Shiatsu As A Type of Massage Therapy
Shiatsu is just one of the many types of massage therapy. In English, the word shiatsu means ?finger therapy? and is considered to be a Japanese form of bodywork.
Similar to acupuncture, this type of massage therapy is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine because those who practice it believe that a person does not feel well due to imbalances in the life force.
To fix it, the massage therapist uses finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways known as meridians to improve the life force.
Scientists have a better explanation for this by saying that shiatsu calms the overactive sympathetic nervous system. By doing so, it helps improve blood circulation, relieves stiff muscles and alleviates stress.
For shiatsu to be effective, the massage therapist has to apply pressure in a continuous rhythmic sequence. Unlike other types of massage therapy, the pressure feels more localized so certain points feel tender. If at any time you feel pain, you can tell the therapist to adjust the pressure so it is comfortable to you.
