Shiatsu is a variant of traditional Japanese bodywork that is based on old pseudoscientific theories about the flow of Qi or chi through meridians in the body. Having first become popularized in the early twentieth century by the great doctor and practitioner of oriental medicine, Tokujiro Nagashima. Shiatsu is an ancestor of the Japanese massage technique called anma. Anma was described in the earliest documents as "finger pressure" and required the application of the index finger that applied firm but fast pressure to acupressure areas on the patient's arms. The technique was used to alleviate tension and stress in the body of the patient.

Anma has become a westernized variant of anma, but some of its practices remain. Anma is a reference to "finger pressure" which is why Shiatsu therapists utilized the technique of finger pressure for acupressure in the beginning of their sessions. Anma is generally considered in Western circles to refer to "acupressure to facilitate the flow of energy," although it is not clear which interpretation is more correct. The anma-skeptics community has utilized this technique to promote a mystical aspect that is very much a part of traditional Shiatsu therapy. Modern shiatsu therapists have improved the finger treatment to include the manipulation of energy flow and acupressure techniques.

Shiatsu therapy utilizes pressure to regulate the energy flow in the body through applying pressure to specific areas on the legs, arms, and hands. This is similar to acupuncture, which utilizes needles of varying sizes to treat pressure points in the body. Shiatsu therapy, however, places more emphasis than acupuncture on the pressure applied along meridians to balance pressure. Although pressure is applied with fingers, it's most often done during the back rub. However, bare hands can be used.

Massage therapy using Shiatsu is extremely popular among people who have various chronic illnesses. This method allows seniors to apply pressure to conditions like muscle tension, fatigue, stress and other chronic conditions since their fingers are the most efficient organ for pressure. Seniors who have back pain find it difficult to do the things they do every day. Back stiffness is a common occurrence in the most unavoidable times, forcing seniors to give up activities they enjoy and put off rest to avoid discomfort. Shiatsu massage therapy utilizes specific pressure to target specific areas of the meridian system. This can help reduce pain, stiffness and function loss.

Shiatsu massage can also be utilized to ease tension and stiffness in the shoulders, neck lower back, neck as well as lower back. Massage chair manufacturers are now providing a wide range of massage chairs that combine the advantages of Shiatsu massage therapy. The massage chairs use vibration motors that apply pressure to certain regions of the body. The pressure applied can help loosen tight muscles and relax muscles that are stiff, easing the tension that creates discomfort. Many suffer from stiff muscles in the mornings after a stressful day at work.

Shiatsu massage does not only alleviate pain. This program can treat energy imbalances, enhance overall health, and aid people to feel more relaxed. It is known as Jikaku in Japan. Nowadays, it is growing in popularity in the western world as an alternative therapy that improves the well-being and health of its patients. Each Shiatsu massage consists of three main healing methods including stretching, compression and massage.

Each of these steps helps to ease stiffness and increase flexibility while also relieving discomfort. The client must lie on a massage table that has an electric source that is semi-circle to receive Shiatsu massage. A hot stone massage is performed from the center of the body, and then wrapped in warm towels. The temperature of the stone can be different depending on the person who is treating it, however, the majority of stones are warm to the touch. A skilled therapist is able to customize the setting of the heat to meet the individual's requirements, which could range from mildly warm to extremely hot.

One of the most significant benefits of Shiatsu massage is that it can be done by both the therapist as well as the client. By having someone gently stroke the various points of the body using gentle pressure, it is possible to ease tension in muscles without the need for medication. This treatment is appropriate for those who are capable of working for a long time. Shiatsu massage is safe and gentle. If you're looking for a way to relieve tension in your muscles and relax your body and mind take a look at this traditional method.