adhesions. The pressure used during a shiatsu is applied to the energy meridians in your body.
In addition to applying pressure, the therapist may move your body into different positions and stretch your muscles. The treatment isn't painful, but if you already have pain, let your therapist know so adjustments can be made. The therapist doesn't necessarily work on the area where your pain is located since shiatsu is a form of whole-body