Shiatsu Massage Therapy for Wellness

shiatsu-massage-therapyShiatsu, 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.

What does Shiatsu therapy treat and how? 

Shiatsu is beneficial in the treatment of several health conditions including:

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

Shiatsu therapy releases toxins and muscle tension, stimulates the immune system and allows the individual to de-stress. Some of the immediate physical benefits of this type of bodywork are improved regulation of the automatic nervous system activity and stimulation of the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems.

How does Shiatsu differ from other therapies?

Techniques used in this ancient therapy are similar to those found in other therapies such as osteopathy, lymphatic drainage, acupressure and physiotherapy. However, Shiatsu practitioners diagnose physical health conditions and diseases based on blockages and imbalances the find in the qi flow —or the life force enerfy — throughout the body, which differentiates its method of diagnosis and treatment from several other massage therapy modalities.
Shiatsu is sometimes referred to as Japanese physiotherapy.

The practice combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore qi energy balance in the body. Shiatsu also assists the individual in balancing the root causes of underlying health conditions while accounting for psychological and physical functioning.

Somewhat similar to acupuncture in its focus on the meridians and acupoints, Shiatsu therapy targets certain points on the body for treatment but without the use of needles. Regular treatments can increase range of motion and improve coordination and mobility.

What does a career in Shiatsu look like?

A career as a Shiatsu therapist is demanding but deeply rewarding. Many Shiatsu therapists practice as independent health care practitioners, establishing a private practice. Others seek careers in medical, orthopedic or other massage specialty markets. Spas and health clubs also employ Shiatsu therapists.

Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program offers a comprehensive curriculum of massage techniques. The program is designed for students seeking a career in the field of bodywork.

The Massage Therapy program’s specialization in Japanese Shiatsu enables students to acquire experience working with a range of techniques within Asian systems of medicine. Students complete courses in Shiatsu, Swedish and medical massage and the biosciences. Graduates of the program receive both a Shiatsu Certification and a Massage Therapy Diploma, a savings of $2,000 over other programs.

For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs you can email our admissions department.


Career In Massage

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