Shiatsu is an alternative pseudoscience of traditional Japanese bodywork focusing on concepts found in ancient Chinese medicine including the concept of meridians. Having first been popularized in the late twentieth century by Tokujiro Hashimoto, shiatsu incorporates many of the same techniques used in Chinese medicine with the added twist of using finger pressure to stimulate key points of the body. This technique was highly prized by the Japanese during the Meiji Period when the government controlled the majority of the Japanese population. It was not considered a legitimate form of physical therapy until several years later when a Japanese academician claimed to have discovered the techniques of the ancients. After this discovery, shiatsu slowly grew into a respected form of physical treatment that is now widely accepted in Japan and much of Asia.
One of the main reasons shiatsu massage is often considered as an alternative medicine is the idea that it enhances blood circulation. A good shiatsu massage should increase the blood flow to all areas of the body, including the skin, muscles, and organs. The increased blood flow helps to alleviate conditions such as headaches, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, poor circulation due to aging, stress, and tension, and many other ailments. Many people believe shiatsu helps to balance the energy in the body and prevent illness and disease. There are also several claims that shiatsu increases the immune system.
According to some studies, shiatsu has been known to have some benefits for the circulatory system. These benefits include an increase in blood circulation, decreased blood platelet adhesion, and decreased muscle soreness after massage. Additional benefits of shiatsu massage include an increase in lymphatic drainage, stimulation of the thyroid, increased oxygen uptake, stimulation of the adrenal gland, increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. All of these additional benefits result in a general increase in overall health.
There have been many claims over the years that shiatsu massage offers benefits beyond those listed above. For example, many people who have used shiatsu massage claim to have experienced increases in strength, improved dexterity, better concentration, relief from stress, and an overall sense of well-being. These are all common benefits that traditional chinese medicine seeks to provide. However, there is little scientific research that can support these claims. Shiatsu is often used in conjunction with traditional chinese medicine for additional benefits.
One of the primary benefits of shiatsu massage is that it can help to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness. Women who experience morning sickness frequently complain that they become extremely nauseous and experience vomiting, nausea, and fatigue during their pregnancy. While there are no studies directly linking shiatsu massage and morning sickness, many women who regularly receive this massage report an improved ability to ward off morning sickness. This is likely due to the relaxing effect that shiatsu massage has on the body, especially in regards to releasing tension and muscle tension. It has also been reported that many women notice that they are able to sleep much more comfortably after receiving a massage.
Shiatsu massage also provides a number of other benefits including improved circulatory system. In addition to its benefits as a relaxant, shiatsu massage is known to improve blood circulation by increasing blood flow to the skin. Blood circulation is known to benefit the entire body; improving the health of the tissues, organs, muscles, and joints helps to alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as helping to correct imbalances that may be contributing to pain or discomfort. Improved circulation is believed to aid in weight loss, energy levels improvement, reduction of stress, better skin tone and texture, increased mental clarity, as well as reduced dependence on medication and costly hospital stays.
Another benefit of shiatsu massage is the stimulation of specific points on the body that may be responsive to specific therapeutic measures. Many studies have reported that massage therapy has had beneficial effects on the nerves and connected tissue throughout the body, especially in areas where disease or health problems are present. For instance, shiatsu has been used to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel, Achilles tendinitis, and herniated disks. Shiatsu also appears to provide some relief from conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
There are a few things to keep in mind when receiving shiatsu massage. One should not get the massage if it is painful; getting a massage is intended to relieve your stress and anxiety. Also, you should avoid moving too rapidly or handling the pressure tools of the shiatsu massage therapist while massaging. Finally, you should consult your therapist before beginning any shiatsu massage therapy. Your therapist will be able to customize the pressure and other techniques for your needs.