| Shiatsu is a massage technique from Japan. In | | | | to improve overall health. |
| fact the word Shiatsu means "finger pressure." | | | | It is a relaxing form of massage therapy and |
| Despite its name this massage therapy not only | | | | helps to relive stress. When done on a regular |
| utilizes the fingertips but also thumbs, palms, | | | | basis, a patient should improve their mental and |
| knees, forearms, elbows and the massage | | | | physical health. Shiatsu massage therapy will |
| therapist can even use the feet. They apply | | | | improve the blood, lymphatic, and hormonal |
| pressure to the meridians or energy lines. This is | | | | circulation, and help you to relax. It will also rid the |
| done to "promote good health by stimulating the | | | | body of toxins. |
| body's energy flow." | | | | There are certain circumstances when Shiatsu |
| Sessions can take from 40-60 minutes and will be | | | | massage therapy should not be used among |
| done on a padded mat on the floor. It | | | | these are, acute disorders, malignant tumors, |
| commences with gentle stretching and | | | | acute inflammation, serious internal organ disease, |
| manipulation to help relax and stimulate the | | | | and ulcers. You should be careful when you are |
| movement of energy in the muscles. Pressure | | | | pregnant and consult your doctor before having |
| can either stimulate or calm the patient. The | | | | this treatment. |
| specific needs of the patient will determine the | | | | This is a relaxing gentle form of massage therapy |
| amount of pressure that needs to be applied. | | | | and can be very beneficial to your overall health. |
| In order to gain the most from this form of | | | | However before using this treatment it is wise to |
| massage therapy it is wise to wear thin, loose | | | | educate yourself. There are many websites and |
| fitting, comfortable clothing. Cotton and linen is | | | | literature on the Internet that will inform and help |
| recommended. You should also be aware that you | | | | you. Oriental medicine, including Shiatsu massage |
| will be lying on the floor. | | | | therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the |
| There are many benefits of Shiatsu massage | | | | West as people turn to holistic methods of |
| therapy: Firstly it can help with pain management | | | | improving their overall health. So next time you |
| and alleviate pain. It can also help the body heal | | | | feel tired and stressed out after work or just |
| from sports injuries. Shiatsu massage therapy | | | | tensed from life's everyday problems you might |
| seeks to help a patient in a holistic way and tries | | | | like to try this relaxing form of massage therapy. |