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Shiatsu the Japanese art of massage.
By Showanna Butler
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. It has been practiced in Japan for over 2000 years. Shiatsu was officially recognized as medical therapy in the mid 1950’s, but has been systemized during the 20th century.
Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese, “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure; which is also described as direct pressure. This massage usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is done on a mat on the floor fully clothed comfortably.
Before shiatsu massage takes place, the therapist takes a medical history exam, which involves knowing the client’s lifestyle, past illnesses, diet, and exercises habits. She/He also observes the client’s physical and emotional characteristics. After the medical history examination, the therapist touches certain areas to locate the client’s tension points to decide how he/she will lessen and restore energy flow.
In this particular method of massage therapy, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to the body’s main energy pathways. In the Zen Shiatsu, they use their whole bodies to apply pressure.
Being maintenance of health, Shiatsu prevents diseases and illnesses. Also promotes health and healing by correcting imbalanced energy and releasing it through the body. This typical massage lowers the levels on adrenaline and other stress hormones. It is known that if a therapist is working on areas caused by emotional upset, the client may feel like crying, this is not unusual. The therapist will act compassionate and supportive.
Shiatsu massage also relieves pain from arthritis, back, neck, and shoulders. Other benefits are improvement in headaches, which usually takes about 4 to 8 treatments, depending on the intensity level. Others are insomnia, constipation, and nausea. Overall, Shiatsu treats over 250 acupoints in the body.
In conclusion, Shiatsu massage therapy is more than just a massage, it’s a way through life: stress and pain free!
Showanna Butler is a student at the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC). AMC is one of the oldest Massage Schools in Florida to offer Shiatsu as its mainstay for its Massage Therapy program. For further information contact the Joe Calareso the Admission Director at 305-595-9500
"Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne
http://www.amcollege.edu
