Is Shiatsu for You?
Shiatsu began in the early years of the twentieth century in Japan. Over the years, its style and theory has evolved depending on where on the globe the treatment is being done. There are two main theories that practitioners interpret when it comes to shiatsu and those are the Eastern theories relating to traditional Chinese medicine and the Western interpretation of shiatsu based on a physiological and anatomical basis. Is shiatsu for you? It is important to research this type of therapy and the various forms available as well as which type of practitioner would best help you experience the form that is right for you.
Benefits
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that translates to “finger pressure”. A shiatsu bodywork therapist will apply rhythmic finger pressure on acupuncture meridians for two to eight seconds at each meridian. The session is generally performed on a mat on the floor or a low massage table. A client will remain fully clothed as no oil or lotion is necessary. Shiatsu can be used to manage symptoms of PMS, headaches, anxiety, stress, depression and muscles aches and pains. The physiological effects of shiatsu include decreased blood pressure and stress and increased circulation of blood and lymph. Overweight individuals may not experience the same quality of results as a person of an average body mass index. Some clients have reported mild effects following a shiatsu session and these effects include cold-like symptoms, sleepiness or soreness around the areas that were focused on. There are generally no negative side effects of shiatsu.
References Cited in this Article
