What is Shiatsu?


Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. Shiatsu therapy is a complete massage technique for healing and relaxation. It's main purpose is to recover the energy balance of the body.
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The word shiatsu means "finger pressure", and shiatsu is sometimes described as a finger pressure massage.
Like acupuncture, shiatsu is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") through the body.
It is thought that qi travels through the body on energy pathways known as meridians, which govern the internal organs and our entire metabolism. Situated along these meridians are pressure points, the same as those used in Acupuncture, where the therapist can effectively manipulate this energy.
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Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure along these pathways in a rhythmic sequence to improve the flow of Qi.
The shiatsu massage technique is designed to apply pressure to specific points to break apart blockages along these pathways that might be restricting the flow of Qi.
Keeping these meridians open is thought to be essential to organ regulation and overall self-healing.
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The stimulation removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue. The accumulation of toxins causes stiffness throughout the body. Stiffness in muscles puts abnormal pressure on nerves, and blood and lymph vessels. The pressure on blood and lymph vessels in turn affect both skeletal systems and internal organ functioning.

Shiatsu massage is a quiet and contemplative form of massage having profound results.It is a somewhat more subtle form of massage since it deals with a higher level of body mechanism, the Qi, versus just the gross physical bones, joints, muscles, that we deal with in western medicine. It can be used as a complete system of health maintenance, or simply for stress reduction, relaxation, and a general improvement of feeling-tone. Shiatsu is often utilized for muscular, skeletal and posture problems as well as any stress-related illnesses, such as emotional troubles. In addition, shiatsu can help individuals become more aware of the influence that their body energy has on their overall health and well-being.

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