| A massager is a device that has become | | | | be an unblocking of the energy, allowing it to flow |
| increasingly popular as a form of massage | | | | more freely resulting in a healthier body. |
| therapy. It combines massage along with the | | | | A Shiatsu based massager is a way to enjoy the |
| most recent in electronics & technology. | | | | benefits of massage without leaving home or |
| Popular massagers today, incorporate the | | | | paying a therapist. Many types of massagers can |
| principals of Shiatsu massage; this development in | | | | be found on the market today. Some boast |
| portable massagers is revolutionizing the industry. | | | | unique ways to apply pressure to the critical |
| Shiatsu massage focuses on acupressure points | | | | points on and around all parts of the body while |
| found throughout the body. These points are | | | | others use percussive therapy. Percussive |
| manually manipulated to provide a free flow of | | | | therapy is a rapid series of applying and releasing |
| energy. Created in Japan in 1868, Shiatsu | | | | pressure. A rubber or padded ball can be used to |
| massage therapy applies the knowledge of human | | | | achieve this. This kind of massager may be |
| anatomy & physiology, traditional Chinese | | | | electric or manual. Referred to often as thumpers, |
| healing techniques and acupressure. For years, | | | | they can be a rubber ball or a hand held machine. |
| Shiatsu has been practiced all over Japan. The | | | | Some of the more fancy designs use an infrared |
| Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare began | | | | source of heat along with variable speed |
| requiring education, training and licensing for the | | | | selections. |
| practitioners of this artful form of massage | | | | Often used to treat soreness; a neck massager |
| therapy in the mid 1950s. | | | | can also be effective in treating headaches, stiff |
| Shiatsu is defined literally as "finger pressure". In | | | | muscles, joint pain, depression, physical injuries, |
| Shiatsu massage, other body parts are used. | | | | menstrual cramps, and symptoms of asthma. |
| Elbows, knees, and knuckles apply pressure to | | | | Users should be cautious when using these |
| specific meridian points all over the body. Meridians | | | | massages devices. Safely operating and |
| are nerve intersections called acupressure points. | | | | understanding how they work is critical. Otherwise, |
| The Shiatsu massage therapist determines | | | | serious injuries can result. A professional |
| specific meridians that block the normal flow of | | | | consultation may be necessary to provide the |
| energy throughout the body. These points are | | | | best recommendations in the selection and use of |
| pressed upon and then released. The result can | | | | Shiatsu massagers. |