Shiatsu is a modern method of massage therapy with roots in traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment uses points that lie on pathways of energy throughout the body called meridians. This energy within these 12 meridians is called qi, which is pronounced "chee." Qi is a life force energy that is present in all living things. Illness occurs when the flow of qi along one or more meridians is blocked or out of balance. … Read More
Dr. Renee Skuban, M.O.M., Acupuncture Physician
Recent Posts
How Shiatsu Massage Therapy Balances Qi
How Asian Bodywork Is Used to Balance the Energetic System
The history of Asian bodywork Like acupuncture, Asian bodywork is an ancient practice, but has only been an officially recognized practice within traditional Chinese medicine for about 20 years, according to Acupuncture Today. "In 1996, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) developed the first certification program in Asian bodywork therapy, due in large response to members of the Oriental medicine profession," the publication states. "The NCCAOM now offers a written comprehensive examination in Asian bodywork therapy, in addition to its existing exams on acupuncture and herbal medicine." … Read More
Shiatsu Massage Therapy for Wellness
Shiatsu, a form of therapy based upon traditional Chinese medicine principles, promotes health and strengthens the body’s healing abilities. Translated as "finger pressure" from Japanese, Shiatsu works to improve overall health by affecting the internal energy system. Patients seek shiatsu for wellness because the therapy results in increased vitality, energy and stamina. … Read More
Acupressure Points: How Do They Work in Massage?
What Is Shiatsu Massage Therapy?
You probably know that Shiatsu is one among several different types of massage therapy, but you may not know what the treatment entails. What is Shiatsu massage therapy exactly, and how does it help those who receive treatment? Shiatsu practice originated in Japan based on traditional Chinese medicine with elements of Western therapies, according to the Shiatsu Society. It amplifies the body's own ability to heal itself. … Read More
Explore the Pros and Cons of Massage Therapy
Take the time to explore the pros and cons of massage therapy before making the leap into a new career. While you'll likely find the positives of massage therapy far outweigh the negatives, understanding all aspects of the practice will help you come to an informed decision. The pros touch on various aspects of the massage therapy practice and its impact on health, from the business side to the clinical, and including massage therapy types and techniques. For many patients, massage therapy tends to complement mainstream medicine, adding a positive and synergistic effect to treatment. One of the benefits of practice includes the fact that a massage client can choose between modalities, or types of massage, and customize their treatment. Massage can also be very effective when performed immediately after a workout session at the gym, when the treatment can help relieve pulls or strains, and have a lasting effect for days afterwards. After a day of work, massage can provide calm and relaxation, and a window of serenity in the midst of a busy and hectic work schedule. Massage also provides other general health benefits, including: Improving circulation Aiding the body's healing processes Increasing the range of motion in joints Releasing toxins Reducing pain … Read More
Considering Massage for High Blood Pressure? It Helps
High blood pressure affects no small number of people — about 70 million people in the United States have the condition. That means approximately one in every three Americans, or 31.3 percent, has high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and nearly half of those aren't properly managing it. High blood pressure increases the likelihood of suffering a heart attack, stroke and other serious health conditions, so it's important to get it under control. … Read More
How to Practice Mind Body Fitness
If you have trouble sticking to an exercise routine that’s based on getting in shape or losing weight, it might be because your approach to fitness lacks an important element. A mind body fitness routine — in contrast to one that just focuses on just the body — emphasizes the interconnectedness of the physical body and the mind and spirit. … Read More
5 Ways to Live Better with Health, Vitamins and Chinese Medicine
Holistic health practitioners have long recognized that combining healthy living, vitamins and Chinese medicine is key to achieving wellness of the spirit, mind, and body. These healthy living tips will help you live better -- holistically, every day. … Read More
Consumers Increasingly Turning to Massage for Wellness
Consumers are increasingly integrating massage therapy into their regular health maintenance routines, according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). … Read More
With Meditation Memory Loss Can Be Significantly Reduced
Treating Disease with Medical Massage
There’s no doubt that massage therapy can be just what the doctor ordered to relax and unwind. It can also be just what the doctor ordered to treat a variety of health issues. Treating disease with medical massage has appeared more and more in the mainstream as both health care providers and patients have discovered the benefits of this 4,000-year-old practice. … Read More
Clear Skin Ahead: The Truth About Massage Therapy for Acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the country, affecting up to 50 million Americans a year. While it is more common in teens and young adults, people can experience acne at any time of their lives. … Read More
5 Goals to Set For a Massage Therapy Career
A career in massage therapy can be rewarding and flexible and can create financial stability and fulfillment. But establishing a massage therapy career first requires identifying how you want to practice and then setting goals to make that vision a reality. Focusing on these five goals can keep you focused on graduating and succeeding. … Read More
Top 5 Benefits of Tuina (Tui Na) Massage
A type of massage that is becoming more and more popular for both practitioners and clients is Tui Na massage, or Tuina massage. Pronounced “twee-nah,” Tui Na massage is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine that addresses specific patterns of disharmony in the body. Here are five benefits of Tui Na massage people are discovering every day. … Read More