by:
Terry McDermott
But the art of massage
takes many forms. Typically,
a visit to a spa or an independent
massage therapist will include
some form of Swedish massage
or deep tissue massage.
These techniques are designed
to invigorate muscles by
promoting increased blood
flow to specific areas and
identifying and relieving
particular problems. The
application of these types
of massage involves long,
rhythmic strokes and kneading
or circular actions with
the hands, palms or fingers.
The result is improved circulation,
physical relaxation and
a reduction in mental stress.
Shiatsu massage is also
an extremely effective form
of massage but with a somewhat
metaphysical rationale to
support the technique.
Shiatsu is a Japanese word
that means “finger
pressure.” The goal
of Shiatsu is to restore
the balance of energy in
the body. Proponents of
Shiatsu and acupuncture
believe that disease and
physical infirmities are
caused by imbalances or
blockages in the flow of
energy through the body.
This energy is called “ki”
which flows through the
body along meridians or
energy channels. Practitioners
strive for a balance between
Yin (negative energy) and
Yang (positive energy) and
attempt to determine where
there may be a build up
of energy or an energy deficiency.
Either will cause problems.
Shiatsu does not use the
rubbing and kneading technique
of Swedish massage but applies
pressure using almost any
part of the therapist’s
body including arms, legs,
fingers, hands, feet, elbows,
toes, etc. The therapist
locates a particular point
along one of the body’s
meridians and applies pressure
to that area, attempting
to restore balance to the
flow of energy. The pressure
can be applied gently with
the fingers or may be applied
forcefully with the point
of the elbow depending on
the location of the point
and the severity of the
blockage. The therapist
may also incorporate stretching,
holding or rotating various
parts of the body
The restoration of the
proper balance of “ki”
is viewed as a spiritual
as well as physical benefit.
The balanced flow of energy
offers physical comfort
and improved health as well
as emotional stability and
spiritual well being. In
fact, it is not uncommon
that a recipient of Shiatsu
massage may experience an
intense emotional response
as energy is released from
problem areas and restored
to proper levels. Crying
is not an unusual occurrence
and a good Shiatsu massage
therapist is fully prepared
for, and completely sympathetic
to, this type of response.
Shiatsu massage is an extremely
relaxing and healing form
of massage. It is satisfying
to know that besides feeling
better, a Shiatsu experience
can place us back in balance
with the energy flow of
the universe.
About The Author
J. Terrence McDermott is
the co-administrator of
Massage Schools Guide at
http://www.massageschoolsguide.com,
a website offering a variety
of resources for prospective
massage therapists. He has
developed a national directory
of massage schools with
program highlights and contact
information.
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