Today was a day to pamper myself and I went to have a Shiatsu. In case you do not know – let me tell you what Shiatsu is.
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage using the meridian system of the body. Shiatsu when translated into English is Shi – finger and atsu means pressure. It is a traditional hands on massage yet the therapist may also use thumbs, elbows,forearms, knees and feet.
The session usually begins with the practitioner ascertaining a diagnosis. This can be done through pulses, examining the tongue, facial examination and obtaining a hara diagnosis.The hara is the stomach area.
The aim of the practitioner is to re-balance the flow of Ki along the meridians. The practitioner feels along the meridian and either tonifies or sedates the Ki as necessary. If the Ki is excessive – it is known as Jitsu and if it is deficient it is Kyo.
Throughout the treatment the practitioner will use pressure, rubbing and stretching techniques. These techniques are applied firmly and deeply to obtain the results required. Shiatsu helps relieve stress and it can also be used to help with back pain, headaches, stiff necks,stiff joins and reduced mobility.
During the session, the client remains fully clothed and usually lies on a futon on the floor. This is the traditional way but this treatment has been modified in the west and sometimes it is more like a massage carried out using a massage table.
The treatment usually last one hour but there are tremendous health benefits in having regular treatments. I try for one every four to five weeks.
Why don’t you see if you can find a practitioner in your area and let me know what you think?