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eLearning Series:
I Want a Natural Health Remedy
( 50 articles in this series )
Benefits
of Shiatsu Massage or Acupressure
Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure,
is a point-pressure massage using the fingers. It is
designed to help regulate the flow of energy within the body. During
a shiatsu massage, thumb, fingers, palms or feet to the body
apply pressure. This type of massage helps produce a deep relaxation
increases energy levels and brings balance to the body.
The history of shiatsu massage lies within the ancient Chinese.
They used the principals of shiatsu in both their medical philosophy
and practice. It was developed around 530 B.C. Later, shiatsu
massage was exported into Japan, Southeast Asia, and Korea
where it was widely practiced. In the 20th century, this therapy
was used for treating simple muscular tension and providers
were licensed. Shiatsu became popular in the United States,
Europe and Australia in the 1970s.
Shiatsu
massages last anywhere from forty minutes to one hour. It usually takes place on a padded mat on the floor. This type
of massage begins with gentle stretching and manipulation of
the skin to allow the stimulation of energy and relax the muscles.
Depending on the need of the person receiving the massage,
it can be very gentle and calming or used with high pressure,
but should never hurt or feel painful. Acupressure massages
are usually given using a rapid circular motion with medium
pressure. The massages can last from five to fifteen minutes
and include techniques such as rubbing, kneading, percussion,
and vibration.
Today, shiatsu massages are performed not only for relaxation,
but to aid a wide variety of ailments and symptoms. The following
are five benefits of shiatsu massage.
Skin: Shiatsu massages, or acupressure, help stimulate circulation
in the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues. The massage
also serves to stimulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands
and keeps skin moist and smooth. This helps give skin resilience
and helps prevent wrinkling. A shiatsu massage will help improve
the look and glow of the skin with improved blood circulation.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis and Muscle Pain: Shiatsu and acupressure
massages can help alleviate the symptoms caused by arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the body’s
tissue and it attacks the linings of the joints. This disease
affects one percent of the world’s population. Shiatsu applied
to the hands and feet are most effective when suffering from
arthritis. Pressure from the massage can also be applied directly
to any area affected by Rheumatoid arthritis. Shiatsu can also
be used to improve the overall health of muscles throughout
the body. Shiatsu helps limber muscles and gives muscles nutrition
by improved circulation. It also helps reduce muscular pain.
Migraine
Headaches: Migraines are usually caused by a rapid
widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain or
head, causing irritation and pain. Common symptoms of migraine
headaches include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, weakness,
numbness and vision problems. Migraines are thought to be cause
by changes in weather, stress, hunger, foods containing nitrates
and sometimes caffeine. Shiatsu massages helps aid migraines
by relaxing the body and increasing blood flow and circulation
throughout the body.
Pregnancy: Shiatsu massages have been used for thousands of
years to aid women during monthly cycles to alleviate symptoms
such as menstrual cramps and depression. This kind of massage
has also been used for years for also for pregnancy as well.
Shiatsu has been known to help women in labor and help babies
turn in the womb. It can induce labor in women who are overdue
and help ease morning sickness and swelling often caused by
pregnancy.
Circulatory
and Digestive System: Shiatsu massages are also
found to help aid the circulatory and digestive system. A gently
massage helps improve circulation and cellular nutrition throughout
the body. A massage also benefits the digestive system allowing
food to digest more easily and aids in the elimination of waste
products. A shiatsu massage also increases stamina by storing
energy reserves and assists in fat metabolism and removal.
Learning basic shiatsu techniques at home is easy with a book
or video. It can also reap huge benefits to practice basic
techniques at home. When looking for a practitioner experienced
with shiatsu, look for one that has at least three years worth
of experience. Feeling comfortable with the provider is also
important. A session of shiatsu massages generally last from
thirty to ninety minutes and can cost anywhere from $20 to
$80 for a more experienced practitioner. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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