Japanese massage - Shiatsu: Techniques, Benefits

Japanese massage for pain relief and healing

Japanese massage, or Shiatsu massage, is a therapeutic massage therapy originating from Japan. This massage therapy is considered one of the best massage therapy methods in the world. So what are the health benefits of shiatsu massage? How does it work? All will be revealed in the article below.

1. What is Japanese massage shiatsu?

Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage that uses the strength of the hands to act on acupuncture points on the body to bring comfort and relaxation. Shiatsu was invented by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1920s based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Shiatsu massage method is simply understood in Japanese: Shi means finger, and atsu means press or pressure. Shiatsu means using fingers to apply pressure to perform a massage. Visualization is quite similar to the acupressure we often see in Vietnam. The Japanese Shiatsu massage method often uses finger pressure combined with the palm of the hand to create pressure on the skin. The technique works by focusing the force on the fingers to stimulate energy at the acupuncture points.

Shiatsu originated in Japan but is now popular in many places because of the benefits it brings. Shiatsu has been recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health as a professional manual therapy and is taught directly at university lectures.

Shiatsu massage acts on acupuncture points on the body to bring comfort and relaxation

2. How does Japanese massage work?

Japanese massage is a method of applying pressure to points on the body connected to meridians. Applying pressure to these points will help promote the flow of vital energy and stimulate the body's ability to recover and heal.

When performing the Shiatsu massage technique, therapists will use the thumb or palm to press deeply in a continuous sequence and hold for about 8 seconds. Thanks to this, it can promote the activity of the lymphatic system, improve health, and prevent disease.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is full of energy, and diseases occur when there is an obstruction to the circulation of energy (qi) and blood in the body. Since qi is said to move throughout the body through meridian channels, there are certain points on the human body that correspond to “qi locations,” called acupuncture points. At that time, the movements of Japanese massage methods will directly affect these acupuncture points. That helps release and stimulate the circulation of energy. On the other hand, this stimulation will also help improve health and balance energy effectively.

Japanese massage methods will directly affect these acupuncture points

Japanese massage methods will directly affect these acupuncture points

► See more: TOP 10 Best Massages in Da Nang Vietnam Must visit 2024

3. The benefits of Shiatsu massage for pain relief and healing

Japanese massage can improve overall health by affecting acupuncture points on the body. Below are some typical benefits of this massage method.

3.1. Reduce stress and anxiety

Japanese massage helps relax the mind and improve anxiety. The massage techniques of this method are said to help stimulate nerve cells and improve mood. The person receiving the massage will feel more relaxed and comfortable after the massage session. In addition, this also helps us improve sleep quality, fall asleep easier, and sleep deeper.

3.2. Shiatsu massage helps reduce muscle pain and arthritis

By pressing deeply on acupuncture points and painful areas, this massage method will help people quickly relieve joint pain and fatigue after a long day of work. In particular, it also reduces inflammation of the tissues and lining of the joints so that the body can quickly return to its original state.

3.3. Shiatsu massage improves blood circulation

Appropriately affecting the muscles and acupuncture points on the body can help stimulate blood circulation as well as blood circulation in the body. Thanks to that, blood and oxygen circulation to muscles, tissues, and other organs in the body also happens better and more effectively. Thanks to this, it is possible to eliminate the condition of blood not reaching the brain causing migraines, helping the nervous system to be maximally relaxed, comfortable, and at ease. The organs are also better nourished to become healthier and more resilient.

3.4. Improving the body's resistance

Shiatsu massage has the ability to support the flow of the lymphatic system, improving its function to help protect the body against disease-causing bacteria and viruses, thereby enhancing the body's resistance. Preventing many common diseases, such as flu, colds, coughs,...

3.5. Shiatsu helps rejuvenate the skin

This is an extremely popular use among women. By affecting blood vessels and acupuncture points on the skin and stimulating blood circulation, Shiatsu massage will help your skin become much more rosy and radiant. Not only that, the effects of this method on the skin also help remove dead skin, regenerate skin, and prevent the formation of wrinkles and skin aging. Thanks to that, you will have healthy, white, smooth, and youthful skin if you regularly apply the Shiatsu method.

Japanese massage helps relax the mind and improve anxiety

Japanese massage helps relax the mind and improve anxiety

4. What’s the difference between Japanese massage and other massage methods?

Shiatsu has similarities with other types of massage. However, it also has techniques that differentiate it from other forms of classical massage.

4.1. Japanese massage (Shiatsu) and acupressure

From a certain perspective, you may see that Shiatsu massage has many similarities with acupressure. They all use pressure to restore balance and health to people. Although not all of it, Shiatsu also uses the meridians of Chinese acupressure. However, the two Shiatsu massage methods have many differences for you to distinguish:

Shiatsu is a general massage method that approaches treatment by considering the whole body, while acupressure only specializes in treating a few points of the body.

With the Shiatsu massage method, the pressure is always stationary and maintained, while acupressure applies pressure in a circular motion and the thumb presses continuously to release pressure.

The Japanese massage method uses the entire body's weight to apply pressure, while acupressure only uses a part of the hand's strength.

Shiatsu only uses the thumb and palm to massage, while other methods also use the arms and elbows to perform massage.

4.2. Japanese massage (Shiatsu) and Swedish massage

Shiatsu and Swedish massage both use the hands and palms to perform manual movements on the body. However, Swedish massage focuses on massaging and creating friction on body areas to soothe pain. While shiatsu focuses on pressure points, Swedish massage focuses on muscles and connective tissue. In addition, Swedish massage uses oils, while Japanese massage does not.

4.3. Japanese massage (Shiatsu) and Thai massage

Both shiatsu massage and Thai massage are dry massages. Both focus on improving the flow of energy throughout the body but have their roots in different training traditions. Although they both use energy flows, they differ in their primary focus. Shiatsu focuses on applying deep pressure to the meridians, while Thai massage focuses on reducing stress, improving circulation, and increasing flexibility. This is why Thai massage is sometimes called supportive yoga.

Shiatsu focus on improving the flow of energy throughout the body

5. Who is Japanese massage good for?

Shiatsu massage is a very good health care therapy suitable for most people, such as:

Insomnia, headaches, constipation, and body aches after a long day of work

Back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis

Menstrual problems, often suffering from menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome, Shiatsu will help significantly improve the condition.

Although it is a safe and effective method, Shiatsu is contraindicated for the following subjects:

A history of miscarriage or premature birth. When you want to perform a Shiatsu massage, please consult your doctor before performing the massage. People with broken bones, rashes, or open wounds should also avoid massage.

Infectious diseases: chickenpox, influenza, leukemia, uncontrolled diabetes, and leukemia

With great benefits for health and spirit, Shiatsu has become a leading massage therapy that is widely applied in many areas of life.

6. Tips for getting the most out of your Japanese massage shiatsu

With a good Shiatsu massage, you will feel comfortable, pleasant, and relaxed. The irritated points may feel painful, but it is described as “pleasant pain”. To have a good shiatsu session, you need to:

Choose a spa with skilled therapists. In fact, your healing largely depends on the experience and qualifications of therapists. They must have flexible body movements for therapeutic treatment. Massage is somewhat similar to dance performance, which therapists master with experience and practice.

Communicate with your therapist: The massage therapist must know all of your medical conditions, the problems you are having, and your expectations from the massage. They may also ask you questions about your lifestyle to better understand your problem. It helps them plan a module specifically designed to heal your condition.

Shiatsu massage involves stimulating different points on your body and using several manipulation techniques. Practitioners apply pressure, knead, stretch, pull, and rotate body parts and muscles, which can sometimes cause pain. You should always tell your therapist if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Also, give them feedback at the end of each session so they can modify techniques and suggest exercises to do at home.

7. Price list for Danang Shiatsu Massage at Luxury Herbal Spa

Price list for Danang Shiatsu Massage at Herbal Spa

8. Conclusion

This article also explains what Japanese massage - Shiatsu method is. As well as their uses for health. If you want to experience this massage method, don't forget to contact and schedule a massage at Herbal Spa using the contact information below!

Herbal Spa

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