What is shiatsu massage ?
You may be aware that Shiatsu is one of the forms of massage therapy, but you may not be aware of the treatment’s specifics. Shiatsu massage is different from Swedish massage or deep tissue massage. What exactly is Shiatsu massage therapy, and how does it benefit those who undergo it? According to the Shiatsu Society, the art of shiatsu originated in Japan and is based on traditional Chinese medicine with elements of Western therapies. It will impeove your abitity to heal better.
How does Shiatsu massage therapy work and what does it entail ?
Shiatsu massage therapy involves applying pressure to different areas of the body’s surface with the fingers, thumbs, and palms to help relieve common illnesses and disorders and correct body imbalances. The application of pressure to specific points on the body facilitates energy transfer and corrects disharmonies in the body of the patient. Shiatsu helps alleviate stress, manage pain and disease, and contribute to a patient’s overall health and wellness, in addition to being a profoundly calming activity.
Shiatsu activates the circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems while regulating the activity of the automatic nervous system. Shiatsu can help with poor posture, joint injuries, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
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Who gets massage therapy and why do they get it
According to an annual report conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association, more than 39 million Americans had a massage in the previous year. More than half of those who discussed massage with their healthcare practitioners — 53% — said their doctor recommended it. Massage has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Shiatsu is one of the many forms (or modalities) of massage therapy available.
What makes Shiatsu similar to, and what makes it different from, other techniques?
Shiatsu massage therapy employs techniques that are close to those used in osteopathy, lymphatic drainage, and physiotherapy. Shiatsu practitioners, on the other hand, attribute physical health problems and illnesses to blockages and imbalances in the energy flow in the body, which sets it apart from other massage therapy modalities in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
What are the benefits of Shiatsu ?
Shiatsu affects the internal energy system to boost overall wellbeing. Increased range of motion and enhanced balance are common outcomes of therapy. Shiatsu incorporates assisted stretching exercises and acupressure to restore muscle and bone structure. It can be used as a primary or supplementary therapy.
The Shiatsu specialization in AMC’s Massage Therapy programme allows students to gain experience working with a variety of techniques within Asian systems of medicine. Students take Shiatsu, Swedish, and medical massage classes. Shiatsu Certification and a Massage Therapy Diploma are also awarded to programme graduates.
You should contact our admissions department for more information about AMC’s Massage Therapy services.
Shiatsu can be used in almost any massage room, from fully clothed patients seated in massage chairs to undressed patients laying on massage tables, thanks to its ease of use. Shiatsu is also commonly used as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other Western massage techniques, such as Swedish massage.
Shiatsu, like other types of complementary medicine, is focused on a holistic view of the body. It does, however, have the advantage of integrating well with traditional medicine. Shiatsu is an excellent modality for Massage Therapists who wish to practice in a holistic or integrative health environment, such as a Pain Clinic or a Chiropractor’s Office.
Most people don’t know the difference between a kneading and a shiatsu massage, so if you ask them, they’ll just give you a blank look. There are, however, major variations between the two, and knowing them will help you determine which massage to get.
What makes shiatsu different from a kneading massage ?
The main difference is that kneading has techniques that involves applying more pressure to your body’s tissues. Shiatsu, on the other hand, is a form of massage in which pressure is applied to specific points on the body to treat specific ailments.
The different forms of massage are often overlooked by those who suffer from chronic back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders. Many people would simply tell the massage therapist what’s wrong, which parts of their bodies need treatment, and whether or not the pressure is comfortable. They will frequently defer to the therapist’s best judgement and proceed from there.
If you gain more experience with massage, you’ll notice that various techniques are used, and which technique is used depends on a variety of factors.
For example, if you’re exhausted and just want to relax and sleep on the massage table, you’ll probably request a Swedish massage, which involves gliding strokes up and down the body. If pain is present, the therapist can recommend a medical-style massage, which includes kneading, or a shiatsu massage.
The Differences between Shiatsu and Kneading Massage :
In 2018, at least 47.5 million American adults had one or more massages, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. If you’re wondering what the difference is between kneading and shiatsu massage, keep reading. Shiatsu is a massage technique. Shiatsu is a Japanese term that literally translates to “finger pressure.”
Kneading is a massage technique, on the other hand. Massage methods are divided into five categories. Effleurage is a technique that uses slow, gliding strokes to warm up the tissues and promote good blood circulation. Massage oils will be used in this technique to help provide a smooth glide over the skin. It also aids the therapist in identifying areas of tightness and possible trigger points. Petrissage, which is another term for kneading, is the next most common technique. Petrissage operates on particular soft tissue by “kneading” the tissues with the hands, which helps to warm up knotted muscles and increase blood flow into the region.
Friction is a strategy that is used for certain clogged-up areas that need more focus. In its circular motions, this stroke warms up the tissue or muscle. Instead of being straight, friction strokes are applied transversely through the muscles and tendons. This aids in the removal of adhesive scar tissue and the realignment of the fibres.
While not used in every massage session, the following two massage methods are still commonly used to produce the best results.
Tapotement :
The therapist uses a tapping motion on the tissues and muscles he or she is operating on. The tapping’s percussive effect promotes circulation and neuromuscular stimulation. This is the method that is most often misrepresented in numerous comedy shows.
Vibration :
When the massage therapist rocks or shakes your legs, hands, or whole body to help you relax the region, this is referred to as vibration.
As a result, comparing kneading and shiatsu is akin to contrasting apples and oranges. Kneading is one of the conventional Western massage techniques. Shiatsu massage is focused on both western holistic medicine and Eastern healing philosophies.
