Japanese Shiatsu Massage: What it is, and what are its benefits and applications in our body
- 2018
“Movement is a way of being that necessarily results from matter; it moves by its own energy; their movements are due to the inherent forces. ”
- Baron de Holbach
At present, the accelerated rhythm of everyday life leads us from one activity to another constantly. We work, train, study and perform our other activities many times forgetting the most important thing: ourselves .
Our health is compromised today because we gradually lose the ability to observe how we feel at each step we take and therefore we become more prone to conflicts that generate stress, which automatically translates as pain, tension and disease .
From this framework it is that we return to the ancestral practices that connect us with our body and relax our muscles and our mind. Among them, the Japanese Shiatsu Massage, recognized today by the Ministry of Health of Japan and practiced worldwide.
We will talk today about this ancient practice, its history and the benefits it can bring to our well-being
What is Shiatsu Massage
The Shiatsu Massage is a derivation of the Japanese massage A nma, which in turn derives from the Chinese Tui Na . This is a millenary system of therapy practiced for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has always worked to find a balance in the body through the different energy systems that cross it.
The acronym ' shi' (指) means 'finger', and ' atsu ' (圧), would be something like ' pressure on areas of the body '. It is also known as acupressure .
As popular as it is today, it was not until the 1960s that the Shiatsu Massage left its home country to become known in the West. Through its application, it manages to restore the circulation of Qi, or vital energy of the body through massages performed with the fingers.
For that it is important to recognize that the energy circulates through our body describing in its movement some essential lines, to which the practitioners of the Shiatsu Massage were called meridians . These meridians are what determine the concentration points of the lymphatic vessels and the organs of the endocrine system .
It is vitally important to avoid energy blockages and stagnations, as this causes irruptions in the proper functioning of the organism.
The meridians of the Shiatsu
The meridians are, then, lines that extend throughout our entire body, and within them we can find the centers in which this practice is focused.
To understand the meridians we can think of a network of channels, which are deeply interconnected. Now, it is through these channels that our vital energy circulates.
When a blockage occurs somewhere in a certain place, the energy stops being able to circulate freely and stagnates. And since the meridians are interconnected, what can begin as something small and isolated can end up affecting and congesting the entire network .
The Shiatsu focuses on these blockages and works them so that the vital energy recovers its natural flow .
These points on which the Shiatsu Massage works are known as Tsubos, and distributed in the body there are about three hundred and sixty-five .
The practice of Shiatsu Massage
This type of massage is characterized by being practiced in underwear and because it does not require the use of oils. The masseuse should feel the hara, which is the vital center of energy located above the navel, with the palm of the hand . Then, while feeling the different centers with your hands, you should talk to the patient and observe the reactions to identify the energy blockages in the different parts of the body.
Once the blockages have been identified, the unlocking is carried out through the precise application of force. In Shiatsu Massage, the masseuse uses the weight of his body, and puts pressure on the key points with his fingers. Thus he goes through the different parts of the body and releasing stagnant energy through fluid movements.
In addition, you should know how to identify the patient's sensations to determine the degree of pressure that will be applied in each case.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
The Japanese Shiatsu Massage has reported several benefits in the people who practice it.
Among the most recognized is first the decrease in pain, arthritis, sciatic nerve problems and pain in necks and backs, both acute and chronic. It also increases the range of motion in those joints that have hardened due to the tension that builds up in our body due to stress. This also increases the level of energy with which we cope with our day, fighting fatigue and general weakness.
Of course, blood circulation is one of the main beneficiaries of the practice of Shiatsu Massage, as it releases blockages at pressure points. In addition, it has been used to relieve sinusitis, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Stress and general tension are clearly affected in turn by this activity, and that also favors our posture.
The Shiatsu Massage has also been reported to be beneficial in the fight against insomnia, in addition to that it has even been used to work digestive disorders, morning sickness and menstrual cramps.
Practicing Shiatsu Massage
You can also join this wave of people who are responsible for their own well-being, looking for a quiet space in your home and having only a few minutes. For that, we will share some of the important points of the Shiatsu.
First, the Shen-Men ( Gate of Heaven ). To locate it (in the Shiatsu) you should place your palms up, and put pressure on the wrist, on the tendon that goes to your little finger. Shen-Men is a fantastic point to calm the mind and relax those thoughts that are tormenting you.
Second, the Zu San Li ( Three walking distances ). To meet this point you should look under your knee, approximately four fingers below the kneecap. It is the one found at the junction of the tibia. This is a great center since we can help circulate energy back to our entire body.
Third, the Lao Gong ( Palace of Labor ). This is located in the center of the palm of the hand. We can place it because it is the one that flexes the whole hand when closing it. Lao Gong is a great point to loosen the tensions of our body.
Fourth, the Tann Tchong ( Chest Center ). We can place this center of the Shiatsu on the basis of our sternum. By exerting pressure at this point we can free ourselves from the strong sensations that are waking us up throughout the day.
Fifth, the Yong Quan ( Source that is Born ). This center of the Shiatsu is located on the sole of the foot, approximately two fingers from the birth of the toes. It is a great anti-stress point, and one of those that we will most appreciate to massage.
It is always recommended that you go to a professional before applying any type of therapy to yourself, and that I can guide you first to ensure that you do not cause any damage due to lack of technique.
Then, you can enjoy its benefits every day.
AUTHOR: Lucas, editor of the great family of HermandadBlanca.org
SOURCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiatsu
- http://www.swedishinstitute.edu/shiatsu-massage-well-being/
- https://www.enfemenino.com/ejercicios/el-masaje-shiatsu-s483556.html
- http://www.swedishinstitute.edu/shiatsu-massage-well-being/
- https://www.cuerpomente.com/salud-natural/ejercicios/puntos-shiatsu-relajacion_1628/5
- http://www.masajeshiatsu.mx/puntos-del-shiatsu-masaje-japones/
