Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Shiastu

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Shiastu
Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic massage, literally translated as finger (shi) pressure (atsu). Pressure is applied to certain points (tsubo) on the body's meridians, invisible energy channels which connect different parts of our body. When our body is in a state of illness, this indicates that there is disharmony and obstructions within the system. By stimulating the tsubo, shiatsu aims to get the vital life energy or Qi moving freely again, thus inwardly restoring balance, and outwardly relieving pain, aches and tension. A shiatsu therapist will use the hands, arms, elbows, knees and feet, as well as the thumbs and fingers on the patient's body, according to what work is needed. As such, there is no set routine or order for a shiatsu treatment, and it varies from patient to patient.
Origins
Shiatsu began in Japan as a method of self-treatment, derived from amna, an ancient oriental massage therapy involving rubbing and manipulation of the hands and feet. Initially passed down from generation to generation as a technique to cope with minor ailments oneself at home, within the last century, shiatsu has become one of the most widely used treatments in Japan today. Now also popular in the West, shiatsu has developed into a preventative and therapeutic technique. 


Shiatsu is a form of bodywork and healing. Like acupuncture, it is based on Chinese medicine and the concepts of Yin, Yang and Ki or universal energy.
WHAT DOES A SHIATSU SESSION INVOLVE ?
Shiatsu takes place on a futon mattress and the receiver remains fully dressed. The practitioner uses thumbs, hands and sometimes elbows and knees to apply pressure to meridians, or energy lines, and to specific acupressure points. Combined with stretches and rotations of limbs, these techniques can adjust the body's physical structure, stimulate the flow of the body's vital energy and blood and help to relieve pain or discomfort. Shiatsu is not just directed at symptom pain or relief, but aims to rebalance the whole person on physical, mental and emotional levels and to eradicate a deeper imbalance or the cause of a condition.

Recommendations may be given, focussing on posture, specific exercises, relaxation techniques, stress management, diet and lifestyle.
WHEN IS SHIATSU HELPFUL ?
Shiatsu is a very effective and powerful way to treat and prevent ill health and to maintain good health. It can relieve stress-related and chronic conditions and many health complaints, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, digestive disorders, menstrual dysfunctions, low resistance to infection, rheumatic and arthritic complaints, asthma, conditions following sprains and physical injuries, muscular tension, aches and pain in the neck and back, and sciatica.

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