Shiatsu Massage Techniques

Shiatsu massage techniques have been found to be highly effective in treating various disorders related to psychological and physical ailments. This article gives an insight into the details of this wonderful therapeutic massage technique.

Massage therapy is probably one of the oldest forms of medical care that has been prevalent in almost all major cultures that ever existed on this Earth. In the eastern traditions, especially Ayurveda of India, massage has been used since ancient times to relieve body ailments. Roman, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Japanese traditions have regarded massage as a natural method of curing body disorders.

What is Shiatsu Massage?

Shiatsu are a part of Japanese massage techniques and they can be considered equal to acupressure therapy in Chinese meridian system. The word 'Shiatsu' is derived from Japanese words, Shi and atsu meaning 'fingers' and 'pressure' respectively. So in essence, the shiatsu massage therapy works on the pressure points of the body.

Just like the therapy, Shiatsu massage techniques regard body to be composed of 14 meridians corresponding to all organs of the body. These channels maintain free flow of energy called as chi energy. Any hindrance in the path of these channels is considered to be a cause of health problem. Balancing the flow of chi energy is the main objective of shiatsu . When western medicines are unable to relate to the concept of chi energy, shiatsu is believed to be an alternative option for patients. Read more on massage therapy techniques.

Shiatsu Massage Techniques for Relieving Headaches

Headaches are generally caused due to stress and fatigue that results due to long hours of work or emotional disturbances. Shiatsu massage techniques for eliminating headaches are as follows:

• The five points located under the base of the skull at the back must be pressed with the pad of your thumbs. A masseuse can begin from the center of the back of your head and press gently every point on the back and move further with your finger's on the back at a width's apart.
• Perform the same procedure with your left hand and apply pressure on left side of skull.
• Move on to areas like shoulder tips and gently massage them.
• The stiffness from neck, shoulder and spine can be further lessened by slowly massaging the areas of knuckle on the pinkie side of your hand.
• On the outer heel bone between ankle and the Achilles tendon, there are pressure points that help to remove headaches due to tension.

Shiatsu Massage Techniques for Relaxation

Shiatsu massage pressure points provide instant relief and enhance the feeling of well being.

• By applying deep pressure on the center calming of the head, one can balance the tension in the head. By placing the thumbs on the top of ears and bringing the index fingers on the top of your head you can apply pressure.
• On the back side of the hand, apply pressure between the area of thumb and index finger by the pad of opposite thumb. This eases the tension between jaws, neck and shoulders.
• In the area between the first and second toes (place where small bones merge), apply gentle pressure to balance the flow of energy. Sliding your middle finger in that areas eases you of and muscle spasms.

Be it a digestive problem, emotional pain, physical problems or even psychological problems, shiatsu massage can be used for treatment of all types of ailments. Shiatsu massage is a deeply satisfying massage technique as it balances the energy points of the body. This massage technique is widely recommended for women having problems of menstrual cramps.

A deep sense of calmness, relaxation and contentment is felt by people who go through this massage procedure. Shiatsu massage techniques have various forms and they are used for healing various ailments. In some cases, people going for this massage therapy may show side effects like cold or flu after the first few sessions of shiatsu massage. In the quest to achieve holistic health, massage therapy has evolved to be an integral part of health care market and is used for its various benefits.