Shiatsu
What is Shiatsu?
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| Michael teaching at a Dance Festival at a Maine College. |
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork where the client is fully clothed and the practitioner utilizes their body energy and attention, using the principle of pressure points and meridian energy lines, for the client's well being. Through the means of hand or finger pressure, they move the client's body position to release energy blocks, which in turn releases joints and muscles, as well as affecting the organs of the body.
A scientific explanation is that Shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.
How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu is sometimes described as a finger pressure massage, but in fact the practitioner is doing more. Like acupuncture, Shiatsu is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chi") through the body.
I practice five element Shiatsu. The elements are water, fire, earth, wood and air. These are the elements we are made from, in Shiatsu system, each elements represents parts and/or systems of the body.
Image that each element is a cup, and energy is poured from one cup to the other. The cups are in a circle. This is your energy balancing itself, regulating yourself. Now, imagine that one cup is getting full of energy, another cup has a hole in it, and another cup gets almost no energy poured into it.
I believe that the practitioner's job is to help the client get back into balance... using pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians, to improve the flow of energy and circulation.
What does Shiatsu feel like?
That depends on what you need. All sessions are not the same. If you're coming for a session to calm down from a stressful day, you are going to want a calming session. Or you may have an injury or condition that you want to address. Or you may just have a very tight body. My job is to get you back into your body, into your feelings, into the moment.... to become more present to yourself.
I think it feels good. Does it hurt? Sometimes. Sometimes my clients laugh a lot, cry a lot, fall asleep, or have deep dreams. Certain pressure points may feel tender, which some people describe it as "good pain."
I work on a massage table, not the floor, for more comfort. If you feel any discomfort or pain during the treatment, tell your therapist and he or she will adjust the pressure so that it is comfortable to you. Unlike the forms of Swedish massage, with Shiatsu no massage oil is applied, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment. You may be asked to bring comfortable clothing to wear.
What conditions is Shiatsu used for?
- Relaxation
- Back pain
- Headache
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tiredness
- Recovery from injuries
- Stress
- Arthritis pain
- Poor digestion
- Constipation
- Depression
Precautions
- Shiatsu is not recommended for certain people:
- Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before having Shiatsu
- Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having Shiatsu
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting any type of massage or bodywork. Shiatsu in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
- Shiatsu should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
Additional tips
- Don’t eat a heavy meal before the Shiatsu
- If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the Shiatsu.
Massage Modalities
