Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a form of traditional Japanese therapy based on the physiological and anatomical theory. This hands-on therapy is applying the right pressure at specified and targeted areas of the body. The word "shiatsu" is derived from the old Japanese terms shi (finger) and atsu (pressure).
It is a common knowledge that shiatsu is an Oriental Massage form. Just like all other forms of massage, shiatsu has it traceable origin from China. It is evident that shiatsu has apparent influences and principles from anma therapy massage, a form of Chinese massage coming from the Chinese civilization in the Yellow River. Shiatsu is more about disease prevention, although some practice the massage therapy for treatment and overall relaxation.
Shiatsu is all about applying pressure using the fingers. It is through this pressure that the energy is regulated and controlled in the special areas of the body called meridians. Chi, or energy, is essential to the body's overall and basic functions. Thus, shiatsu is targeted at the basic chi entry and function areas like the muscles, joints, the trunk, head, legs and arms. It is assumed that through controlling and pressuring the flow of chi in those bodily areas, internal organs functions and well-being are also regulated and controlled for a healthier body.
Shiatsu is a combination of diagnosis and therapy. If you have tried the massage session, you surely know that the massage therapist will have the ability to know and identify ailments and problems in the body just by starting a shiatsu massage session. At the same time, the necessary pressure therapies can also be applied and conducted immediately. Thus, within an hour or two of a regular shiatsu massage, there can already be extreme relaxation and therapy.
In Japan, shiatsu massage therapists are required to secure licenses from the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. Shiatsupractors, as they are called, are professionals who are required and mandated to complete at least three years of shiatsu massage the therapy learning and training program. In fact, there is also a national licensure examination regularly conducted for the practice. In other parts of the world, shiatsu therapists are required to at least complete certificates or registrations to ensure that there would be standard and safe practice of applying and conducting shiatsu. The massage therapy is usually offered at various spas and massage clinics.
