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Classic - Acupressure & Shiatsu Massage
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Description
A massage that uses Far-East healing techniques, by applying a 36 point
formula along with alarm and associated points. The Yin - Yang theory
and it's application to everyday living. Remarkably effective one hour
table top shiatsu session. This is a truly holistic therapy, working
on body mind and spirit. It can bring tranquility to the mind and
emotions, as well as alleviate many physical conditions, such as back pain,
muscle tension, headaches and digestive problems.
Recommended duration - 55 min.
Key Benefits
- Promotes Healing
- Balances Yin-Yang energies
Treatment Data
Please read this additional information...
Author/s: Greg Annussek
Definition
Shiatsu is a manipulative therapy developed in Japan and incorporating
techniques of anma (Japanese traditional massage), acupressure, stretching,
and Western massage. Shiatsu involves applying pressure to special points or
areas on the body in order to maintain physical and mental well being, treat
disease, or alleviate discomfort. This therapy is considered holistic
because it attempts to treat the whole person instead of a specific medical
complaint. All types of acupressure generally focus on the same pressure
points and so-called energy pathways, but may differ in terms of massage
technique. Shiatsu, which can be translated as finger pressure, has been
described as needle-free acupuncture.
Origins
Shiatsu is an offshoot of anma that developed during the period after the
Meiji Restoration in 1868. Traditional massage (anma) used during the age of
shoguns was being criticized, and practitioners of koho anma (ancient way)
displeased with it introduced new practices and new names for their
therapies.
During the twentieth century, shiatsu distinguished itself from anma
through the merging of Western knowledge of anatomy, koho anma, ampuku
(abdominal massage), acupressure, Do-In (breathing practices), and Buddhism.
Based on the work of Tamai Tempaku, shiatsu established itself in Japan and
worldwide. The Shiatsu Therapists Association was found in 1925 and clinics
and schools followed. Students of Tempaku began teaching their own brand of
shiatsu, creating branch disciplines. By 1955, the Japanese Ministry of
Health and Welfare acknowledged shiatsu as a beneficial treatment and
licensing was established for practitioners.
Benefits
Shiatsu has a strong reputation for reducing stress and relieving nausea
and vomiting. Shiatsu is also believed to improve circulation and boost the
immune system. Some people use it to treat diarrhea, indigestion,
constipation, and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract; menstrual
and menopausal problems; chronic pain; migraine; arthritis; toothache;
anxiety; and depression. Shiatsu can be used to relieve muscular pain or
tension, especially neck and back pain. It also appears to have sedative
effects and may alleviate insomnia. In a broader sense, shiatsu is believed
to enhance physical vitality and emotional well being.
Description
Shiatsu and other forms of Japanese acupressure are based on the concept
of ki, the Japanese term for the all-pervading energy that flows through
everything in the universe. (This notion is borrowed from the Chinese, who
refer to the omnipresent energy as qi or chi.) Ki tends to flow through the
body along special energy pathways called meridians, each of which is
associated with a vital organ. In Asian systems of traditional medicine,
diseases are often believed to occur due to disruptions in the flow this
energy through the body. These disruptions may stem from emotional factors,
climate, or a host of other causes including stress, the presence of
impurities in the body, and physical trauma.
The aim of shiatsu is to restore the proper flow of bodily energy by
massaging the surface of the skin along the meridian lines. Pressure may
also be applied to any of the 600 or so acupoints. Acupoints, which are
supposedly located just under the skin along the meridians, are tiny energy
structures that affect the flow of ki through the body. When ki either
stagnates and becomes deflected or accumulates in excess along one of these
channels, stimulation to the acupoints, which are sensitive to pressure, can
unblock and regulate the ki flow through toning or sedating treatment.
Western medicine hasn't proven the existence of meridians and acupoints.
However, in one study, two French medical doctors conducted an experiment at
Necher Hospital in Paris to test validity of theory that energy is being
transported along acupuncture meridians. They injected and traced isotpes
with gamma-camera imaging. The meridians may actually correspond to nerve
transmission lines. In this view, shiatsu and other forms of healing massage
may trigger the emission of naturally occurring chemicals called
neurotransmitters. Release of these chemical messengers may be responsible
for some of the therapeutic effects associated with shiatsu, such as pain
relief.
Preparations
People usually receive shiatsu therapy while lying on a floor mat or
massage table or sitting up. The massage is performed through the
clothing--preferably a thin garment made from natural fibers--and disrobing
is not required. Pressure is often applied using the thumbs, though various
other parts of the body may be employed, including fingertips, palms,
knuckles, elbows, and knees--some therapists even use their feet. Shiatsu
typically consists of sustained pressure (lasting up to 10 seconds at a
time), squeezing, and stretching exercises. It may also involve gentle
holding as well as rocking motions. A treatment session lasts anywhere from
30 to 90 minutes.
Before shiatsu treatment begins, the therapist usually performs a general
Health assessment. This involves taking a family medical history and
discussing the physical and emotional Health of the person seeking therapy.
Typically, the practitioner also conducts a diagnostic examination by
palpating the abdomen or back for any energy imbalances present in other
parts of the body.
Precautions
While shiatsu is generally considered safe, there are a few precautions
to consider. Because it may increase blood flow, this type of therapy is not
recommended in people with bleeding problems, heart disease , or cancer.
Massage therapy should always be used with caution in those with
osteoporosis, fresh wounds or scar tissue, bone fractures, or inflammation.
Applying pressure to areas of the head is not recommended in people with
epilepsy or high blood pressure, according to some practitioners of shiatsu.
Shiatsu is not considered effective in the treatment of fever, burns, and
infectious diseases.
Shiatsu should not be performed right after a meal.
Side effects
When performed properly, shiatsu is not associated with any significant
side effects. Some people may experience mild discomfort, which usually
disappears during the course of the treatment session.
Research & general acceptance
Like many forms of massage, shiatsu is widely believed to have a relaxing
effect on the body. There is also a significant amount of research
suggesting that acupressure techniques can relieve nausea and vomiting
associated with a variety of causes, including pregnancy and anesthetics and
other drugs. In one study, published in the Journal Of Nurse-midwifery in
1989, acupressure was shown to significantly reduce the effects of nausea in
12 of 16 women suffering from morning sickness. Five days of this therapy
also appeared to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another investigation,
published in the British Journal Of Anaesthesia in 1999, studied the effects
of acupressure on nausea resulting from the use of anesthetics. Pressure
applied to an acupoint on the inside of the wrist appeared to alleviate
nausea in patients who received anesthetics during the course of
laparoscopic surgery.
Shiatsu may also produce sedative and analgesic effects. The sedative
powers of acupressure were investigated in a study published in the Journals
of Gerontology in 1999, which involved over 80 elderly people who suffered
from sleeping difficulties. Compared to the people in the control groups,
the 28 participants who received acupressure were able to sleep better. They
slept for longer periods of time and were less likely to wake up during the
night. The researchers concluded that acupressure may improve the quality of
sleep in older adults. The use of acupressure in postoperative pain was
investigated in a study published in the Clinical Journal Of Pain in 1996.
In this study, which involved 40 knee surgery patients, one group received
acupressure (15 acupoints were stimulated) while the control group received
sham acupressure. Within an hour of treatment, members of the acupressure
group reported less pain than those in the control group. The pain-relieving
effects associated with acupressure lasted for 24 hours.
Shiatsu may benefit stroke victims. The results of at least one study
(which did not include a control group) suggest that shiatsu may be useful
during stroke rehabilitation when combined with other treatments.
Training & certification
A qualified shiatsu therapist must have completed courses in this form of
therapy and should be nationally certified or licensed by the state (most
are certified by the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association). Asking
a medical doctor for a recommendation is a great place to start. It can also
be helpful to consult friends and family members who have tried shiatsu.
There are several massage-related organizations that offer information on
locating a qualified therapist. These include the National Certification
Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the American Massage Therapy
Association, the International School of Shiatsu, and the American Oriental
Bodywork Therapy Association.
Key Terms
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Acupressure - An ancient form of Asian healing massage that involves
applying pressure to special points or areas on the body in order to
maintain good Health, cure disease, and restore vitality.
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Analgesic - Pain reliever.
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Osteoporosis - A disease of the bones due to deficiency of bone
matrix, occurring most frequently in postmenopausal women.
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Palpate - Feel.
Further Reading
For Your Information
Books
- Cook, Allan R. Alternative Medicine Sourcebook. Detroit: Omnigraphics,
1999.
Periodicals
- Chen, M.L., L.C. Lin, S.C. Wu, et al. "The effectiveness of
acupressure in improving the quality of sleep of institutionalized
residents." J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci (1999): M389-94.
- Felhendler, D. and B. Lisander. "Pressure on acupoints decreases
postoperative pain." Clin J Pain (1996): 326-329.
- Harmon, D., J. Gardiner, R. Harrison, et al. "Acupressure and the
prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopy." Br J Anaesth (1999):
387-390.
- Hogg, P.K. "The effects of acupressure on the psychological and
physiological rehabilitation of the stroke patient." Dissertation
Abstracts Int (1986): 841.
- Hyde, E. "Acupressure therapy for morning sickness. A controlled
clinical trial." J Nurse Midwifery (1989): 171-178.
Organizations
- Acupressure Institute. 1533 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709.
- American Massage Therapy Association. 820 Davis Street, Suite 100,
Evanston, IL.
- American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association. 50 Maple Place,
Manhassett, NY 11030.
- International School of Shiatsu. 10 South Clinton Street, Doylestown,
PA 18901.
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102.
Other
Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Gale
Group, 2001
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