What is Shiatsu massage? It starts with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM was introduced in Japan in the 6th century, where the practice began to evolve to suit the local customs. The traditional Chinese massage called anma, or tui na, became more associated with pleasure and relaxation, as opposed to exclusively healing.
In the 20th century, a practitioner named Tamai Tempaku wanted to revive and maintain the healing aspect of massage therapy in TCM. He infused his style of massage with the Western scientific disciplines of anatomy and physiology, along with chiropractic principles and physiotherapy, in order to create a new modality.
Tempaku first called his method “shiatsu ryoho” or “shiatsu ho” but over time it became known as simply Shiatsu. In 1964, Shiatsu massage was recognized as its own unique form of therapy, different from tui na, Western and other types of massage.
What defines the Shiatsu technique
Practitioners of Shiatsu use their fingers and other body parts (hands, elbows, knees, feet) to manipulate pressure points on the patient’s body, which are also called acupoints or acupuncture points. The therapist might also stretch or rotate the limbs or joints of a patient as part of treatment.
One of the important concepts in Shiatsu and TCM is qi, which is a vital life force energy that flows through every person. Qi runs along points called meridians. When qi is blocked it can cause health problems in a patient. Based on a diagnosis, the practitioner will determine which points along the meridian require focus in treatment.
These are the body’s twelve meridians, which correspond to organs:
• Lung
• Large intestine
• Stomach
• Spleen
• Heart
• Small intestine
• Bladder
• Kidney
• Heart governor
• Triple heater
• Gall bladder
• Liver
Shiatsu stimulates circulation and blood flow, enhancing the body’s own ability to heal itself. Some of the many reason Shiatsu works:
• Restores the following systems: nervous, lymphatic, hormonal and circulatory
• Increases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers
• Improves stamina, energy and vitality
• Enhances coordination and range of motion
• Brings down blood pressure and heart rate
Shiatsu improves a patient’s overall well being while enhancing the immune system, but can be beneficial to healing a variety of specific ailments.
Source: https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/the-benefits-of-giving-and-receiving-shiatsu-massage
