Shiatsu Therapy
Shiatsu Therapy is a traditional Japanese hands-on treatment that increases the body’s natural healing power. It works on the whole body – physically, mentally and emotionally. A Shiatsu Therapist carefully uses the thumbs, fingers and palms to apply consistent pressure systematically to key points on the body. This is known as TSUBO. The length of the pressure can be 3 to 5 seconds, followed by gentle release.
Tokujiro Namikoshi is the founder of the original Shiatsu. He established Shiatsu treatment integrated with modern anatomy and physiology. In the1920’s, he developed the thumbs and finger pressure method, systemizing the trigger points of whole body. This distinct therapy was recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health in 1955 and remains the pre-eminent form of Shiatsu Therapy today.
The Shiatsu practitioner is able to detect irregularities during the treatment and apply treatment to the affect area. Skilled Shiatsu practitioners have developed sensitive finger pads, allowing them to distinguish differences in temperature and stiffness, both of which provide information regarding the condition of the body. The type, degree and duration of pressure are adjusted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Shitasu is a whole body treatment, requiring a sense of mutual trust and reliance between patient and practitioner. With regular periodic Shiatsu treatment, people can become more aware of their body’s needs and regularity. Shiatsu is preventative, allowing for detection of health concerns at an early stage, while balancing the body to prevent future illness.
Shiatsu promotes relaxation, gives people a wonderful sense of their own body and is suitable for all ages.
How Shiatsu Works
There are nearly 700 reflex points that scientifically and systematically correspond to the muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, and glands of the endocrine system that lie beneath the skin. Pressure applied by the hands on certain points of the skin stimulates the body’s natural recuperative powers and removes the lactic acid and carbon dioxide that accumulate in the tissues to cause muscular stiffness and stagnation of the blood. The accumulation of fatigue and tension cause abnormal pressure on the nerves, blood, and lymph vessels. This causes irregular internal secretions and peculiarities in the skeletal system and internal organs. Shiatsu pressure diffuses fatigue, restores flexibility to the muscle tissues, and relieves pain-producing symptoms. It promotes recovery and rehabilitation after an illness, accident, or surgery, such as stroke, frozen shoulder, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome or a mastectomy.
Shiatsu exerts its effects in the following ways:
- Vitalizes the skin and improves appearance
- Stimulates circulation of body fluids, blood and lymph
- Promotes suppleness in the muscular tissues
- Increases physical mobility
- Relieves stress and fatigue
- Increases vitality
- Fortifies the immune system
- Corrects faults in the skeletal system
- Promotes harmonious functioning of the nervous system
- Regulates hormones and the endocrine system
- Promotes healthy digestion for proper absorption of nutrients and regular elimination
Benefits of Shiatsu
Shiatsu is especially effective in treating stress-related symptoms and other common medical problems caused by an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. It also helps to neuralgia, joint and muscle pain.
Specific conditions shiatsu can benefit include:
- Stress/Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Neck/Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Headache/Migraine
- Sciatica
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Digestive problems
- Constipation
- Asthma
- Arthritis pain