It means “finger pressure” in Japanese, and that’s exactly what shiatsu is: a Japanese type of bodywork, or massage, that uses finger pressure to relieve aches and pains throughout the body. Some say it’s helpful and some say it’s silly, but the fact is that any type of massage can be relaxing, calming and pleasurable. So what do you have to lose?

Benefits of Shiatsu

The origins of shiatsu go back at least 5,000 years. It originated as a form of traditional Chinese healing called Anma, which made its way to Japan and began to evolve into something more unique. In the 20th century, the word shiatsu was coined, and in the mid-1950s, the Japanese government officially recognized it as a legitimate type of therapy.

Like acupuncture, this type of bodywork or massage is performed by concentrating on the body’s Chinese meridian system, or specific pressure points. When pressure is applied along these very specific meridian lines, the body is believed to be able to realign its natural qi or energy flows.

Shiatsu practitioners use these pressure techniques combined with assisted stretching to stimulate the lymphatic system and help circulate blood throughout the body. It is believed that by doing this, the body will eventually release built-up toxins and the muscles will get rid of built-up tension.

Proponents of this ancient technique believe that this release can help the body heal itself in general by building up its hormonal and immune systems, which in turn has a positive effect on the nervous system. Therefore, shiatsu is supposed to have not only immediate results when we instantly feel better, but also long-term results that can help us overcome a variety of ailments. Benefits may include:

reduced blood pressure

Reduced muscle stiffness

Increased blood circulation

Greater vitality and energy.

better resistance

Increased flow of lymphatic fluid.

better circulation

How does Shiatsu work?

Experiencing shiatsu is as easy as finding a qualified professional, and there are many. Once you find someone you like, he or she will ask you questions about your general health, perform an exam that usually includes looking at your tongue and listening to your voice, and then perform various techniques to improve the flow of energy around your body. . .

Each treatment typically lasts about an hour and will include the practitioner applying pressure to various parts of your body with their hands, thumbs, fingers, palms, knees, feet, elbows, etc., and You will also perform some assisted stretching techniques. There are several different schools of shiatsu and the treatment you receive will be tailored to the school, including:

Shiatsu Namikoshi. It uses rubbing and pressure techniques to aid in healing. Developed by Mr. Tokujiro Namikoshi, who supposedly cured his mother’s rheumatism and became a well-known and talented healer at the ripe old age of 10. He uses pressure to remove toxins from cells, concentrating on both deep and superficial tissues. Repeated pressing is believed to generate electrical charges that help stimulate energy levels and remove adhesions that have held the body back.

zen shiatsu. The most popular type of shiatsu, which focuses on the entire body and sometimes requires abdominal massage. Developed by Shizuto Masanuga, a psychologist and shiatsu practitioner who died in 1981. Advice on lifestyle and diet can be given. The practitioner will listen to how the body responds to a certain pressure, which will dictate the steps he or she will take next. The container is usually on a futon or mat on the floor and no massage oils are used.

Tsubo therapy. Not as popular in the US as it is in Japan, it was developed by Katsusuke Serizawa and focuses on tsubo or acupressure points. The skin is believed to have electrical resistance that changes at specific tsubo points, so a tsubo therapist will use a variety of techniques to test this, including needles and electrical devices, as well as simple massage. Acupressure shiatsu is largely considered to be a derivative of Serizawa techniques.

Please note that shiatsu is not for everyone. People with certain skin rashes, who have just had surgery, or who are prone to blood clots should refrain from doing so. Pregnant women, people with osteoporosis, and those who have just had chemotherapy or radiation therapy should check with their doctor first. And use common sense: avoid wearing it if you have large bruises, have just had a hernia or open fracture, etc.

Does it really work?

Proponents of shiatsu believe it can “cure” everything from constipation to insomnia to back pain, and say it also works well on depression, sports injuries, poor digestion, anxiety, stress and fatigue. and other muscle pain. Others say that it works primarily as a relaxation technique, and while it certainly can temporarily relieve pain, especially that associated with muscle stiffness due to its element of massage, it can’t actually help the body heal itself.

“Ordinary massage and the legitimate practice of massage therapy can help people feel better. Yet many practitioners falsely claim they do much more, and agencies that oversee the educational and licensing systems show no evidence of concern.” about it,” writes Dr. Stephen Barrett. on the Quackwatch website, which he bills himself as “Your his guide to quackery, health fraud and smart choices.”

“Over the years, I’ve been amazed at the outrageous claims made by many bodyworkers. It’s wonderful to get a great massage. It increases circulation, temporarily relieves pain, provides a sense of well-being, and promotes relaxation, but I don’t know. of anything (aside from the blues) that I’ve ever healed.

“People need to realize that just because it’s wonderful pleasure doesn’t make it good medicine.”

If you want to try shiatsu yourself, make sure you have a trained practitioner in a safe and clean environment. But remember that this type of complementary therapy should not be intended to replace conventional medicine, and that if a shiatsu practitioner tries to diagnose a specific health problem or prescribe a medication, they are breaking the law. Other than that, sit back and enjoy!