Shiatsu Massage Therapy for Optimal Health

shiatsu massage therapyShiatsu, a form of Oriental therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, incorporates Chinese medicine theory and practice, Japanese massage therapy traditions, and Western physiology and anatomy. Literally translated from the Japanese as "finger pressure," the practice works to treat a variety of ailments and improve and maintain optimal health. Shiatsu is a holistic practice that restores not only the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the patient.

Creating balance and harmony

Shiatsu helps heal specific ailments and health conditions and corrects body imbalances by using the fingers, thumbs and palm to apply pressure to various areas of the body’s surface. Pressure applied to points on the body can promote energy distribution throughout the body and correct disharmonies in the energetic components of the body.

Promoting natural healing 
Shiatsu practitioners can aid in prevention and treatment of illness by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. In other words, the therapy helps the body heal itself. Used as either an integrative or primary therapy, Shiatsu treats the body holistically by restoring the nervous and circulatory system functions, along with the muscles and bone structure, to contribute to mind and body wellness.

Improving a variety of health problems
People experiencing a variety of health conditions and ailments can benefit from Shiatsu therapy, including:

  • Poor posture
  • Joint problems
  • Sprains
  • Arthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Acute and chronic neck and back pain
  • Sinusitis
  • Bronchitis

Some of the immediate physical benefits of shiatsu are regulation of the automatic nervous system activity and stimulation of the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. Getting shiatsu treatment is also deeply relaxing and a great stress reliever.

Offering more benefits

Shiatsu combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore the balance of qi energy — or the essential life force. Shiatsu therapy treats the root causes of underlying health conditions while enhancing psychological and physical functioning. Shiatsu works to improve overall health by affecting the internal energy system by improving the flow of qi and freeing up any blockages. Therapy often results in increased range of motion and improved coordination. Therapy can also increase stamina, energy and vitality.

Starting a program
The Acupuncture & Massage College has programs in Massage Therapy starting every four weeks, and each student graduates with a specialization in Shiatsu. Classes include Shiatsu and Qi Kung 2, which teaches a through and effective treatment of the back and lower extremity based on the Hoshino system of shiatsu. The course enables students to understand the major concepts of Oriental Medicine.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs, which offer degrees in as little as 8.5 months, you can email our admissions department.


Career In Massage

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